Former Elrama power plant smokestack brought down in planned implosion

ELRAMA, Pa. (KDKA) -- In less than 20 seconds a community landmark came crashing down. The last part of the Elrama power plant in Washington County was demolished Tuesday morning.  

After being part of the community for decades, the Elrama power plant is no more with the final part coming down. The 425-foot smokestack came crashing down into a cloud of dust. About 55 pounds of explosives made easy work of it.  

The plan was to have the explosives create a wedge to make the smokestack fall like a tree. After the explosives went off, it went as planned.  

"I'm kind of glad it's gone. I kind of wish they would have left the smokestack up because everyone used that as a landmark," neighbor Lori Shoemaker said.  

Shoemaker lives about 500 yards from the site. She had her porch furniture covered in anticipation of the demolition. When the plant came down in May, it made a mess.  

"I did have a lot of dust to clean up and everything," Shoemaker told KDKA-TV after the blast.  

This time, the dust stayed right above where the concrete tower fell. It was almost perfect weather for the demolition, only some rain would have made it better to control the dust.  

"But this is great weather, there is no fog. There is no high humidity. It's a good time for blasting, a good time of day," B&B Wrecking and Excavating President Brian Baumann said.  

Dozens of onlookers watched as the last part of the plant came down, including a group of former employees.  

"Made a lot of friends there, had a lot fun there, made a lot money. That's what work is all about, right?" said Chris Winkelboss, who worked at the plant for 30 years.   

For much of the afternoon, crews cleaned up the debris from that smokestack, finding ways to haul it away. 

WATCH: Elrama power plant smokestack implodes