Before the stacks come down
By Avelino Maestas on May 14, 2007 in Hurley Smokestacks, Photography, Science and Health Blogs
In 12 days, Phelps Dodge Mining Company plans to demolish the smokestacks at its Hurley smelter, which is being dismantling after the company found more efficient techniques for extracting copper ore. The stacks (one of which was built in the 1930s) are something of a landmark in Grant County — you can see them from about 30 miles away, and they’re one of the sure signs you’re almost home when you’re coming from Deming.
On Saturday, people from all across New Mexico (and some from Colorado and California) converged on Cortez Ave. to pose in front of the stacks for one last hurrah before they come down. Hundreds of past and current residents turned out, many telling stories of their connection to the stacks.
Demolition is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, May 25.
Anyhoo, you can click the image for a larger version, but it is a huge file (8 MB), and may take a while to download. Also, any use of the photo must be credited to the Silver City Daily Press.
How safe (short and long term) is it for the people of Hurley to take the stacks down?
Quinn Martin | May 15, 2007 | Reply
Asked and answered.
P Diddy | May 17, 2007 | Reply
There’s some more information in this post, though I’m not going to speculate on the health impacts, since that seems to be the focus of pending court action.
Avelino Maestas | May 17, 2007 | Reply
In Europe they are placing windmills inside of old stacks like these and taking advantage of the constant air flow because of the difference in pressure on the ground and at the top to generate commerrcial quantities of electric power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Why not here?
Joe Coffey | May 20, 2007 | Reply