Debris Cleanup Around Acme Power Plant Building Is Underway

The next phase of cleanup at the former Acme Power Plant is now underway. 

This phase includes the removal of debris to facilitate future cleanup of soils and asbestos. 

A debris inventory, completed previously, identified approximately 900 tires, 55 cubic yards wood debris, 38,700 pounds of scrap metal, 6 structures, and various appliances, campers, boats, furniture, and more. 

The work is being completed by WLM Excavation under the guidance of WWC Engineering. 

This phase is being completed with federal funding from the USEPA administered through the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and Wyoming Business Council.

Carrie Rogaczewski, District Manager for the Sheridan County Conservation District noted that the District and other partners are excited to begin:  “It is definitely encouraging to see this happening. Removing these items will not only allow us to move forward with other aspects of cleanup, but will also greatly help with overall safety. It is probably the most visible improvement we’ll see out there for a while. We still have a ways to go, and we understand that, but it is one more step in the right direction.”

Upcoming phases include asbestos removal in the building and initial soil cleanup, both of which will be supported with federal funding through the USEPA.  

The cost of the current and upcoming phases is $1,202,000 with 90% covered by the federal grants. 

Donations to help cover some of the match requirements can be made to the Sheridan County Conservation District. 

Carrie Rogaczewski expressed appreciation for those that have already made a show of support with a contribution:  “Since it isn’t really possible to have volunteer work days out there, making a donation is the best way for community members to be actively involved in this project. Donations will ONLY be used to support direct project expenses related to the cleanup activities.”

The Acme Working Group was formed in December 2017 and to provide technical guidance and assistance to the District, who currently owns the site and is responsible for overall project coordination. 

The group consists of representatives from the Sheridan County Conservation District, the Sheridan Community Land Trust, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Sheridan County, Sheridan Travel and Tourism, Montana Dakota Utilities, Sheridan Historic Preservation Commission, Sheridan County YMCA, Sheridan Chamber of Commerce, City of Sheridan, Wyoming State Parks, and the adjacent landowners.