Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Old Alabama fossil plant's smokestacks toppled by dynamite
National
Old Alabama fossil plant's smokestacks toppled by dynamite
This photo provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority shows the implosion of the idled Colbert Fossil Plant at Tuscumbia, Ala., on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. The federal utility is phasing out coal-fired electric generators in favor of cleaner energy alternatives. The plant operated for more than six decades beginning in 1955. (TVA via AP) (Uncredited/TVA)
By Associated Press
Today at 3:59 p.m. EDT
TUSCUMBIA, Ala. — Six smokestacks at a decommissioned power plant in Alabama crashed to the ground Wednesday in a controlled implosion that began with the boom of dynamite and ended with a huge cloud of dust.
Once charges were set, workers toppled the structures in mere seconds at the Colbert Fossil Plant, which operated in northwest Alabama for more than six decades beginning in 1955. TVA said the project was part of its move away from coal toward cleaner fuel options.
Video of the implosion captured a man counting down and then yelling: “Fire in the hole. Light it up, Roger,” referring to Roger Homrich, owner of the demolition contracting firm Homrich, based in Michigan.
Flashes appeared at the base of the stacks and four of the towers collapsed almost immediately, followed by two larger ones.
{snip}
Old Alabama fossil plant's smokestacks toppled by dynamite
This photo provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority shows the implosion of the idled Colbert Fossil Plant at Tuscumbia, Ala., on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. The federal utility is phasing out coal-fired electric generators in favor of cleaner energy alternatives. The plant operated for more than six decades beginning in 1955. (TVA via AP) (Uncredited/TVA)
By Associated Press
Today at 3:59 p.m. EDT
TUSCUMBIA, Ala. — Six smokestacks at a decommissioned power plant in Alabama crashed to the ground Wednesday in a controlled implosion that began with the boom of dynamite and ended with a huge cloud of dust.
Once charges were set, workers toppled the structures in mere seconds at the Colbert Fossil Plant, which operated in northwest Alabama for more than six decades beginning in 1955. TVA said the project was part of its move away from coal toward cleaner fuel options.
Video of the implosion captured a man counting down and then yelling: “Fire in the hole. Light it up, Roger,” referring to Roger Homrich, owner of the demolition contracting firm Homrich, based in Michigan.
Link to tweet
Flashes appeared at the base of the stacks and four of the towers collapsed almost immediately, followed by two larger ones.
{snip}