Category: General Contracting

INTRODUCTION

Demolishing a paper or pulp mill is no ordinary project. These large industrial facilities bring the same complexity seen in many commercial and industrial demolition jobs — hazardous materials, intricate machinery, and strict environmental rules.

But these projects are more than tearing down structures. They represent opportunities to apply specialized expertise, technological innovation, and advanced safety and sustainability practices.

UNDERSTANDING PAPER & PULP MILL DEMOLITION

Paper and pulp mills are complex, housing:

• Heavy machinery

• Interconnected infrastructure

• Potentially hazardous materials

Before work begins, Total Wrecking performs comprehensive assessments. These evaluate structural integrity, environmental risks, and the presence of contaminants like asbestos and chemicals. Thorough evaluations ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance at every level.

UNIQUE CHALLENGES IN DEMOLISHING PAPER & PULP MILLS

Several factors set these demolitions apart:

• Hazardous Materials: Asbestos, lead, and chemical residues spread across large facilities require specialized abatement.

• Heavy Machinery: Equipment such as presses, digesters, boilers, and kilns must be dismantled carefully for reuse or safe disposal.

• Structural Complexity: Interconnected buildings and load-bearing frameworks demand phased, strategic demolition.

• Environmental & Safety Risks: Dust, debris, and chemical residues create hazards for workers and surrounding communities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS & MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Total Wrecking adopts a proactive approach to limit environmental impact:

• Pre-Demolition Assessments: Hazardous materials are identified early, with mitigation plans developed before work begins.

• Hazardous Material Abatement: Certified teams remove asbestos and toxic chemicals safely, with strict containment practices.

• Dust & Air Control: Water suppression, dust agents, and real-time monitoring protect workers and nearby communities.

• Waste Management & Recycling: Steel, concrete, and wood are separated for reuse, while hazardous materials are isolated for safe disposal.

• Water & Soil Protection: Barriers and drainage systems prevent contaminated runoff from spreading

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: A TAILORED APPROACH TO COMPLEXITY

Managing a paper mill demolition requires careful planning and coordination. Total Wrecking focuses on:

• Detailed Pre-Planning: Risk assessments and contingency plans for hazards like chemical spills or structural failure.

• Specialized Equipment Coordination: Cranes, attachments, and remote-controlled excavators used for safe, precise dismantling.

• Phased Demolition: Breaking projects into manageable stages minimizes risk and adapts to unexpected challenges.

• Stakeholder Communication: Transparent updates keep clients, consultants, and subcontractors aligned throughout the process.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS: PROTECTING PEOPLE & THE ENVIRONMENT

Safety is a top priority. Key protocols include:

• Hazardous Material Handling: Strict PPE and guidelines for asbestos and chemicals.

• Controlled Equipment Removal: Certified riggers and specialty lifting equipment prevent accidents.

• Structural Sequencing: Controlled demolition prevents sudden collapses.

• Confined Space Work: Continuous atmospheric monitoring for tanks and pipes.

• Emergency Preparedness: Real-time audits, on-site safety coordinators, and robust response plans.

CASE STUDY: THE HODGE, LA PAPER MILL PROJECT

The WestRock Old Bag Mill demolition highlights Total Wrecking’s capabilities:

• Timber Salvage: Historic beams and columns were carefully dismantled for reuse.

• Asbestos Management: Non-friable asbestos roofing was removed under strict protocols.

• Logistical Constraints: Planning allowed demolition to proceed despite limited access and active nearby operations.

• Outcome: The project finished on time and within budget, with lessons learned improving future salvage, logistics, and safety strategies.

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS & COST MANAGEMENT

Technology plays a key role in efficiency and safety:

• Drones: Used for surveys, hazard identification, and real-time progress tracking.

• Remote-Controlled Equipment: Reduces human exposure in hazardous areas while improving precision.

• Project Management Software: Digital platforms streamline scheduling, audits, and cost tracking.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: SUSTAINABILITY & THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Total Wrecking is committed to sustainable practices, including:

• Maximizing Recovery: Recycling steel, wood, and other valuable materials.

• Reducing Environmental Impact: Meeting or exceeding stringent standards for demolition waste.

• Adapting to Regulations: Staying ahead of evolving federal, state, and local compliance requirements.

CLIENT COLLABORATION & CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

From planning through cleanup, Total Wrecking’s approach is defined by collaboration, transparency, and performance. Clients benefit from strategies tailored to their facilities, supported by a proven record of safe, efficient, and sustainable demolitions.

