Final Implosion of Avon Lake Power Plant Scheduled for Mid-December 2024
12/07/2024 – Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG), announces the final implosion of the Avon Lake Power Plant. The implosion will take place during the week of December 16 – 20, 2024, with the exact date and time to be determined based on weather conditions.
ALERG, the site owner overseeing the demolition, has confirmed that five structures on the former power plant property will be taken down in a controlled, short-duration implosion. ALERG is working closely with the City of Avon Lake and other local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a safe and efficient demolition process, including Avon Lake Police & Fire Departments, Avon Lake Regional Water, Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Additionally, ALERG has taken comprehensive steps to protect air quality during the implosion. All hazardous materials, including asbestos, have been removed from the site, and dust suppression measures will be in place. In addition to seismic monitoring, air quality monitoring will be conducted before, during, and after the event.
Residents are urged to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, and operate HVAC systems normally with filters installed during the event to minimize any potential dust exposure. Lake Road between Miller Road and Moore Road will be closed for approximately one hour during the implosion. Further, a 1,700-foot exclusion zone will be established around the site for additional safety, restricting access to the immediate area during the event. Building owners, businesses, and residents within the exclusion zone will be notified directly.
Mayor Mark Spaetzel emphasized the city’s commitment to resident safety and communication. “My challenge as mayor is to balance the timely release of information with the safety of our residents. We will notify the community the day before and send an alert 30 minutes prior to the event through the Alert Avon Lake emergency notification system. We urge residents to stay safe by avoiding the area and following our safety instructions.”
Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts at www.AvonLake.org/Alert, or by calling City Hall at 440-933-6141. Paper forms are also available at Avon Lake City Hall and Avon Lake Public Library. ALERG has established a toll-free hotline for residents with questions or concerns about the demolition: 1-844-822-8385.
The City of Avon Lake and ALERG are committed to maintaining public health and safety during this process. An environmental study conducted by Verdantas, an independent consultant, found that air quality in the surrounding area during the previous implosion on July 31, 2024, remained well within safety standards. Monitoring conducted before, during, and after the event showed no significant levels of pollutants, including metals, asbestos fibers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), with all substances remaining below detection levels. The full air quality reports can be found on the City’s website at www.AvonLake.org.
ALERG is a subsidiary of Charah Solutions, a company focused on demolition and remediation in the energy industry, and is responsible for overseeing the decommissioning, demolition, and environmental remediation of the former Avon Lake Power Plant site. This project is part of a broader effort to redevelop the property in a manner that supports the health, safety, and long-term interests of the Avon Lake community.
For more information, please visit www.AvonLake.org, follow the City of Avon Lake’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/AvonLake) or call Avon Lake City Hall at 440-933-6141.
