From Coal to Clean
September 17, 2024
In a monumental step toward progress and environmental responsibility, the James DeYoung Generating Station in Holland, Michigan, has been successfully demolished. Operated by the Holland Board of Public Works, this coal-fired power station was a significant landmark in the city, but its demolition represents a stride toward modernization and sustainability.
Constructed in 1939 as part of the New Deal’s Public Works Administration, the James DeYoung Generating Station was a symbol of industrial development during a challenging period in American history. Over the years, the plant expanded, with additional units built in the 1950s and 1960s. However, as societal and environmental priorities shifted, the plant ceased coal-burning operations in 2016, paving the way for a greener future.
The replacement, Holland Energy Park, embodies the city’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing efficiency. By leveraging modern technology, this new facility aims to cut carbon emissions by 50%, aligning with broader efforts to combat climate change.
Leading the charge in this ambitious endeavor was family-owned and operated demolition contractor and NDA member Bierlein Companies Inc. Following a rigorous bidding process that considered factors such as approach, safety record and price, Bierlein Companies Inc. was awarded the project.
The demolition process commenced in January 2023 and spanned 11 months, culminating in the successful removal of the aging power station. Notable equipment included a Caterpillar 395 excavator with a Genesis 775 shear attachment and a Cat 385 ultra-high demolition machine with a 75-foot boom and shear attachment. In addition, a Cat 349, Cat 340 and multiple Cat 330 excavators were used on-site. The power plant also required the use of Caterpillar loaders and skid steers.
The project involved meticulous planning and execution, beginning with asbestos abatement and conventional demolition techniques to prepare for the engineered explosive felling. “The project started with asbestos abatement of the entire plant,” says Jeramey A. Bierlein of Bierlein Companies Inc. “Conventional demolition techniques exposed the skeleton of the entire structure. Peeling the brick walls and shearing through the steel of the boiler house and boilers was necessary in preparation for the explosive felling.
A mechanical felling (engineered cable pull) was implemented to bring a 70-foot silo to the ground, which was then torch cut, sheared and processed. Months of planning and preparation were required before the explosive felling could take place. Subsequent to the successful explosive felling, the 395 excavator sheared through the steel debris and processed it for recycling. To wrap up the project, the crew demolished small buildings and performed site work and restoration.”
One of the project’s most memorable moments was the explosive felling, which drew widespread public attention. Situated in the heart of Holland, the demolition site attracted crowds eager to witness the landmark event. To ensure public safety, authorities coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard, Sheriff Marine Patrol, police and first responders, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
“Using this felling technique significantly reduces the amount of man hours needed to raze the structure,” Bierlein says. “Less man hours means decreased risk of safety-related incidents, and that is our No. 1 priority.”
Despite the challenges posed by the project’s public exposure and the harsh winter conditions near Lake Michigan, the team remained steadfast in their commitment to safety and efficiency. With a crew of 10 individuals, Bierlein Companies Inc. navigated each phase of the demolition with precision and professionalism.
Upon completion, the project yielded impressive statistics, with 7,300 tons of scrap and 6,600 tons of miscellaneous materials recycled. This commitment to sustainability underscores the broader environmental objectives driving the transition from traditional power generation to renewable alternatives.
“The project has been deemed a huge success,” Bierlein says. “The project’s scope and objectives were achieved through the crew’s continual safe and diligent work. Like each job Bierlein Companies Inc. is associated with, the safety of the employees is priority number one, and that goal was achieved. The successful coordination during the high-profile explosive felling allowed the people of Holland, Michigan, to witness something that you wouldn’t typically get to see every day.”
As the dust settles on the James DeYoung Generating Station, Holland looks toward a future defined by innovation and sustainability. The successful demolition of this iconic structure serves as a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to progress and environmental stewardship