The last concrete stack associated with the Caltex oil refinery at Kurnell, which closed three years ago, has come crashing down.
Caltex said the 67 metre high structure was safely toppled at 8.15am on Thursday (see the video below).
A spokeswoman said it was last of three stacks, as well as two other large structures, that needed to be removed following the transition of the site to a terminal for imported fuel.
“This was done by first undermining the lower section of the stack to engineer’s instructions and then pulling the stack over – without the use of explosives,” she said.
“Significant measures were put in place to ensure there would be no impact to local residents and the community.
“Caltex kept the relevant authorities, including the EPA {Environment Protection Authority) and SafeWork NSW, fully informed of the demolition method and the controls that have been put in place.
“For instance, dust generated from the stack topple was controlled using water cannons and fire monitors.
“Also vibration monitors and dust monitors were used at boundary locations and downwind to capture data.”
The refinery was closed in October, 2014, after operating for almost 59 years.