MANSFIELD, La. - The closed Dolet Hills Power Station was leveled Monday morning.
Total Wrecking & Environmental handled the controlled implosion of the main boiler structure and iconic 525-foot stack at the plant. The 650-megawatt plant was decommissioned in 2021 after serving Louisiana’s power grid for over three decades.
About the implosion
The implosion brought down two of the largest remaining structures on the site:
- The 12-story main boiler building, and
- The towering 525-foot chimney stack, a long-standing landmark on the local skyline.
These structures were safely felled using high-precision, engineered explosive techniques to minimize environmental impact and ensure public safety. Law enforcement, emergency personnel, and environmental monitors were on-site to manage safety zones and observe best practices.
Historic site transformed
Originally brought online in 1986 and jointly owned by Cleco and SWEPCO, Dolet Hills was Louisiana’s only lignite-fueled power plant and played a vital role in powering the region for decades. Now the site is being repurposed to support renewable energy infrastructure.
The implosion is just one step, which also includes:
- The dismantling of turbine buildings, lignite silos, cooling towers, and conveyor systems
- Demolition of auxiliary structures such as fuel and chemical tanks
- Environmental remediation, including asbestos abatement, removal of residual waste, and the safe closure of underground utilities
Concrete from demolished structures will be crushed and reused onsite as backfill during final grading operations.
Key infrastructure — including the main switchyard, guard shack, and warehouse — will remain intact and protected throughout the project.
Environmental safety and oversight
The remaining asbestos-containing materials, such as gaskets and pipe insulation, will be removed by licensed abatement professionals, while other materials like oils, universal waste, and residual lignite are being handled in accordance with best practices to ensure long-term site safety.
The final phase of the project will see the site regraded and stabilized, preparing the land for its next chapter as one of Louisiana’s largest solar power installations.