Michigan power plant scheduled for implosion

A former DTE Energy power plant in Marysville, Michigan, will be imploded on Nov. 7. According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, crews began to dismantle the plant in spring 2014 to make way for new development at the site. The property was purchased by Commercial Development Co. in May 2014.

According to the article, the plant operated from the 12-story plant operated from 1932 through 2001. It was decommissioned in 2011.

Before the building could be imploded hazardous materials were removed and a post-blast dust dispersal model needed to be provided in order to meet requirements. Safety assurances from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Coast Guard were also required before the implosion would be allowed.

Site plans include a hotel, condominium housing, shops, outdoor seating, a park and riverfront promenade. The implosion is expected to take about 8.5 seconds. Water will be sprayed on the building and grounds to mitigate dust.

The implosion is scheduled for 8 a.m. Nov. 7, 2015. The area surrounding the plant will be shut down in from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Controlled Demolition Inc., Pheonix, Maryland, will be performing the implosion, while Sitetech Inc. of Ohio is the demolition contractor cleaning up the site and that performed asbestos abatement. The cleanup is expected to take six months.