Hazleton Demolition Effects

HAZLETON The crane was in position to begin demolition of a massive smokestack but it appeared too short to do the job.

There were other also other concerns.

State environmental officials say when the stack is torn down the air will be monitored, in case the stack contains cancer-causing asbestos.

That testing is good news to neighbor Richard Onuschak.

Yeah, I think thats a good idea, keep it as safe as possible, Onuschak said.

Penn Earth Works is doing the job and one of their employees will have the job of being lifted to the top of the 130 foot stack and begin taking it apart.

Lee Houser said hes looking forward to the experience.

Ive never been up that high before but I should be pretty safe in that basket. Im not too worried about it. We use some electric chipping guns and hammers. I guess were going to try to knock everything down inside as we go down.

On Friday, Hazleton city officials called for the voluntary evacuation of homes and closed several businesses, fearing the smokestack would collapse.

Lorie Malloy said she helps manage one of the closed businesses.

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Hazleton Demolition Effects