The decommissioning of the Hoot Lake Power Plant started in 2021 marking an end of over 100 years of producing electricity at the coal-fired plant. The work began with environmental remediation of asbestos containing materials and removal of regulated and universal waste. Work included the demolition of three boilers and precipitators, three turbine generators, a 225′ tall concrete chimney, coal conveyors and all associated underground utilities and operating equipment at the power plant. Two hung boilers and the 225′ tall concrete chimney were felled with the use of explosives after extensive planning and coordination with Otter Tail Power due the active sub-station within 80′ of the structures. Site restoration included backfilling of the power plant basements and placing top soil and seed over the disturbed areas.
OWNER
Otter Tail Power Company
Fergus Falls, MN
ENGINEER
Burns & McDonnell
Bloomington, MN
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Felling of two boilers & 225′ tall stack with the use of explosives
Over 34,000 man hours
Over 9,000 tons of ferrous & non-ferrous metals recycled
140 megawatt (MW) Turbine Generators
Two artesian wells were abandoned
