RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Duke Energy has imploded two coal units at the Cape Fear power plant, marking the end of major demolition at the retired coal-fired plant in Moncure.
The implosion took place on Thursday.
Cape Fear began operating in 1923 and produced power for eastern North Carolina during years of industrial and residential growth. Now, all of the site's six coal-fired units and four oil-fired units have been demolished, a process that began in 1977. Duke Energy says it plans to restore the land.
The site's smokestacks and emission-control equipment have also been imploded, while the remaining infrastructure will be mechanically removed. The company is developing plans to close the site's six coal ash basins.
Coal ash is a by-product of burning coal that contains contaminates like mercury, cadmium and arsenic.
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