Clyde chimney stacks to be demolished
Friday, 19 February 2016 05:06:24 AM
Police are advising members of the public that five chimney stacks will be demolished on Sunday 21 February 2016 at the former Shell Clyde refinery.
The explosive demolition of the five stacks is expected to take place on Sunday morning, and is part of an operation by Viva Energy to remove redundant infrastructure as part of their Clyde Terminal Conversion Project.
Significant planning and consultation has been undertaken by Viva Energy with the Department of Planning & Environment, Environment Protection Authority, Parramatta Council and Work Cover, as well as other agencies including NSW Police Force, NSW Health, Fire & Rescue NSW, Parramatta Heliport and Air Services Australia.
North West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford, said while extensive planning has been undertaken to ensure the demolition progresses safely, there will be no vantage points for members of the public.
“While it is important for the public to be aware of the demolition, we have to be clear that this activity is not open to the public,” Assistant Commissioner Clifford said.
“There has been a letterbox drop of neighbouring areas advising them of the controlled explosion and an outline of the exclusion zone which will be in place.
“The exclusion zone will be patrolled and in force from early Sunday morning until the conclusion of the demolition to ensure the safety of the public.
“We don’t want motorists slowing down or stopping to try and get a look at the demolition activity, so we will have marked police vehicles patrolling the M4 between Church Street and Silverwater Road, to ensure the free flow of traffic,” Assistant Commissioner Clifford said.
The stacks consist of three at 100 metres and two at 80 metres in height. Demolition of the chimney stacks will be achieved by concurrent controlled use of explosives, which is expected to occur over a 30-second period. The chimney stacks are expected to fall entirely within the terminal footprint.
