Lambton Generating Station

Project Overview

The Lambton Generating Station demolition was a multi-year industrial decommissioning initiative carried out near the St. Clair River in Courtright, Ontario. As one of Ontario’s largest former coal-fired plants, the project demanded exceptional precision, strict environmental protocols, and rigorous safety planning. Our team approached the work with a coordinated strategy designed to minimize risk and maximize sustainability.

We managed the material recovery by crushing concrete rubble on-site and transporting additional waste to licensed recycling and disposal facilities. Furthermore, the on-site reuse of aggregate helped reduce trucking emissions and landfill waste. As a result, the project aligned with both environmental and regulatory goals.

Scope of Work

The demolition covered several major and auxiliary structures:

• Four powerhouse sections (each 20,000 ft² and 220 ft tall)
• Two selective catalytic reduction (SCR) units, each 175 ft high
• Two absorber buildings, standing 211 ft high
• Three reinforced concrete stacks, each reaching 550 ft
• Two pumphouses and one administrative building

Decommissioning and Site Preparation

Before physical demolition, our team conducted a nine-month hazardous materials abatement phase. We removed asbestos and cleaned accumulated dust from the boiler bays. Additionally, temporary construction elevators were installed to facilitate safe vertical access during preparation.

To prevent environmental contamination, we implemented protective measures around the St. Clair River. These included isolating the condenser circulating water (CCW) system and placing engineered barriers over both forebay and outfall channels. Moreover, all containment strategies were reviewed and approved by environmental specialists.

Demolition Operations and Engineering

Following that phase, we initiated a carefully engineered blast sequence. Our team used synchronized explosives to safely bring down the boiler bays, SCR units, and three concrete stacks. In turn, this method ensured both operational efficiency and minimal environmental disturbance.

Environmental and Safety Controls

A multi-tiered safety strategy guided every phase of the demolition:

• Blast events were scheduled to avoid peak wildlife activity, including nesting and spawning seasons
• Exclusion zones protected nearby infrastructure and public spaces
• We monitored wind direction and air quality in real time to limit dust migration
• Sea containers and geotextile barriers shielded high-risk zones from debris impact

Project Completion and Legacy

The demolition finished on time and without incident. Moreover, our team complied with every regulatory requirement while exceeding safety benchmarks. The Lambton Generating Station demolition left a cleared, environmentally sound site now ready for redevelopment—contributing to both economic renewal and long-term sustainability in the region.