Paper and pulp mill demolitions are some of the industry’s most complex projects. By combining planning, technology, safety, and sustainability, Total Wrecking continues to set new standards for demolition excellence.

INTRODUCTION

When you think of demolition, the image that might come to mind is one of powerful machines, epic plumes of dust, and towering structures crumbling to earth. But for Total Wrecking, there’s another layer to the story—one that builds up communities and people, not just structures. This is a story of giving, woven into the company’s fabric, reaching far beyond the boundaries of business and into the heart of the communities they serve.

The inspiration for Total Wrecking’s charitable endeavors comes from a very personal place. Frank, one of the founders, recalls a pivotal experience early on with a local food bank that planted the seeds for the company’s philanthropic mission.

Today, it continues to drive the team’s passion for helping those who need it most.

A PERSONAL MISSION THAT SPARKED A COMPANY-WIDE MOVEMENT

The roots of Total Wrecking’s commitment to giving back are deeply personal and intertwined with the life experiences of its founders.

Frank’s early life was marked by significant hardship, including a period when he had to rely on a food bank just to get by. During this time, he lived in a friend’s attic, took odd jobs, and painted houses to make ends meet, which profoundly shaped his empathy and commitment to helping those in need.

Similarly, Sandy’s story is one of perseverance and resilience. Her mother, an immigrant from Sicily, arrived in the U.S. alone at 18, with little knowledge of English and limited resources. She worked tirelessly in a candy factory to support herself and her daughters.

These experiences of overcoming adversity are at the heart of Total Wrecking’s mission to support communities facing similar struggles. Frank and Sandy’s shared backgrounds of resilience continue to fuel the company’s philosophy of paying it forward.

EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Total Wrecking’s philanthropic efforts go beyond monetary donations. Recent initiatives, like their involvement in relief for Hurricane Helene, raised over $15,000 to support impacted communities through the organization Eight Days of Hope.

Just recently, Total Wrecking team members have been working directly on the ground in Florida and the Carolinas providing much-needed aid. They’re also looking forward to annual holiday initiatives at the end of the year, such as creating care packages for elderly community members and involving the team in personal outreach so those in need get to experience genuine human connection during one of the most emotional periods of the year.

One of the things that makes Total Wrecking’s charitable mission truly unique is its team-centered approach. Employees are active participants and drivers of change. Philanthropy at Total Wrecking isn’t a top-down directive but a shared effort, with each team member playing a role in supporting their chosen causes. Employees have the opportunity to refer organizations for monthly donations, ensuring that the causes resonate on a personal level and align with the team’s values.

CHOOSING CAUSES THAT RESONATE

At the beginning of each month, Total Wrecking’s leadership team sits down with employees to consider potential charitable organizations to support. Each suggestion is carefully reviewed, and the selection process is fully collaborative. The team considers a range of factors from the organization’s mission, its alignment with Total Wrecking’s values, and the potential impact of their support.

Whether it’s a local organization focused on helping veterans, a foundation working to end human trafficking, or a relief effort after a natural disaster, each cause is chosen with careful thought and empathy. By giving employees the freedom to advocate for causes close to their hearts, Total Wrecking fosters a spirit of community that goes far beyond the workplace.

By making the selection process personal, Total Wrecking ensures that each charitable act is not only meaningful but also emotionally resonant for the team.

IMPACT ON EMPLOYEES

The culture of giving at Total Wrecking has done more than support those in need; it has transformed the workplace itself. Employees describe a sense of pride in working for a company that prioritizes community impact, and many feel inspired to contribute personally as well. The charitable initiatives give them a chance to step back from their regular roles and engage with something bigger.

The sense of pride that comes from supporting meaningful causes has even led some employees to take on additional roles within charitable projects, such as coordinating volunteer activities or organizing fundraisers.

INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS OF GIVERS

The internal culture fostered by these charitable activities, best conveyed by employees’ independent donations to supported causes after learning about them through company initiatives, reflects the ethos Frank and Sandy aim to cultivate: a team that embodies generosity, understanding that giving back is not just a corporate obligation but a way of life. The leadership’s choice to prioritize community impact sets an example for employees, showing that success is not only measured by business achievements but also by the positive change made in others’ lives.

In many ways, Total Wrecking’s philanthropy serves as a call to action, encouraging employees, clients, and community members to think about the ways they can contribute to causes they care about. By embedding a culture of giving within their business, Total Wrecking is inspiring a ripple effect of compassion and generosity that reaches far beyond their immediate sphere.

