The absorbers at Lambton Generating Station. October, 2022. Photo courtesy of OPG.The absorbers at Lambton Generating Station. October, 2022. Photo courtesy of OPG.
Sarnia

Final structures to be demolished at LGS

The final two structures at the former Lambton Generating Station site in Courtright are set to come down this fall.

Ontario Power Generation [OPG] spokesman Neal Kelly said the demolition has been progressing well.

"It's on schedule for completion by early 2023 and cleanup of the site continues," said Kelly. "The debris from the power house is being removed, mostly by rail car, so we're pleased with the progress so far."

The stacks and boilers were imploded in February and the landscape will start to change again, likely this week.

"Any day now, Unit #3 absorber is scheduled for mechanical demolition. So, that's different from when we brought the power house down, that was imploded. That's supposed to come down any day now, sometime here in early October, and then Unit #4 absorber will be mechanically demolished sometime in November."

The structures are being dismantled, piece-by-piece, for safety reasons.

"The reason that we're bringing them down mechanically, is because of their close proximity to the Hydro One switchyard. Obviously, that's an active switchyard for the community and we can't do any damage to the switchyard so it has to come down mechanically."

Kelly said the municipality, neighbours, and the Ministry of Environment have been notified.

"There will be very little impact off the site. So, unless you were right in front of the plant out on the [St. Clair] Parkway and you were actually watching it, you probably wouldn't even know that it was coming down."

Environmental protection measures will remain in place, with wind speed and direction monitored during the work.

Meantime, Kelly said the four kilometre ammonia pipeline has been preserved for potential future use.

"It's OPG's plans to retain ownership of the land post demolition and cleanup, and we will continue to evaluate the site for future development opportunities."

Lambton Generating Station was shut down after 44 years of operation in 2013 when the province decided to phase out coal power generation.

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