Envirocon is currently performing complete facility demolition, and asset recovery services at an aluminum smelter in Vancouver, Washington. The facility was used for aluminum reduction from 1940 through the late 1990's. The scope of the project includes demolition of 650 aluminum reductions cells, 70 structures, and removal and processing of 150,000 tons of concrete, 20,000 tons of steel, and 1,600,000 pounds of aluminum. This 15-month project is being executed in two phases, with final completion slated for December 2007.

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. 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 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 currently underway includes the demolition of all structures on site and the removal of all foundation and footings to a depth of four feet below ground surface. The schedule for the facility demolition has been driven by an impending property sale that requires Envirocon to complete this phase of the project within eight months. In order to meet this aggressive schedule, Envirocon has mobilized two dozen specialized pieces of demolition equipment and a staff experienced in the demolition of aluminum smelters. The facility demolition is being 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. Throughout the demolition process, Envirocon has had to work around the facility power grid without disrupting power to the smelter's ship offloading facilities.