TOTAL WRECKING’S ONGOING COMMITMENT

As they plan for the future, Total Wrecking is excited about the ongoing opportunities to give back, from their annual Christmas outreach program to continued support for causes close to their team’s hearts. For Total Wrecking, philanthropy is a core part of who they are, a testament to their values, and a source of hope for the communities they serve.

In the words of Sandy, “It’s not about what we can take down; it’s about what we can build up together.” For Total Wrecking, the true measure of success isn’t just in projects completed or goals met; it’s in the lives they touch and the legacy they create.

INTRODUCTION

At Total Wrecking & Environmental, we take pride in our core values of safety, integrity, and family, while also being a nationwide leader in cost-efficient and environmentally responsible demolition.

One of the biggest ways we add value is through investment and asset recovery services. These ensure plant and building owners extract maximum return on decommissioned, surplus, or end-of-life assets.

By integrating recovery directly into our demolition projects, we help clients maximize ROI while protecting the environment.

WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL ASSET RECOVERY?

Industrial asset recovery is the process of identifying, evaluating, and strategically decommissioning surplus equipment, machinery, and materials from demolition sites.

The goal is not just removal but full monetization through resale, recycling, or repurposing. Examples include:

• Reselling functional equipment

• Salvaging scrap metals

• Recycling or responsibly disposing of hazardous materials

Our Total Recovery Program combines decades of experience with a managed process that ensures every client gets the most value from their unused assets.

THE TOTAL WRECKING ADVANTAGE: EXPERTISE AND CUSTOMIZATION

Our demolition experts have worked across industries such as manufacturing, oil & gas, healthcare, construction, and mining. This experience allows us to create custom recovery strategies for each unique site.

Our comprehensive services include:

• Asset Valuation: Market analysis and condition reports determine true value.

• Marketing & Sales: Targeted strategies connect assets with buyers in private and international markets.

• Decommissioning & Removal: Safe, efficient dismantling and transport.

• Recycling & Disposal: Environmentally responsible handling of non-sellable or hazardous materials.

By covering every step, we deliver a seamless, profitable recovery experience.

INTEGRATION WITH DEMOLITION SERVICES

Demolition generates large volumes of salvageable materials. By integrating recovery into demolition operations, Total Wrecking ensures:

1. Maximized Value – Assets are refurbished, resold, or recycled instead of discarded.

2. Streamlined Processes – One contractor handles both demolition and recovery, keeping projects on time and budget.

3. Sustainability – Scrap metals and other materials are diverted from landfills and reused.

All recovery efforts follow strict regulatory compliance and environmental standards.

A PROVEN, TRANSPARENT PROCESS

Clients benefit from a clear, accountable recovery system:

1. Consultation – Define goals and strategy.

2. Asset Evaluation – Assess value, condition, and resale options.

3. Recovery Plan – Timeline, marketing approach, and projected outcomes.

4. Execution – Logistics, marketing, removal, and sales.

5. Final Report – Detailed summary of financial returns and environmental impact.

This step-by-step approach ensures maximum returns without delays or surprises.

INDUSTRIES AND APPLICATIONS

Our asset recovery services apply across a wide range of facilities, including:

• Energy production plants

• Automotive and manufacturing facilities

• Transportation hubs

• Healthcare and research complexes

• Industrial warehouses and mills

Wherever there are assets to be recovered, Total Wrecking provides efficient, sustainable solutions.

WHY CHOOSE TOTAL WRECKING?

By combining demolition expertise with asset recovery strategies, clients receive:

• Increased ROI through resale and recycling

• Lower costs and downtime during demolition

• Sustainability benefits that align with modern environmental standards

• Comprehensive support from seasoned demolition professionals

CONCLUSION

Total Wrecking & Environmental’s asset recovery services set the standard for blending financial performance with environmental responsibility.

Whether you’re planning a large-scale industrial demolition or seeking to recover value from unused equipment, our Total Recovery Program delivers proven results.

Contact us today to learn how we can help maximize the value of your project.

INTRODUCTION

Total Wrecking & Environmental is a national leader in large-scale demolition, known for its focus on safety, efficiency, and integrity.

The Lakeland McIntosh Power Plant demolition was one of our most significant projects to date. Spanning multiple years, it involved dismantling three major boilers and associated structures.

The project achieved zero injuries and required navigating strict environmental regulations to protect local wildlife such as ospreys and eagles. Technical challenges demanded innovative approaches, including a specialized wrecking ball and carefully planned implosions to safely bring down towering structures.

