Power Plant Building Implosion Scheduled
7/26 UPDATE: Read the updated FAQ's to help answer your questions.
7/24 UPDATE: Due to the proximity of the precipitator building #8 to the smoke stack, ALERG has determined they will implode just the boiler building at this time. The smoke stack and precipitator building will be done together at a later date.
7/19 ANNOUNCEMENT: The Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) has announced that the boiler #9 & #10 and precipitator #8 buildings of the Avon Lake power plant will be imploded using controlled explosives. They have not committed to an exact date because of different factors affecting the implosion, However, they have indicated that it will occur before mid-August.
About ALERG: ALERG is the owner of the site and responsible for the contractors performing the shutdown, decommissioning, and demolishing the power plant, as well as managing environmental cleanup and redevelopment at the site.
Coordination and Safety: ALERG is collaborating with the Avon Lake Police and Fire Departments, Avon Lake Regional Water, Columbia Gas, First Energy, and the Coast Guard to ensure everything runs smoothly. ALERG’s demolition experts have set a 1,200-foot exclusion zone, with an expanded area cordoned off for additional safety. ALERG or representative will contact nearby building owners, businesses, and homeowners within one week of the demolition.
The City of Avon Lake is implementing several safeguards, including:
• Notifying the public within one week of the implosion.
• Providing information on what to expect through various communication channels.
• Sending alerts via the Alert Avon Lake notification system 30 minutes before the blast.
• Monitoring air quality before, during, and after the event.
• Assisting with the closure of Lake Road and the surrounding area during the implosion.
What to Expect and What You Can Do:
One week notification of implosion
• Action: Watch for updates by visiting our website, following us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X), watching ALC-TV, subscribing to email alerts, or listening to the Avon Lake Matters podcast.
An alert 30 minutes before the implosion
• Action: Sign up for Alert Avon Lake (AvonLake.org/alert) and stay inside during the implosion until you feel comfortable. There will be dust in the area that will settle over time.
A quick, loud explosion sound
• Action: If you or your pets are sensitive to loud noises, prepare as you would for fireworks or thunderstorms when you receive the emergency alert.
• Action: If you own a nearby building, consider taking date marked photos and videos now to document its current condition.
Particle dust from the implosion
• Action: Stay indoors and keep your windows closed.
The boat launch and Miller Road Park will be closed temporarily on the day of the implosion
• Action: Plan to visit later that day or the next day.
Road closures in the area
• Action: On the day of the implosion, Lake Road will be closed between Moore and Miller for one hour depending upon conditions.
We understand that not knowing the exact time in advance may be inconvenient, and we appreciate your understanding during this process.
FAQ’s
Q: Will contaminate end up in the water with the water treatment plant nearby?
A: Avon Lake Regional Water (ALRW) cannot specifically say whether contaminates will end up in Lake Erie due to demolition work at the former Power Plant site. What ALRW can positively state is that ALRW’s Water Filtration Plant (WFP) is designed to easily accommodate variations in source water quality without it impacting the treated drinking water that is distributed to customers. Any increase in particulate matter in the raw water coming from Lake Erie will be detected through continuous monitoring already being performed by water filtration plant staff and removed the same way typical particulate matter is removed through the flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration processes that all the water goes through prior to distribution to the public. Powdered activated carbon is used in the treatment process normally to remove any dissolved contaminants in Lake Erie. If changes in the raw water are detected, staff will increase the dosage of this treatment product to offer an additional safeguard for any temporary increase in dissolved contaminants. Normal currents within Lake Erie will quickly dissipate any dust that has settled on the surface of the lake. Our intakes are submerged more than twenty feet below the surface of Lake Erie. These facts combined with the sheer volume of water in the Lake will ensure that there is not a concern for concentrated levels of any potential contaminants to enter the water filtration plant in a slug load that would overwhelm treatment capabilities.
Q: Has a risk assessment been done as to the contaminated dust from the implosion?
The building that will be imploded is the boiler building. All asbestos (and other hazardous materials) were removed as part of the 2,700 tons of asbestos that was removed in 2022-2023 from the entire site. The asbestos removal was monitored by the EPA. For the implosion, the Ohio EPA has been consulted and will be on site during the implosion. Additionally, ALERG submitted to the EPA – Division of Air Pollution Control, the form “Notification of Demolition and Renovation/Abatement”.
Q: It is true that we should expect a dust cloud of hazardous contaminants?
A: As with all implosions, there will be dust. All asbestos and other hazardous materials were removed from these buildings and the Ohio EPA has been consulted. Both ALERG and the city will be employing air quality monitors to test the air before, during and after the implosion.
Q: How much dust?
A: The exclusion zone (for safety) is 1200-feet from the implosion site, but dust could travel outside this area. There is no way to determine how much dust or what distances it will travel. Much will depend upon the prevailing winds and atmospheric conditions at the time. ALERG will be employing air quality monitors, vibration monitors and other dust mitigation techniques. Dust mitigation techniques include spraying down the area with water, locating water spray devices around site and applying a polymer to the ground to limit dust. It has been reported to me that most visible dust will settle within approximately 15 minutes or less.
Q: Should we close windows and turn off the AC?
A: It is a good preventive measure to close windows and turn off air conditioning units if you have concerns. Generally, the visible dust should dissipate within 15 minutes from around the site. However, there are too many variables to give exact answers to how far dust from the implosion could spread.
Q: Why is this being taken down by implosion versus other methods?
A: The primary reason is because implosion is believed to be the safest method to bring down large structures like the ones at Avon Lake. We have been told this portion of the plant was built with very thick steel to support the weight of the boilers. Attempting to take down with conventional means would be very dangerous. In addition to the thickness of the steel the height of a structure presents challenges to conventional demolition as equipment has limitations with access. Another consideration is that the long duration that it would take to bring down a structure of this size conventionally would pose extended safety and dust interactions.
Q: Is there concern for structural damage to homes?
A: There are no homes within the 1200’ exclusion zone. The experts from the company handling the implosions do not expect any damage to homes or businesses in the area. It is suggested that anyone with concerns about potential damage to their homes or businesses should make a date/time stamped video of their property.
Q: Why is this not being done in the winter when everyone is inside?
A: ALERG is planning the implosion in a way that will minimize the exposure to people. Additionally, they are employing dust mitigation techniques, including spraying down the area with water, locating water spray devices around site and applying a polymer to the ground to limit dust.
Q: What other measures are being taken to monitor the implosion?
A: ALERG is installing seismic monitors around the perimeter of the site.
Q: How do I know if I am already signed up on Alert Avon Lake?
A: If you want to verify that you have signed up or want to check/change your contact information, contact City Hall Reception - 440-933-6141 or Communications & Technology Department, email: alctv@avonlake.org, call: 440-933-7677 for help.
Q: How do I know if I am within the implosion exclusion area?
A: There are no residential homes within the exclusion zone, however nearby homes and businesses will be contacted by ALERG or representatives.
Q: Will there be more than one detonation?
A: Although they are imploding two buildings there will be only one detonation. There will be future implosions for the remaining buildings and smoke stacks.
Q: I often shop/eat/visit the establishments in Beachpark Station or go to the Post Office. How will I know when it is or is not safe?
A: Depending upon the time of day of the implosion, the establishments may be temporarily closed, and there will be barricades in place as needed.
Updated Building to be Imploded
