The LiTungsten 250-foot high smokestack will be demolished on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, at noon. David Evans of Precision Explosives, Inc., a reputable demolition contractor with over 25 years experience, will be in charge of the demolition. "We have been reassured that this smokestack contains no contaminants and its removal will in no way harm the environment. Every precaution is being taken and anyone residing or working in the area will be notified of street closings and safety procedures," states Mayor Thomas Suozzi. The US Environmental Protection Agency on-site coordinator at LiTungsten, Mark Pane, said "We took samples from inside the smokestack which indicate that there are no hazardous materials remaining in the stack. Based on the testing we have done, we feel confident that when the stack comes down the dust generated will not pose a health threat."

Traffic in and out of the area will be strictly controlled and is expected to be restricted as follows: Herb Hill Road between Charles and Dickson Streets- as well as the western end of Garvies Point Road- will be closed from 9 a.m. Traffic on the rest of Garvies Point Road and on Dickson will be stopped at approximately 11 a.m. Just prior to the demolition there will be barricades, signs and guards at certain points outside the area. There will be a series of whistle warnings sounded: Two long whistles will indicate a first warning and a five-minute wait. One long whistle will signal that demolition is about to occur. Two short whistles will give the "all clear" message that demolition has been completed. The demolition is expected to be completed within fifteen minutes. The debris remaining will be removed from the area. Air quality will be monitored by the EPA as will be the ground vibrations and air shock.

"The removal of the stack on Earth Day represents a dramatic leap forward in our progress on the waterfront. This will be a safe and appropriate way in which to celebrate Earth Day- the 250-foot high stack has been a blight on the landscape and an obstacle in the way of remediation efforts at the site," added the Mayor. A public viewing area will be available in the Nassau County DPW yard on Morris Avenue.