PROJECT TIMELINE

• May 2022: Site preparation and initial assessments

• June 2022: Equipment mobilization and environmental protection setup

• Nov 2022: Superintendent Steve Schafner and General Superintendent John Spaich join site leadership

• Mar 2023: First boiler implosion completed

• Aug 2023: Second major implosion executed

• Feb 2024: Final implosion, including administrative buildings

• June 2024: Debris removal, cleanup, and site handover to the City of Lakeland

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Lakeland McIntosh Power Plant in Florida was a landmark facility supplying electricity to more than 200,000 residents and businesses.

Total Wrecking’s scope included demolishing:

• Three 600-megawatt boilers

• Precipitators, scrubbers, ICRs, and transformers

• Multiple administrative and auxiliary buildings, some reaching 13 stories

The work also required safe handling of hazardous materials throughout the process.

Over two years, the project was completed with:

• Multiple controlled implosions

• Use of a 32,000-pound slingshot gravity pendulum (adapted from a previous project)

• High-reach demolition machinery for safe top-down dismantling

The successful outcome earned Total Wrecking a shortlist nomination in 2024 for the World Demolition Award (“Project Over $1,000,000”).

MAJOR CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

Worker Safety

Zero injuries were achieved through:

• Rigorous training on hazardous materials and heavy equipment

• Daily safety audits to identify risks

• PPE for all workers (helmets, gloves, harnesses)

• Frequent safety briefings and updates

Environmental Compliance & Wildlife Protection

Protecting wildlife was a central requirement.

• Monitoring bird activity to avoid nesting disruptions

• Coordination with agencies for osprey and eagle protection

• Equipment modifications to prevent nesting on tall machinery

• Even small animals received care—two kittens were safely rescued and adopted

Specialized Equipment & Techniques

• PC 1250 Hydraulic Excavator: Handled large-scale concrete and heavy lifting

• 32,000-Pound Pendulum Wrecking Ball: Essential for breaking massive turbine pedestals

• High-Reach Demolition Machines: Allowed controlled dismantling of 13-story structures

• Controlled Implosions: Planned with surgical precision to avoid collateral damage

Coordination With City of Lakeland

• Power grid management: Worked around 23,000-volt active wires

• Traffic control: Police-assisted road closures for conveyor removals

• Community communication: Residents notified ahead of implosions

• Exclusion zones & viewing areas: Ensured safety while allowing public viewing

KEY SUBCONTRACTORS

• CDI (Controlled Demolition, Inc.) – Implosion expertise and execution

• Dive Teams – Sealed cooling tower water intakes to prevent contamination

• Abatement Contractors – Removed asbestos safely and in compliance

• Concrete Contractors – Prepared structures for implosions with precision saw-cutting

• Paving Contractors – Maintained site access and heavy machinery routes

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Implosion Raffle: Local residents entered for a chance to push the button on a major implosion, raising funds for charity
• Charity Donations: Additional community fundraising tied to implosion event

COMPLETION & OUTCOMES

The final phase ensured full compliance and client satisfaction:

• Documentation: Waste manifests, scrap tickets, and hazardous removal records compiled
• Site Inspection: Verified debris removal and safe site conditions
• Client Walkthrough: Final review and acceptance by Lakeland management

CONCLUSION

The Lakeland McIntosh Power Plant demolition showcased Total Wrecking’s ability to execute a multi-year, high-stakes project with precision and safety.

By combining innovative equipment like the 32,000-pound pendulum, meticulous planning, and strict safety measures, we delivered results that set a new standard in industrial demolition.

This project reinforced Total Wrecking & Environmental’s reputation as a trusted leader in large-scale, complex demolitions, committed to safety, environmental stewardship, and community partnership.

INTRODUCTION

Total Wrecking & Environmental is proud to announce a prestigious nomination at the 2024 World Demolition Awards!

Thanks to the hard work of our Lakeland, FL team, we have been shortlisted in the “Contract of the Year Over $1 Million” category for the demolition of Units 1, 2, and 3 at the CD McIntosh Power Station.

This recognition highlights Total Wrecking’s expertise in tackling large-scale demolition projects while navigating strict environmental regulations and maintaining zero worker injuries. The CD McIntosh project was especially complex, involving live transmission lines and protecting the nearby Tenoroc Public Nature Preserve.

CD MCINTOSH POWER STATION DEMOLITION: A COMPLEX UNDERTAKING

The demolition of Units 1, 2, and 3 demanded planning and execution at the highest level.

