ENV-01-08 Demolition of Marathon Oil Company’s Former Indianapolis, Indiana Refinery

Description:

Although the overall oil refining capacity within the United States has remained relatively constant during the past several years, the actual number of refineries has been steadily declining. As the number of operating oil refineries in the United States decreases, the pressure to return closed refineries to productive reuse has increased. However, prior to reuse, these refineries must first demolish existing structures and manage associated demolition issues including the generation and management of wastes, storm water and erosion control measures, and health and safety requirements. In early 2000, Marathon Oil Company (Marathon) decided to remove above-ground structures at its former Indianapolis, Indiana refinery. Following the removal of these structures, Marathon committed to the removal of under-ground piping and structures in 2001. While preparing for these demolition activities, Marathon prepared Demolition Plans that addressed waste management issues, storm water and erosion controls, and site-specific health and safety requirements. The above-ground units have been removed and subsurface demolition is proceeding. This paper discusses the general demolition activities, environmental and safety issues encountered, and measures taken to address these concerns.