Acme Power Plant public update meeting Aug 19

Sheridan Conservation District Manager Carrie Rogaczewski and board member Emerson Scott have invited the public to an informational public update on the progress and work that remains at the Acme Power Plant. 

Reclamation efforts at the Acme Power Plant north of Sheridan have been progressing. After it was no longer useful as a power plant, the surrounding area served as a dumping ground for hazardous materials such as old leaking batteries, and much more.

Efforts of the Conservation District and their partners have resulted in much of the old debris having been cleared out. 

E. Scott/C. Rogaczewski

In addition to the large amount of tires, 186 cubic yards of wood debris, 44 tons of scrap metal, four structures, as well as appliances, vehicles, furniture, and waste items were removed.

According to Rogaczewski, soil cleanup –which may include excavation and removal– is needed to address contamination. Most of the contamination is in surface soils. But that work will come later, after asbestos removal.

Last year, SCCD was awarded two large grants to remove asbestos in the building and initiate soil cleanup. With the debris removed, Rogaczewski said asbestos abatement and removal could begin as soon as the end of August 2024.

To keep the public informed on the progress and planned work ahead, SCCD will hold another public update but this year’s public update on progress will be at the site itself. Rogaczewski and other stakeholders felt it is much easier to grasp the magnitude of the building and appreciate the amount of effort in the overall project when standing in front of the old power plant.  

The event will begin at 4 p.m. and run until 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, in a very informal setting. The district and partners will have information boards along with brief presentations at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30, to allow people to arrive and learn the information without having to stay for a long duration. Limited site tours will also be led by other members of the Acme Working Group.

C. Rogaczewski

Rogaczewski said the tours will not include entry into the building. 

To learn more or make a donation to help the Acme Working Group complete the task of reclamation of the Acme Power Plant, click here.