WESTROCK OLD BAG MILL IN HODGE, LA

KEY METRICS/TAKEAWAYS

• Project Scope: Demolition of a 21,000 sq. ft. Rail Dock and a 126,000 sq. ft. two-story brick and concrete building

• Historic Structures: Careful handling of 100-year-old yellow pine beams and columns

• Safety Considerations: Ongoing safety protocols and daily reminders

• Environmental Impact: Asbestos and PCB removal, plus dust and debris control

• Asset Recovery: Salvaging historic wooden beams and columns for reuse

OVERVIEW

Total Wrecking & Environmental took on the demolition of the WestRock Old Bag Mill in Hodge, LA. The project included dismantling a 100-year-old two-story brick and concrete building, as well as a 21,000 sq. ft. Rail Dock.

The job was especially sensitive because:

• The old structures needed to be separated from four adjacent active buildings

• The building’s foundation had to remain intact for future redevelopment

• Historic yellow pine beams and columns required preservation during demolition

As with all of their projects, Total Wrecking balanced environmental safety, asset recovery, and surgical dismantling in a complex, active industrial setting.

CHALLENGES

Beam Removal

The removal of century-old beams presented one of the greatest hurdles.

• Standard demolition equipment like shears or grapples risked destroying the delicate wood.

• To preserve them, the team used specialty rotating grapples that allowed precise handling and placement.

• Many beams showed signs of rot or damage. Each piece had to be carefully sorted to determine what could be salvaged.

• The process was time-consuming and required additional space, manpower, and planning.

Asbestos Removal

Given the building’s age, asbestos was found in insulation and construction materials.

• Total Wrecking created a comprehensive removal plan that followed strict environmental rules.

• Containment and air filtration systems were installed to prevent fiber release.

• Continuous air monitoring ensured worker and environmental safety.

• Once abatement was complete, final clearance testing confirmed the site was ready for demolition.

Local Hiring

Finding skilled labor locally was another major challenge.

• Many workers lacked experience with specialized demolition equipment or handling historic materials.

• This led to constant hiring, training, and turnover.

• The cycle created delays and added complexity to the overall project timeline.

Trucking Constraints

The project’s remote location made trucking resources scarce.

• Only one local trucking company was available in Hodge, LA.

• Scheduling conflicts and limited availability slowed progress.

• Specialized loads, like asbestos or recyclable steel, often faced delays.

PROCESS & HIGHLIGHTS

Despite these obstacles, Total Wrecking introduced several solutions that ensured success:

• Specialized Equipment: Rotating grapples preserved the value of 100-year-old yellow pine beams.

• Efficient Sorting: A detailed material management process separated items for recovery, recycling, or disposal.

• Strict Safety & Environmental Standards: Comprehensive asbestos removal and dust control measures minimized environmental impact.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Regular communication with WestRock and other partners kept the project on schedule and addressed issues quickly.

WestRock employees expressed appreciation for the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by Total Wrecking throughout the project. Even those not directly involved recognized the team’s commitment to safety, precision, and respect for the site’s historical and environmental considerations.