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Explosive demolition in the 300 Area changes historical landscape

10.13.2010

Early Saturday, October 9, three structures in Hanford’s 300 Area came crashing to the ground…as planned. The explosive demolition of the 309 Building stack, 337 Building and 337B Building capped months of work by Washington Closure Hanford and subcontractor staff. The stack was 110 feet tall, the 337B Building was 93 feet tall and the 337 Building was three stories tall. Safety in demolishing the tall, concrete facilities was the deciding factor in selecting explosives over conventional demolition. Explosives are a safe and convenient way of bringing the facilities to the ground where crews can easily cleanup the debris.

Removal of these facilities significantly alters the 300 Area skyline. However, the most challenging part of 300 Area cleanup is yet to come with demolition of the 308, 309 and 324 buildings later this year and early next.

The 300 Area is located along the Columbia River Corridor just a mile north of the City of Richland.

To view a video of the implosions, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r_WsqIcZIA

For additional coverage view http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/104665934.html and http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/10/10/1204167/more-pieces-of-hanford-turn-to.html.