Implosion brings down smokestacks at former Shenango Coke Works

NEVILLE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Demolition on the former Shenango Coke Works plant on Neville Island began Tuesday.

Two smokestacks and a bunker in the middle of the plant were demolished by dynamite.

"It went quite well. It looks like everything fell where it should be," said DTE Energy Communications Manager Brian Corbett.

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There was previously a concern about the possibility of asbestos, but the health department determined there was no concern.

Crews said the debris and buildings will take about two years to clean up. There are no plans for anymore implosions.

Much of the equipment that was at the site has either been sold or disposed of after the plant shut down in 2016.

"It was weeks of planning. A lot of discussion with the local municipalities and just a ton of that," said Rob Burnette, director of operations for DTE Energy.

The reason why the plant was shut down two years ago was the decline in the North American steel industry.

There are currently no set plans for the property, but previous industrial sites like this have turned into developments, such as Washington's Landing and Southside Works.

It could also be sold to another industrial company.

Cox Media Group