Key Challenges:

• Proximity to live power lines – required extreme caution to protect workers and avoid power disruptions.

• Environmental sensitivity – bordered the Tenoroc Public Nature Preserve, a protected wetland ecosystem.

• Hazardous materials – including asbestos, required strict handling and abatement protocols.

Scope of Work:

• Abatement and demolition of stacks, boilers, cooling towers, conveyors, and auxiliary equipment

• Safe dismantling of multi-story structures using specialized machinery

• Removal of regulated and hazardous materials under full compliance standards

By the end, the site was safely cleared, environmentally protected, and prepared for redevelopment.

INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES & SAFETY-FIRST APPROACH

To meet the challenges of the project, Total Wrecking deployed specialized demolition equipment:

• 32,000-pound wrecking device – adapted from an old boiler shaft, used to break massive concrete pedestals

• High-reach demolition machines – enabled top-down dismantling of towering boilers and stacks

Safety Measures

• Comprehensive training for all workers

• Daily audits and on-site inspections

• Rigorous adherence to PPE and safety protocols

• Zero workplace injuries reported

Environmental Protections

• Continuous coordination with regulatory agencies

• Protection of wildlife including ospreys and eagles

• Downsizing and recycling of concrete for backfill

• Waste reduction strategies to support sustainability goals

RECOGNITION FROM THE WORLD DEMOLITION AWARDS

The World Demolition Awards honor the best demolition projects worldwide. Judges—collectively holding 300+ years of industry experience—evaluate projects on innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Total Wrecking’s nomination for Contract of the Year Over $1 Million underscores our:

• Commitment to safety-first demolition

• Use of innovative techniques in large-scale projects

• Dedication to environmental stewardship

The winners will be announced at the World Demolition Summit in Stockholm, Sweden (Nov 6–7, 2024).

LOOKING FORWARD: COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

This recognition reflects more than one project—it represents Total Wrecking’s mission to raise industry standards.

As we complete the CD McIntosh Power Station project and move forward, we remain committed to:

• Pioneering safe, efficient demolition practices

• Expanding the use of sustainable recovery and recycling strategies

• Upholding the highest levels of integrity, safety, and innovation

INTRODUCTION

For the past 10 years, Total Wrecking & Environmental has worked tirelessly to uphold the highest safety standards in the industry, ensuring that every employee on our jobsites is safe, informed, and accountable.

And we took our commitment to safety to new heights this year with our Safety Summit in Stone Mountain, GA.

This was far from your average training seminar; it was a full-company, three-day retreat where every member of the Total Wrecking team from across the country was flown in to immerse themselves in best practices and better get to know the whole team.

Total Wrecking’s most ardent mission is to ensure all team members, as well as their families, are of strong mental health, financially stable, and comfortable within all of their work environments.

This comprehensive summit was a testament to that steadfast dedication to care for your colleagues like they’re family.

The summit was a multi-day, hands-on event that gave the whole Total Wrecking workforce the skills and tools needed to perform their work safely and efficiently.

The intent of the Safety Summit was, first and foremost, to provide necessary training directly related to the work that Total Wrecking performs, the hazards involved, and the steps and means to mitigate those hazards.

In other words, it’s about elevating awareness and empowering each person with a voice. Every member of Total Wrecking’s team needs to have the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of these inherently dangerous industrial demolition sites.

Total Wrecking firmly believes that everyone in the field should feel empowered to be a safety officer and to speak up or act when they see an opportunity.

Listed below are just some of the topics covered during the three-day summit:

• Lessons Learned: Discussing different events on a wide variety of job sites to better learn from past experiences.
• All-Stop Work Authority: Emphasizing the importance of every employee having the power and confidence to call an all-stop.
• Muster Points & Training: Ensuring everyone knows where to gather in an emergency.
• Situational Awareness: Training staff to be aware of their surroundings and potential hazards to avoid them more effectively.
• Environmental Health Hazards: Educating the team on potential environmental hazards and how to mitigate them, including:
– Asbestos Awareness
– PCB Awareness
– Lead Awareness
– Arsenic Awareness
– Cadmium Awareness
– Hexavalent Chromium
– Respirable Silica
• Respiratory Protection: Ensuring workers have the right equipment and training to protect their respiratory system from harmful contaminants.
• OSHA Focus 4: Addressing the four leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry: falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocutions.
• Fall Protection: Implementing specific safety protocols and procedures to prevent falls and ensure worker safety at elevated heights.
• Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response: Training workers to safely handle hazardous waste and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Hazard Communication: Ensuring clear communication about potential hazards so every team member is informed and prepared.
• Emergency Action Plan: Ensuring everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
• Chain of Command: Clarifying the organizational structure and who to report to.
• Team Building: Strengthening the team dynamic and promoting a strong safety culture through communication and trust.

