Facility Retrofit

We have achieved significant milestones, including the successful implosion of a 2,750 foot tall smokestacks, 1,500 foot tall environmental stack, 2 hyperbolic cooling towers, 3 turbine pedestals, and the monumental 1800MW 3-unit boiler structure. Additionally, we safely removed the coal unloader positioned above the river and tripped the 3 precipitators on the west side of the plant.

Throughout the engineering process, our team encountered and effectively resolved various challenges, such as damaged beams and wind bracing resulting from the previous demolition of the precipitators, or their removal by others prior to the start of our demolition work.

Situated on approximately 176 acres along the Monongahela River in southwest Pennsylvania, the Power Station comprises approximately 15 structures, including miscellaneous outbuildings scattered throughout the site. Our demolition journey began in early 2022 with the removal of asbestos and universal waste within the power block, encompassing the boiler and turbine structure, as well as the removal of Transite fill from the #1 cooling tower. We also initiated the demolition by removing the ID fans, absorbers, and wastewater treatment area.

In March 2023, after meticulous planning, precision, and stringent safety measures, we successfully imploded the two colossal 750' smokestacks and the towering 550' environmental stack.

Building on our momentum, we planned and orchestrated the implosion of the two hyperbolic cooling towers in June 2023. These cooling towers, reaching heights of 500 and 550 feet, were removed via a controlled demolition with outstanding success.

Subsequently, our team embarked on a meticulous preparation process for the implosion of the three-unit boiler structure. This preparation stage involved accessing the ground floor of the structure by removing select beams and wind braces. Once access was granted to the lower level, we proceeded with a comprehensive strip-out of the lower 40' of the structure, including the removal of all equipment and process piping. Following this, we focused on preparing the columns, which included scarifying the flanges on 24 columns (8 per unit) to a thickness of 3 7/8". We also placed shape charges in 92 columns (4 per column), and effectively separated units 1 and 2. The subsequent steps involved loading charges onto columns, installing protective boxes, removing remaining beams and wind braces, and making flat and hinge cuts to select columns. This process, meticulously executed over the course of 6 days as per the engineered plan, ended with the final stage of making the final flat cuts on F line and completing the tie-in of the explosives. The boiler structure, symbolizing the heart of the power plant, met its planned implosion on November 17th at 11 a.m.

The success of our demolition project required close coordination with various local, state, and federal entities. We worked hand-in-hand with the state for road closures, local and state police departments, Norfolk Southern railroad, the County Emergency Manager, Fish and Boat Commission, FAA, and the US Coast Guard to ensure the smooth execution of the implosion process.

Environmental Commitment

Currently, as part of our commitment to environmental responsibility, NADC is focused on the cleanup of cooling tower debris. We are diligently sorting, processing, downsizing, and shipping materials off-site for proper recycling. Moreover, we have begun planning for the final site restoration, slated to commence later this spring. To date, we have successfully shipped approximately 60,000 tons of materials for off-site recycling, further exemplifying our commitment to sustainable practices.

North American Dismantling Corp. remains fully dedicated to this project, leveraging our expertise, specialized equipment, and commitment to safety to ensure a successful and environmentally responsible demolition process. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to clear the path for new developments through the deconstruction of this massive power plant.