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Another step closer for towers demolition
The four Calder Hall Cooling Towers have now moved another step closer to demolition following permission from the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate to carry out the next phase of the project, a series of controlled test blasts.
The blasts, which are standard industry practice, involve removing a very small part of each of the tower structures. This will enable the demolition contractors, Controlled Demolition Inc., to confirm that the quantity of explosive to be used is correct for the composition of the towers.
These will be carried out in two phases on Saturday 11 August. Each pair of towers will be tested separately, with the first pair being tested mid morning, and the second mid afternoon. The demolition team will then analyse the data gathered and use it to prepare for the final demolition of the towers, which will take place at a later date.
During the test blasts the project team will carry out a dry run of all the safety, engineering and communications systems that will be used on demolition day, including the implementation of an exclusion zone around all four towers.
The test blast will not be visible off site, however it is likely that the detonation of the charges will be audible for some distance. As a comparison, the sound will be like a large firework going off. Members of the public are advised that no action needs to be taken upon hearing this sound.
Project Superintendent Jack Williamson said: "Carrying out the test blasts is a significant milestone for the project. Safety has been and remains the number one priority and the data gathered from the test blasts will enable us to ensure the towers are demolished in the safest possible manner."