Frank & Sandy Bodami’s career-long dedication to the safety of his team has been paramount for the company, and its impact has been noticed within the industry. Above all else, he states his mission has always been to ensure every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.

INTRODUCTION

CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION

There may be no other topic as widely discussed right now in any global political sphere as “going green.” Ten years to safely remediate and dismantle every nonrenewable-energy power plant in the United States. Even for those unfamiliar with the complexities, demands, or inner-workings of industrial demolition could probably tell you off-hand that that seems ambitious. But this figure is the very same that’s been cited or benchmarked in various political agendas — both on state and federal levels — for the better part of half a decade now.

With the help of the National Demolition Association, a survey was distributed to nationwide industrial demolition contractors everywhere to get their take on a plan of this scale’s viability. After all, they’re the ones more or less exclusively tasked with the literal heavy-lifting. More than anything, however, what their disparate responses unearthed was a deeply-rooted lack of a common understanding between contractors of various sizes and experience levels.

And, moreover, an inescapable deficiency in the size, experience, and support of the existing workforce to handle a project of this immense magnitude.

The theme of this exploration is “bandwidth” in the industrial demolition industry. In terms of equipment, resources, experience, and most importantly workforce, does an entire industry have the capacity to execute a task this wide-ranging and far-reaching? After all, “non-renewable energy sources,” as various pieces of legislation often cite, most often targets coal and other “dirty” forms of energy, but can also include oil, gas, and nuclear.

Together, these non-renewable power sources continue to have an iron grip on the country’s infrastructure. Coal-fired power stations alone constitute roughly 23% of overall energy production across the United States while nuclear comes in a close second at 20%. Natural gas-fired power plants, which are exponentially more efficient than coal but still non-renewable, are responsible for the largest portion of the nation’s energy consumption with nearly 38% of all energy consumption. Natural gas power plants dwarf the total number of both coal-fired and nuclear power plant facilities across the country.

We asked the 4,500 demolition contractors in the National Demolition Association network a short list of questions that covered three main points:

1. Are there enough qualified demolition contractors to achieve this 10 year goal?
2. Are there enough qualified and experienced employees to safely manage and execute this task?
3. If not 10 years, how long would this take?

Responses fell on an even 50/50 split when broadly asked about the viability of completing a project within 10 years. produced an even 50/50 split: half of the contractors believe it’s possible, half do not. But the ratio skewed the more we zoomed-in on project specifics.

For example, only 30% of respondents believe that the workforce is currently large enough to safely complete a nationwide decommissioning. Funnily enough, when pressed to guess how much bigger the workforce may need to be, only 19% of respondents maintained that the existing population was sufficient. Conversely, 51% believed it would need to be twice as big (the other 30% believed the workforce would need to be around 50% bigger).

The responses grew only more disconnected, revealing a widening gap between the answers of smaller, less-experienced optimistics and long-standing realists. If there was any sort of consensus, it existed somewhere in between a lack of a realistic comprehension about what a proposal of this magnitude implies, and, more urgently, what a piece of such grossly ambitious would demand. The all-hands-on-deck strain it would put on contractors nationwide.

And, more seriously, the immense and inevitable pressure to cut corners, expedite timelines, and deprioritize safety in the interest of meeting an impossibly aggressive timeline. A sad reality of the industry is that not every contractor has the same safety rating, nor the same respect for or adherence to its prioritization.

The last question in our survey circled back to a broad, high-level view at the task. If every single demolition contractor got to work today, how long would this epic decommissioning take? 36% believed that it would take between 15 and 25 years. 32% said upwards of 15 years while 21% believed it would take 25 years or more.

Only 10% held on to the possibility that it could be completed in 10 years or less.

What needs to be kept at the forefront of everyone’s mind is that we’re talking about industrial demolition here. By its very definition, this is one of the most dangerous, hazardous, and life-threatening lines of work anywhere in the world. Safety is absolutely paramount through every single step, an interest religiously protected by a series of extremely delicate, tested, and well-worn processes that ensure projects run smoothly and safely while minimizing any amount of potential risk.

