SPRINGDALE, Pa. — Crews attempted to demolish the last building standing at the old Cheswick power plant in Springdale on Sunday morning.
The entire boiler house was set to be brought down with cables. However, when the demolition happened around 9:30 a.m., only part of the building collapsed, sending a cloud of dust into the air. The building didn’t fall entirely because of an issue with the cables.
SEE PHOTOS FROM THE DEMOLITION
After assessing the building, engineers determined that around 70% had collapsed. In a press briefing on Sunday afternoon, officials said they planned to bring down the remaining structure on March 8 between 10 a.m. and noon, weather permitting.
Officials said the Cheswick Power Station property owner and its contractor have ensured the remaining structure is currently stable.
This demolition comes nearly two years after two smokestacks were imploded at the former power plant, which neighbors said damaged their properties and left them covered in dust.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Smokestacks at former Cheswick Power Plant site demolished in planned implosion
Dan Copeland, who sits on the Springdale Borough Council as the public safety chairman, told Channel 11 that before the demolition on Sunday, an asbestos abatement was completed, and crews had been removing large sections of the building and washing it down to prevent plumes of dust.
Some dust was still expected, which is why officials urged people to shelter in place. When the building partially fell, a large cloud of black dust was thrown into the air.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Community prepares for demolition of Cheswick power plant boiler house
Copeland told us he expected no issues during the demolition.
“It seems like they got a solid plan in place and everything should go accordingly,” he said. This time is definitely going to be a more controlled environment. [The demolition is] going to go off smooth without any issues.”
Springdale residents were asked to shelter in place for most of Sunday while engineers decided how to proceed. The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, except for three homes on Porter Street closest to the boiler house. We’re told they’re being temporarily housed in a hotel.
Extensive road closures in and around the demolition lasted until just after 1 p.m. Some roads in the immediate area of the demolition site remain closed as a precaution.
No one was hurt during the demolition.
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