Three historic East Helena smokestacks are scheduled to come tumbling down Friday morning, and the team of people behind the demolition is taking many steps to ensure the safety of residents during the event.

According to Asarco Environmental Manager Jon Nickel, safety remains the #1 priority in the demolition of the facility’s three smokestacks.

Nickel explains, “We’re working very closely with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Department, the city of East Helena Police Department, and the Montana Highway Patrol, to make sure the security we’ve established and our plan is enacted.”

Iver Johnson, Environmental Science Specialist for the Department of Environmental Quality, says, “Asarco has done a great job in preparing for this, they’ve hired outstanding contractors.”

More than a century of smelting activities created significant buildup of hazardous materials at the site, but Nickel says all of the proper precautions have been taken.

He says, “Two years ago, we went in and hydro-washed the insides of all the stacks to ensure that any processed material had been removed.”

For those concerned with resulting dust after the stacks come down, Nickel explains that a state-of-the-art wet-down system is in place.

He explains, “We’re going to envelop the drop-zone in a hydraulic envelope, where water will spray from these pumps through a series of distribution lines.”

Crews plan to detonate explosives at the base of the three stacks so they fall simultaneously. The event is generating lots of interest and many residents plan on attending.

Those who want to view the demolition live and in person can head to a designated public viewing area located just south of the three smokestacks.

Ensuring the safety of residents during a demolition of this size requires the cooperation of many individuals over a period of many months.

Johnson adds, “This has been a huge team effort. This is a joint EPA, Montana state-led clean-up.”

Nickel adds, “We very much appreciate all the hard effort that the demolition team has put in.”

If you are interested in attending the demolition, you must arrive no later than 6:30 a.m. at the site, located just off Highway 12 in East Helena. A number of surrounding roads will be closed from 6:30-8:00 a.m., and the demolition is scheduled for 7:30 a.m.. A designated public viewing area is set up to the south of the three smokestacks.

Road Closures Include:
Smelter Road
Parts of Route 282