DOVER, Del.- Built in 1962 but dormant since 2021, city leaders assert that tearing down the McKee Run Generating Station is more cost effective than repairing it.
Those living next to the aging power plant are raising concerns about what's inside.
Paul Waddell, director of Dover's Electric Department, said there are hazardous materials inside, not limited to asbestos.
"There is also a lot of heavy metals because the plant used to burn coal ash that could be around," he said. "There is a lot that could be in there even oil."
With the Woodcrest Apartments just a stones throw away, neighbors want to know where those materials might end up when demolition gets started.
"I don't want to be breathing that in," said Natashia Velez. While Alfredo Sarrano asked "Are we going to get sick from it?"
Velez said she hopes the city will take appropriate caution for such a big project.
"They should think about whether it is worth risking people's health in that sense and the environment and making sure everything is good before they just tumble it down to save a buck."
Waddell said an abatement team will be first on the scene.
"They'll go through the whole plant and identify the items that need to be removed and they will seal off that area." He said, noting that public safety will be a top priority throughout the process.
Demolition could begin by January. City council is expected to award a bid to contractors at their next meeting.