Final Stages Of Old Acme Power Plant Building Site Cleanup Could Happen Soon

The Acme Working Group is hosting a public meeting to provide an update on recent and upcoming activities at the former Acme Power Plant, including plans for building demolition and soils cleanup. 

The meeting will be Wednesday April 8th, from 5:30-6:30 pm at the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library Inner Circle. 

Presenters will provide a brief update on completed activities and provide details on the plans and timeline for building demolition and site cleanup.

Presentations will be followed by an opportunity for participants to visit with project partners.

As a coal-fired power plant constructed in 1910, Acme was an important component of the region’s cultural and industrial history; however, the current condition impacts water and land quality, recreational activities, and the health and safety of residents and tourists. 

Expectations for any future use include protecting water and land quality, ensuring public access, and capturing the historical importance.  

In 2023, the Sheridan County Conservation District Board formally approved a recommendation from the Acme Working Group to not retain the power plant building for future uses. 

Building reuse options had been considered since the District assumed ownership of the property in 2017, but no feasible uses for the fully intact building were identified. 

In addition, portions of the roof are actively collapsing and adjacent walls are becoming unstable.   

The District recently released bid documents for the building demolition and soils cleanup, which are set to occur this summer.  

Carrie Rogaczewski, District Manager for the Sheridan County Conservation District, notes that this step has been a long-time coming.

“We understood from the beginning that this project would take a long time, which can give the impression that nothing is happening. It is exciting to be at this point, but it will also be hard to see the building go. The building is certainly a part of the history and we tried hard to find a way to keep it. Though we aren’t going to preserve the building as a structure to be reused, we are committed to preserving the history and its importance to the community and surrounding area.”

The Acme Power Plant Reclamation Project is a community effort to address environmental and safety concerns at the former Acme Power Plant located along the Tongue River. 

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