FirstEnergy Demolishes Three Emissions Stacks at Hatfield's Ferry Power Station

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has successfully demolished three emissions stacks at the Hatfield's Ferry Power Station in Masontown, Pennsylvania, marking a significant milestone in the site's redevelopment. The controlled implosion occurred on March 4, involving two 700-foot stacks and one 540-foot operational stack. This demolition is a critical step towards making the 236-acre site attractive for energy-intensive industries. FirstEnergy aims to maintain the site as open land until a new use is determined. The overall demolition project is expected to complete by early 2024, enhancing public safety by eliminating risks associated with the abandoned plant.

Positive

• Successful demolition of three emissions stacks enhances site for future industrial development.
• Demolition helps eliminate public safety risks associated with trespassing and theft.

Negative

• No significant financial metrics or immediate revenue impacts reported.

AKRON, Ohio, March 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has demolished three emissions stacks at the former Hatfield's Ferry Power Station near Masontown, Pennsylvania, a key milestone in preparing the 236-acre site of the retired coal-fired plant for future development.  

On March 4, a specialized demolition contractor used strategically placed charges around the bases of the three stacks, safely bringing them down in a controlled implosion. The twin stacks immediately adjacent to the boiler house stood about 700 feet tall. The other 540-foot stack, connected to the plant's environmental scrubbers, was the only one in operation at the time of Hatfield's closure in 2013.

"The safe removal of the stacks is an important step in positioning this Greene County site for future economic productivity," said Samuel L. Belcher, senior vice president of Operations for FirstEnergy. "Once demolition activities are complete, the site will feature attractive attributes for energy-intensive and water-intensive industries. Level tracts of vacant land along navigable rivers are a rarity in southwestern Pennsylvania."

FirstEnergy subsidiaries will continue to own and maintain the site as an open grassy area until a use is identified. This includes an operational high-voltage electric substation at the site, which would give a future business access to power from the regional transmission network. The property will also retain a water-intake structure on the Monongahela River.

North American Dismantling Corporation (NADC), the primary demolition contractor, began work at the sprawling plant last year and has made significant headway, removing smaller structures and ductwork. Steel and other metals are hauled from the site for recycling. Power-generation turbines and other equipment are being removed from the boiler house and other buildings for reclamation.

Demolition of the plant will also help eliminate a public safety risk. Break-ins and thefts have occurred at the plant, and trespassing could result in serious injury or death.

The plant's two massive cement hyperbolic cooling towers are scheduled for demolition later this summer, followed by the boiler house in the fall. Demolition activities should be completed in early 2024.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

Editor's Note: Photo and video footage from the demolition of three structures at Hatfield's Ferry Power Station may be viewed/downloaded on Dropbox.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/firstenergy-demolishes-three-emissions-stacks-at-hatfields-ferry-power-station-301763464.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What recent event involved FirstEnergy Corp (FE) on March 4, 2023?

On March 4, 2023, FirstEnergy Corp. demolished three emissions stacks at the Hatfield's Ferry Power Station.

Why is the demolition of the Hatfield's Ferry Power Station significant for FirstEnergy (FE)?

The demolition is significant as it prepares the site for potential future development, making it attractive for energy-intensive industries.

What are the next steps for the Hatfield's Ferry site after the stack demolition?

After the stack demolition, further demolition activities will include the cooling towers and boiler house, expected to be completed by early 2024.

What safety concerns were addressed by the demolition at Hatfield's Ferry Power Station?

The demolition helps eliminate public safety risks associated with trespassing and potential injuries at the abandoned facility.