Blowing its smokestack

Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune

Xcel Energy's High Bridge power plant

The towering smokestack of Xcel Energy's power plant on St. Paul's river valley will be brought down with a boom.

Last update: June 27, 2008 - 12:50 AM

Early Saturday morning, St. Paul's river valley skyline will drastically change as a 36-year-old smokestack meets its demise.

At 7: 30 a.m., a small explosive charge will destroy key structural elements of the smokestack at the Xcel Energy High Bridge Power Plant, allowing gravity to pull the rest of the 570-foot stack down. Although plant director Jim Zyduck expects most of the dust to fall to the ground within minutes, a small cloud of dust could spread out from the site if the wind picks up. Foggers and water canons will be in use to minimize the fallout.

St. Paul police will restrict access to nearby streets for about an hour starting at 7 a.m.. The Smith Avenue High Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic, providing a prime viewing area for pedestrians.

Residents near the smokestack should turn off ventilation systems and close all windows and doors to their homes, Zyduck said.

The stack's implosion marks the final phase of change at the High Bridge site. The newly built plant, in operation since May, has reduced emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide by more than 96 percent, and completely eliminated mercury emissions.

Lyle Tollefson, 80, only had one concern about Saturday's demolition: "I hope it doesn't hit my roof."

PATRICK LEE