Aug. 4, 2000
A federal judge says the Murray Smokestacks will fall as planned.
The ruling comes after a citizens group filed a lawsuit to stop Sunday's scheduled demolition.
News Specialist Richard Piatt has more on why the judge ruled the way he did.
The main reason is that for a week now, workers have been preparing the smokestacks for the demolition.
The judge Friday ruled that work has essentially made any attempt to save them too little, too late.
It's already too late, according to Federal Judge Thomas Green.
Preparing the smokestacks for demolition has weakened them so much, the judge says,
"There's no reasonable alternative but to go forward."
This Sunday, at 9:00 a.m., a series of explosions will topple the twin stacks like trees.
Mayor Dan Snarr/Murray: "I'M RELIEVED. BECAUSE I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS. WITH THE PRESENT STATE THE CHIMNEYS ARE IN, OBVIOUSLY ITS IMPORTANT WE MOVE FORWARD TO THE DEMOLITION."
Worries over air quality sparked this attempt to stop the countdown.
Asbestos near the top of the taller stack will crumble and fall with the rest of it.
In court, a D.E.Q. toxicologist expressed worry over how much asbestos will float into the atmosphere.
Steven Packham/Utah Division Of Air Quality: "I BELIEVE THERE IS GOING TO BE SOME CONTAMINATION OF PROPERTY OUTSIDE THE BOUNDRIES OF THIS FACILITY AND THIS PROJECT."
But E.P.A. experts told the judge there are strenuous requirements imposed on this project, including water jets to help handle the dust.
Bonnie LaVelle/E.P.A.: "WE THINK THE HEALTH RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THIS DEMOLITION IS NEGLIGABLE."
At no time in court did anyone express sentiments about the smokestacks; it wasn't the place for it.
But the judge's ruling brought with it a bittersweet note, a sense of loss for those who would like to keep the stacks standing.
Dee McBride/Murray: "SINCE IT WAS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND THE DEVELOPERS WANTED IT DOWN, BASICALLY IT CAME DOWN, IT WAS A LANDMARK. WHICH IS REALLY SAD. I THINK IT'LL BE SAD FOR ALL THE SALT LAKE VALLEY, NOT JUST MURRAY."
At this point the only thing that could stop the demolition is a lightning storm or technical failure.
And odds are against both at this point.