There’s a tragic lesson that’s been learned since the inception of the industry, from the very first time a wrecking ball flew through a wall: the minute a less reputable demolition company begins cutting corners in the interest of saving time or reducing the overall project cost, or making any effort to expedite this or any other crucial phase of the process, people die. There are no two ways about it.

Trying to find creative ways to circumvent that extremely black and white reality is akin to asking a heart surgeon to hurry, or to skip a step. Or do less research before diving in. It’s impossible. And if that surgeon we’re forced to rush or cut corners, the possibility of someone getting seriously hurt is a matter of “when” not “if.”

The last version of a demolition contractor “census” conducted by the National Demolition Association was in October of 2019, when they counted just north of 4,500 demolition companies (comprised of around 25,000 employees) registered across the United States. At first blush, that seems like a formidable army of professionals to tackle the wide-scale dismantling and remediation required.

Total Wrecking and Environmental has made its mark over the last couple of decades handling the largest, most dangerous, and deeply complex projects the industry offers: power plants. Total Wrecking CEO Frank & Sandy Bodami, as well as a handful of other industry-leading power plant demolition experts who contributed to this story, estimate that the realistic number of companies with the necessary size, expertise, equipment, infrastructure, and training to safely complete work of this magnitude is much closer to 15. Meaning the mammoth task at-hand falls on far fewer shoulders.

The safe remediation, demolition, and redevelopment of smaller sites that power factories, mills, or schools take on average 6-8 months to complete for a company of Total Wrecking’s nationwide reach and expertise. Bigger industrial power plants, however, like the ones that power entire cities, easily require 1-3 years to complete. Even for Total Wrecking, among the most reputable, capable, and well-equipped demolition companies in the country, two or more simultaneous power plant demolitions would be enough to stretch them to their infrastructural limits. Any more volume than that poses the very real, and incredibly dangerous, risk of overburdening a company’s resources.

What this deliberation also fails to account for are the smaller-scale demolition needs of the everyday working world. This assumes everyone is working exclusively on power plant demolitions, and none of the community projects, small-to-midsize cleanups, and other demolitions that need to be managed and handled simultaneously. Even if the path to a ten-year finish was clearly paved, would there be any leftover resources, equipment, or experienced personnel to spare for everything else?

There’s been a decades’ long workforce decline within the construction industry as younger generations increasingly opt for tech-oriented work, regardless of their educational history.

Total Wrecking and Environmental has the deep experience and managerial capacity to certify and train industrial professionals, as well as a self-serving desire to continue handing down their expertise to in-house personnel. The issue is a dramatic lack of professionals willing to do the work, much less interested in training to do the work. Younger generations simply aren’t interested in entering the demolition industry. Meanwhile, the existing talent pool continues to age out.

This one-way trend has been decades in the making though it’s effects grow more obvious each year as multi-decade professionals continue to age out at an increasingly high rate. As the problem worsens, and with an utter lack of incoming youth, demolition companies are left to steal and trade existing professionals, a practice that’s become a small epidemic of its own.

Industrial demolition is a highly-qualified and specialized craft that requires extensive training but otherwise has few barriers of entry. Aside from a lack of interest, there’s also an obvious lack of awareness around industrial demolition careers. You won’t find any industrial demolition recruitment tables in any high schools. There are no established institutions that focus on industrial demolition education, nor is there any formalized curriculum available at any academic level that paves a path towards an industry role.

Work development training programs do exist, particularly in areas like Buffalo, NY (Total Wrecking’s center of operations) where industrial work is more prevalent than other corners of the country. There have also been fleeting attempts to establish an industrial demolition curriculum in places like Penn State University. But none produce the turnout, volume, or interest needed to shift the overwhelming tide.

All that to say: are there still enough professionals around to safely manage the most ambitious, wide-ranging demolition project in history? Total Wrecking and Environmental CEO Frank & Sandy Bodami believes the total industry workforce needs an additional 500 demolition professionals to make a ten-year timeline remotely feasible.

Not 500 young-and-hungry recruits with freshly printed GEDs or BA’s (although that would be tremendously helpful in invigorating a scalable, longer-term workforce). He means 500 experienced and qualified Project Managers, Equipment Operators, Mechanics, Welders, Superintendents, Safety Supervisors, High Burners, Tradesmen, General Contractors, and so forth. The solution to the ailing industry’s labor deficit is, unfortunately, not exclusive to any specific part of the workforce. No demolition contractor we spoke with had an issue with the idea that the necessary equipment could be sourced, gathered, and assembled in time.

But to make this project even remotely possible, the industry needs people. Everywhere.

