Sinclair smokestack to be razed in phases

Demolition on the Sinclair smokestack could begin next week.

Greg Eyerly, the city's flood recovery director, said initial demolition will require special equipment to bring the smokestack down to 75 feet.

A crane will be used in the first phase, which will cost about $97,000, he said.

D.W. Zinser, the Walford-based contractor, will  use hand demolition at the top of the smokestack to reduce dust emissions as required by air quality regulations, Eyerly said.

The contract will be discussed at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

In June, the Council voted to tear down the smokestack at the former meatpacking plant, 1600 Third St. SE, based on estimates that a delay in demolishing the plant to preserve the structure would cost $2.74 million.

At that time, the demolition was expected to begin quickly.

Once the 180-foot-tall smokestack has been brought down to 75 feet, Eyerly said more conventional demolition methods will be used for the remainder.

Workers will try to save the 41-foot-tall smokestack plinth, or base, which is said to be structurally sound.

Eyerly said whether or not the base will be saved depends on how much damage it sustains during the first phase of demolition.