An implosion at a local refinery startled residents Saturday morning.
The Sunoco Eagle Point Facility in West Deptford, New Jersey conducted a controlled implosion of its fractionator, one tower and one chimney around 9 a.m.
Built in 1949 and standing around 200 feet, the fractionator was used to convert crude oil into other fuels. Its demolition is part of Sunoco's efforts to decommission the site as a refinery, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Startled by the demolition, which lasted about two minutes, viewers reached out to NBC10, with one asking if the loud booming noises were caused by an earthquake.
Before Saturday’s demolition, some West Deptford residents expressed concerns that the implosion would cause asbestos exposure. Officials say however that the town’s Construction Code Official as well as Fire Marshal conducted inspections and issued permits to allow the demolition to occur.
According to town officials, the site was deemed safe for implosion.
“Part of that permitting process is to remediate the proposed site for the implosion of all asbestos material before any demolition can take place,” wrote West Deptford officials in a released statement. “That remediation work was performed by Sunoco through NCM Demolition & Remediation LP and was monitored by Accredited Environmental Technologies Inc, which is an approved OSHA Monitor. The remediation work was completed and both officials certify that no public health concern is present with this demolition.”
