Introduction to the Pilsen Coal Plant Demolition
The owner of the former Fisk coal-fired power plant wants to demolish more than a dozen structures around the facility, a project that will require added city scrutiny because of risks to public health and the environment. The plant at 1111 W. Cermak Road sits along the South Branch of the Chicago River. The main building is not included in the planned demolition.
The Demolition Plan
Midwest Generation, a division of NRG Energy, is seeking city permission to tear down 13 structures, including storage tanks and silos, around the more than century-old building. The demolition will require dust control and other precautions. A virtual public meeting is planned Sept. 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. where city public health and building department employees are expected to explain the operation and answer questions from community members. Register for the meeting at https://chicago.gov/envcommunityinfo.
History of the Fisk Plant
The Fisk plant provided power for more than 100 years until it was shut down in 2012 along with another coal plant, Crawford Generating Station in Little Village. Kim Wasserman, the former executive director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, spent a dozen years fighting to shut down both Fisk and Crawford, citing the harmful impact of air pollution produced by the plants. The city needs to carefully scrutinize the teardowns and dust created around Fisk because of the long history as a toxic site, she said.
Environmental Concerns
“We’re talking about a coal power plant that ran over 100 years,” Wasserman said. “You’re talking about multiple metals and chemicals in the soil, in the smokestacks, in the buildings.” The so-called environmentally complex demolition process was developed after the 2020 botched implosion of the Crawford plant, which was taken down to make way for a warehouse now being used by Target.
The Crawford Plant Incident
In 2020, city officials signed off on the implosion of an almost 400-foot chimney at the Crawford site. When the smokestack came crashing down, it created a giant dust cloud that blanketed Little Village. The developer, Hilco Redevelopment, and its contractors were fined by the city and state for the incident, which also resulted in private lawsuits. A class-action lawsuit resulted in a more than $12 million settlement paid to neighbors. A watchdog report described the city’s oversight as incompetent and negligent.
Current Status of the Fisk Plant
While the Fisk plant no longer provides coal power, it provides energy by burning oil in times of peak demand for electricity. This is only done occasionally as needed. Power from the plant has been used this year, the company said, without providing specifics. Midwest Generation said it wants to remove older structures that are no longer needed. “Future plans for the site have not been determined,” according to company spokesman Erik Linden.
Recent Demolitions
More recently, the historic Damen Silos near South Damen Avenue on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, are being torn down after a lengthy review process. There’s no set date yet for the demolition of the Fisk structures. A single structure at the site was destroyed last year.
VIDEO: SEE THE CRAWFORD IMPLOSION
Conclusion
The demolition of the Pilsen coal plant structures puts pressure on the city to ensure that the project is carried out safely and with minimal environmental impact. The city must learn from the mistakes of the past, such as the Crawford plant incident, and take a proactive approach to protecting public health and the environment.
FAQs
Q: What is the Fisk coal plant demolition project?
A: The project involves the demolition of 13 structures around the former Fisk coal-fired power plant, including storage tanks and silos.
Q: What are the environmental concerns associated with the project?
A: The project poses risks to public health and the environment due to the potential release of toxic substances and dust.
Q: What is the city doing to address these concerns?
A: The city is requiring the developer to implement dust control and other precautions, and is holding a virtual public meeting to inform the community and answer questions.
Q: What is the current status of the Fisk plant?
A: The plant no longer provides coal power, but provides energy by burning oil in times of peak demand for electricity.
Q: What are the future plans for the site?
A: The future plans for the site have not been determined, according to the company.