The main villain in the eyes of green-conscious politicians are coal-fired power plants, monstrous and decades-old facilities responsible for powering entire cities. The last verified count completed by the Energy Information Administration from 2019 and counted 308 coal-fired power plants.

Although some argue that nuclear power is a relatively clean(er) alternative to coal worth maintaining, it’s likely that any sweeping green legislation would also target the nation’s remaining 58 or so nuclear power plants.

These counts, however, don’t necessarily translate to “unique sites;” power plants, after all, can have multiple energy sources. The EIA’s calculation is based on the predominant energy source for one or more generators on a given site, meaning a “natural gas power plant” that produces predominantly natural gas-powered energy has one or more generators also producing coal-fired energy, that power plant will be counted as both a natural gas power plant and a coal-fired power plant.

Power plants can also change their energy sources. In recent years, it’s in the interest of using more efficient natural resources, like natural gas, to produce “cleaner” energy that isn’t renewable or “green” but significantly more environmentally friendly than coal.

While some non-renewable energy facilities do undergo site-wide retrofittings, it’s more common for non-renewable plants to decommission generators producing certain types of non-renewable energy, modify them to produce more efficient or renewable energies, or install new generators producing different types of energy altogether. All of these possible facility retrofittings, compounded by regular status code changes, have a significant impact on previously posted data year-to-year.

In other words, it’s encouraging to look at the EIA’s table of industrial power plants and see that the number of coal plants has decreased from 589 in 2011 to 308 in 2019. That’s a huge shift in the right direction! Of that 281 difference, however, the NDA clarified that only 164 coal-powered decommissioning projects have been completed while the remaining 117 sites have been converted to burn other types of fuel.

That’s still an objectively admirable decrease in non-renewable energy reliance and a show of the industry’s capacity to facilitate a massive transition to more efficient energy sources. But considering the hundreds of coal-powered and nuclear plants that remain online, exponentially more work would need to be done in roughly the same period of time to meet legislative agendas.

5 nuclear reactors across 3 sites have been scheduled for decommissioning this year, which constitutes roughly 5% of the U.S.’s overall nuclear generating capacity, a sizable decline that the EIA states is a result of increased competition from renewable energy sources (and historically low natural gas prices). The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Agency has project management responsibilities for 18 reactors also scheduled for decommissioning.

The EIA reports that more than 30 GW worth of announced retirements are planned between now and 2024, with total coal-fired U.S. generating capacity dropping to 200 GW by 2024. Additionally, they expect retrofitting or retirement of 60-100 GW of capacity by then, which amounts to roughly 100 coal-fired units over the next 5 years.

That’s all fine and well to keep the industrial demolition business booming, but these numbers are still well short of what sweeping legislation would require. And considering that the largest coal-fired plants often require 1-2 entire years to completely remediate, dismantle, and redevelop, we’re looking at an undertaking far beyond the closures and retrofittings already planned between now and 2024.

Other than the size of the workforce and a strict preservation of traditional project timelines, what else needs to happen within the industry to make a project of this scale possible?

In future terms, making industrial demolition a larger part of the education system so that young people can follow a well-defined path to the industry is a start. But beyond youth, uniting the entire industry under a clearly defined company-agnostic curriculum, from the client to the customer to the workforce, would go a long way in educating the industry as a whole about the necessity of demolition and the extraordinarily delicate processes that protect its safety and integrity.

Uniting contractors, power plants owners, and communities alike under a collective understanding of an industrial power plant demolition’s complexity and sensitivity would help create smoother, cleaner, faster, and safer projects across the country.

Injuries and accidents remain a massive issue. People continue to get hurt, or worse, and the insurance rates are astronomical as a result. A rising industry trend is for power plants to be sold to development companies looking to break even, and are therefore most concerned about the bottom dollar, and cutting whatever corners necessary in its interest.

These redevelopments are cheap and fast, often completed with little to no concern for labor or community safety and no qualified management or oversight. Often they’re not even completely environmentally remediated, meaning left-behind hazardous elements continue to pose immediate and long-term risks to the larger community even after redevelopment, a tremendous liability that remains the plant owner’s legal responsibility even after an exchange of ownership.

In the meantime, we can only hope that educated paths to the industry become more clearly defined. That the workforce is provided a second wind and doesn’t continue withering away. That development companies stop exploiting power plant owners in the name of the cheapest bid. That power plant owners increasingly recognize the importance of their own plant’s dismantling. That communities continue to be protected and prioritized.

And that hard-working laborers stop dying along the way.