Community Update: Power station decommissioning – August 23, 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.

In line with last week’s Community Update (Surf Coast Times, 16 August), and as presented at the Alcoa Community Consultation Network (CCN) meeting on 13 August, Alcoa is continuing to work with the principal contractor to plan for the demolition of the remaining power station structure.

The detailed analysis to determine why the structure only partially collapsed has been completed and is informing the method for the future demolition.

The principal contractor is finalising contracts with a suitably qualified subcontractor to undertake the demolition. The subcontractor has, through experience gained from a similar situation, developed advanced methodologies that will be used on this project.

A range of different demolition options are currently being considered and each option is being analysed and risk assessed. Alcoa expects that the preferred option will include the use of explosives placed via a combination of remote controlled technologies and standard manual application techniques.

It is anticipated that the demolition activity will occur in September or October. The ultimate timing will be subject to final safety checks and wind direction.

Alcoa is committed to keeping the community informed. Drop-in information sessions will be scheduled to enable interested community members to speak directly with Alcoa representatives and the principal contractor regarding the upcoming demolition activity. Information will also continue to be provided via updates in the Surf Coast Times and written correspondence to residents and businesses.

While the planning for the demolition is ongoing, Alcoa remains committed to ensuring the continued safety of onsite personnel and the community.

Monitoring of the power station structure continues to confirm it is stable.

Air monitoring remains in place. No airborne asbestos fibres have been detected above the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 asbestos exposure standard. As stated previously, the demolition occurred following a twelve-month asbestos removal program, a process regulated by Worksafe Victoria.

The safety exclusion zone also remains in place and is monitored by security officers and video surveillance 24 hours per day. Worksafe Victoria and EPA Victoria continue to be closely informed about activities at the site.