Chevron Plans To Blow Up Wind Turbines With Explosives This Week Near Casper

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Residents could notice a brief loud noise and temporary vibration when Chevron uses explosives later this week to remove 11 defunct wind turbines outside of Casper. The fire department says portions of the base will be blown up to bring down the towers.

Oden described the planned blasts like an exploding axe.

“(When cutting a tree) you do a face cut and the back cut,” he said. " Explosives are the same way, whether it’s trees or towers. It literally is not even taking out the whole bottom, but most of the bottom so then it just tips over.”

He said he understands the contractor plans to finish the explosion part in one day.

Oden said the fire district's chief concern is of any fires or safety hazards. The project description indicates "that's not going to be an issue," he said.

Monte McKillip, who works with Chevron’s community affairs group, said the explosives won’t be stored on site and the charge shouldn’t be big enough to take out wells or other groundwater structures.

The long-anticipated demolition ends years of inactivity at an 11-turbine wind farm.

Dobbyn told Cowboy State Daily in a past interview the contractor believes “that it may be able to direct many turbine components toward reuse opportunities by other parties, including the potential use as spare parts for other wind energy facilities.”

“Metal materials are expected to be managed through established salvage and recycling channels,” she said. “Components not suitable for reuse may be directed to appropriately permitted disposal or recycling facilities, consistent with applicable requirements.”

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