TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WBEN) - "You can expect about fifteen seconds of excitement," said Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger. "That's about all it will take to bring them down."
Emminger referring to the planned implosion at 6am Saturday of the three large smokestacks on the environmental brownfield off River Road.
"It's the end of a sad chapter in our town's history and I'm glad it's over. It's going to bring a brighter future for our area. Our community is a much healthier community ever since they ceased operations in October 2018," added Emminger.
There is a spectator area for viewing, but it is invitation only. "I encourage people to stay at home and watch a LIVE broadcast," said Emminger. WBEN.com will provide LIVE coverage of the event. River Road will be closed for a short period of time.
"There is going to be dust, but it will be monitored. There will be water cannons spraying water before, during and after the implosion." Emminger said since dynamite is being used, there will be a bang. But he said it won't be anything like the implosion of the former Millard Fillmore Hospital at Gates Circle in Buffalo a few years ago.
There are no plans right now to restrict or close traffic on the I-190, which is nearby. "The 190 would give a great view of the implosion. You won't be able to stop along the highway and watch, but if you happen to be driving by at that time, maybe you'll get to see it."
Air monitoring stations are in place around the perimeter of the site. The State Department of Environmental Conservation is working closely with the site owner. The property is now called Riverview Innovation and Technology Campus. "I'm confident that the impact from the brownfield, if there is any, will be very, very very negligible," said Emminger.
"It's going to be impressive, but this is going to be over with so fast."
Cleanup crews have been remediating the site since October of 2019. More than 4,000 tons of waste, asbestos, and other chemicals have been removed from the property. Emminger has been told that in late 2022 or early 2023 the site may be ready for future use.
