Above-ground demolition is done at the former Renewable Energy Group biodiesel plant.
Demolition began early this month. Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas President Kent Heermann says there are several below-ground demolition projects left before the site is completely clear, including the removal of the processing building floor, floor footings and structure footings and the backfill and compaction of the borrow pit.
Back in 2007, the Iowa-based company reached an agreement on a site with a goal of having a facility that could convert soybean oil or animal fat into fuel to the tune of 60 million gallons per year of finished product. Construction began in 2008. The building’s framework was largely finished and some of the exterior skin was in place when the Great Recession hit, pausing construction. Building never resumed, with REG blaming market trends and frequent regulation changes from the federal government as a main reason the project effectively ended.
Emporia’s demolition costs are half the removal amount for all underground piers, footings and backfill — or around $175,000.
