Evergreen Plant Demolition, WA - Vancouver, WA

Envirocon completed a total facility demolition and asset recovery services at an aluminum smelter located in Vancouver, Washington. The facility was used for aluminum reduction from 1940 through the late 1990s. The scope of the project included demolition of 650 aluminum reduction cells, 70 structures, and removal and processing of 200,000 tons of concrete, brick and asphalt, over 20,000 tons of steel, and 1,600,000 pounds of aluminum. The 18-month project was executed in two phases, with final completion in February 2008.

The first phase of facility demolition included the dismantling of 650 aluminum reduction cells. Each reduction cell or “pot” contained as much as 20 tons of recoverable ferrous and non-ferrous metals along with 15 tons of spent potliner, a RCRA waste (K088) with high concentrations of cyanide. Successful execution of the pot demolition required streamlined efficiency in dismantling and processing the cells as well as the materials contained within them. Each reduction cell was dismantled separating salvageable assets from waste materials. Salvageable assets consisted primarily of residual aluminum metal (metal left in pot when system was shut down, also known as “pads”) and steel. The metals were sized and stockpiled on site for resale by the client. Some components of the reduction cell still required treatment for cyanide signature prior to being shipped off site as scrap. Envirocon performed this treatment as well as the loading of sized steel into shipping containers for overseas transportation to the consumer. Waste materials consisted primarily of spent potliner (K088), residual alumina, dust, and debris. Envirocon handled approximately 9,600 tons of spent potliner and 3,300 tons of dust and debris. The first phase was successfully completed approximately 20% ahead of schedule.

The second phase of the project included the demolition of all structures on site (more than one million square feet under roof) and the removal of all foundation and footings to a depth of 4-feet below ground surface. The schedule for the facility demolition was driven by an impending property sale. In order to meet the aggressive schedule, Envirocon mobilized two dozen specialized pieces of demolition equipment and a staff experienced in the demolition of aluminum smelters. The facility demolition was completed utilizing a number of controlled drops, crane picks, and one explosive demolition event. Envirocon performed extensive pre-cleaning of structures to segregate waste from assets, maximize asset recovery, and aid in meeting dust and air quality standards. Specific challenges encountered during this phase of the project included: working around the facility power grid without disrupting power to the smelter’s ship offloading facilities during demolition activities; coordinating demolition activities with other contractors on site performing equipment salvage and asbestos abatement work; and worker health and safety. During the execution of this phase of the project Envirocon processed over 20,000 tons of steel and more than 200,000 tons of brick, asphalt and concrete. There were no recordable injuries during this successful facility dismantle and demolition project.

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