Community Update: Power station decommissioning – July 5, 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, 28 June), Alcoa is continuing to work with the principal contractor to assess the remaining structure and plan for its demolition.

Analysis on why the structure only partially collapsed is progressing and is expected to be completed soon. The outcome of this analysis will inform the method for the demolition of the remaining structure.

Given this ongoing work, it is currently expected that further demolition activity will occur towards the end of July.

Work is also ongoing to ensure the continued safety of onsite personnel and the community.

Monitoring instrumentation continues to confirm the structure is stable; there has been no movement in the structure. In addition, two engineering assessments of the structure have been completed and a third assessment has commenced as an independent review and to provide ongoing confidence.

Air monitoring remains in place and has not detected any airborne asbestos fibres. As stated previously, the demolition occurred following a twelve-month asbestos removal program.

A safety exclusion zone also remains in place and is monitored by security officers 24 hours per day.

Worksafe and EPA Victoria continue to be closely informed about activities at the site and both agencies have issued public statements about the demolition activity.

Alcoa is committed to keeping the community informed about the future demolition methodology and timeline through weekly Community Updates, Alcoa Community Consultation Network (CCN) meetings and other relevant communication channels.

To read more about the latest Alcoa CCN meeting held on 18 June, together with previous meetings and community updates, visit www.alcoa.com.au/anglesea.

To receive email updates from Alcoa about the demolition activity please email [email protected].