The SCCD reaches new stage in the Acme Power Plant reclamation process 

Sheridan County Conservation District District Manager Carrie Rogaczewski and the District Board Chair Emerson Scott made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss the progress being made at the power plant as well as how the public can help. 

The power plant is located on a site next to the Tongue River. After the power plant component closed, the site served many other industrial purposes. One of the largest concerns regarding the reclamation of the plant is the asbestos within the facility. 

The SCCD acquired the site in 2017, but made efforts to clean it beginning in 2015. Cleaning the property meant the District had to be the legal owner. Although Rogaczewski knew the job would be a daunting and expensive undertaking, she also knew it was the exact type of job the SCCD was organized to take on. 

As District Board Chair, Scott said it was only natural to take on the challenge of cleaning the plant with the goal to not only take the area through the tedious and expensive reclamation process but also clean the water and the soil of the site as well as preserve the legacy and history of the plant for the future.

Last year, the SCCD was awarded two large grants to remove asbestos in the building and initiate soil cleanup (including debris removal). Rogaczewski said they are now ready to move forward with some very tangible cleanup activities. She told Sheridan Media they expect to hire contractors to begin the debris and asbestos removal in the near future. 

Rogaczewski said removing the debris is important to improve safety and to access the other areas for further cleanup. The SCCD completed an inventory in 2021, which showed large quantities of wood debris, metal for possible salvage, six structures (including trailer houses and a barn); nearly 900 tires, and an assortment of appliances, recreational boats, campers, truck toppers and furniture.

With so much asbestos in the area, the public cannot help with the physical portion of the clean up, but the SCCD has reached a point where they will begin formulating fundraisers to help fund the reclamation efforts. 

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