Anglesea Community Update: Power Station decommissioning – September 27, 2018

As part of Alcoa of Australia’s decommissioning of the Anglesea power station and mine, the main power station building was scheduled to be felled using controlled explosives on 30 May. The demolition activity, which was safely executed, did not result in the complete collapse of the structure.

Further to last week’s Community Update (Surf Coast Times, 20 September), Alcoa, together with the principal contractor Industrial Demolition Services, is finalising the planning for the demolition of the remaining power station structure.

A suitably qualified subcontractor has been appointed to complete the demolition, which will include the use of controlled explosives placed via a combination of remote controlled technologies and manual application techniques. The proposed demolition methodology is being reviewed with Worksafe Victoria.

Alcoa and Industrial Demolition Services are working with government agencies including Worksafe Victoria, EPA Victoria and emergency services (Victoria Police, SES and CFA) to ensure all safety and environmental standards related to the demolition are met.

Date of demolition

It is expected the demolition of the remaining power station structure will occur in the first week of October, however as at 25 September (when this update was finalised), a date had not been scheduled. Site mobilisation and initial preparation works are underway.

Alcoa will update the community when a scheduled day and time window is confirmed. It should be noted the schedule is subject to change as the activity will only proceed following final technical and safety checks, and if the wind direction is away from the township.

Public safety

The safety of all site personnel and the community is Alcoa’s priority. An exclusion zone will be in place around the power station site before and during the demolition. Security officers will be stationed along the perimeter of the exclusion zone and all tracks in and around the site will be closed. Security officers will also undertake vehicle patrols of the area.

The activity may be audible in Anglesea for approximately 10 seconds and is expected to sound similar to the first demolition, like claps of thunder. It is expected to generate localised dust that will be visible for a short period, that will move away from town. As stated above, the demolition will only occur if the wind direction is away from the town.

Asbestos and dust monitoring will be in place during and after the demolition activity. A comprehensive twelve-month asbestos removal program, a process regulated by Worksafe Victoria, preceded the demolition. Asbestos monitoring during and since the first demolition activity has shown no cause for concern – no airborne asbestos fibres have been detected above the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 asbestos exposure standard.

Keeping the community informed

Alcoa will continue to provide regular updates via email, on www.alcoa.com.au/anglesea and in the Surf Coast Times.

Last week Alcoa wrote to Anglesea residents and businesses to advise of the demolition schedule. On the morning of the scheduled demolition, Alcoa will provide a further update via email and on www.alcoa.com.au/anglesea regarding the expected timing. To receive email updates, please email [email protected]..

Thank You

Alcoa thanks the Anglesea community for its continued patience as the safe demolition of the remaining power station structure is planned.