Final Implosion at Power Plant Scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024

12/18/2024 – Avon Lake Environmental Redevelopment Group (ALERG) has announced the final implosion of the Avon Lake Power Plant is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024. ALERG has remained in contact with the City of Avon Lake during the months of planning and work to coordinate this final implosion event.

ALERG has committed to continuing to monitor all conditions to determine the safest course of action. While there have been several changes to the weather forecast over the last week, when taking into account all factors, it is the determination of their demolition and explosive experts that Thursday morning is the best time to conduct the event. In addition, considering all circumstances, including structural changes and explosive placements, delaying the event at this point adds risks that can be avoided by conducting the event tomorrow in a safe and controlled manner.

“I understand there are questions and concerns from the community,” City of Avon Lake Mayor Mark Spaetzel said. “There must be a balance between their ready condition and the most favorable, even if not ideal, weather condition.”

ALERG, the site owner overseeing the demolition, had previously 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.

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.

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.