Contamination delays smokestack demolition | News

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) -- The show will not go on as scheduled this weekend at the old Sappi Paper plant.

Thousands of people were expected to watch Sunday morning as an explosives team brought down the 280-foot tall smokestack at the former paper mill. But, in a letter sent to the city on Thursday, the president of the demolition company says previously unknown contamination has been found and he is suspending demolition of the smokestack.

"Until we have fully investigated the regulatory requirements in the continued process of handling, abating, further testing and final disposition of such materials," wrote Douglas Melching, president of Melching Demolition And Dismantling.  

Previous Coverage: Date set for Sappi mill smokestack demolition

Brandi Erickson grew up a few blocks from the plant.

She was planning to invite guests for brunch to watch the demolition, but says she welcomes the delay.

"I think it's a great idea they check it out," she says. "I can't imagine why they didn't ahead of time."

Her neighbor, Dave Adams, agrees.

"Yeah, I don't want them blowing stuff all over," he says. "There was a lot of pollution came out of there years ago."

The letter from the demolition company doesn't describe the previously unknown contaminants discovered three days before it was scheduled to topple the smokestack.

The company's president says the material needs "special attention."

"That's always been a concern living here with the smell and smoke all of our lives," says Erickson. "I'm thinking this can't be healthy and I ended up with cancer at 35 years old. It's so puzzling."

The demolition company says it may reapply for a blasting permit this spring or summer.