Use of explosives nixed for demolition of towers

The Utah Air Quality Board on Wednesday turned down a request by Brigham Young University to allow explosive demolition of two aging residence halls on campus.

Two of the seven buildings of the Deseret Towers -- known as Buildings V and W -- were to be blown up under a requested variance from air quality rules. If the board's decision stands, it would mean traditional methods like wrecking ball and backhoe would be used instead.

However, the board pointed out that its decision was based on concerns about "insufficient information and analysis of the project," Bryce C. Bird, manager of the Air Standards Branch, Utah Division of Air Quality, told the Deseret Morning News by e-mail.

If that uncertainty were cleared up, the board "would consider additional requests to allow explosive demolition in the future."

In a telephone interview, Bird said a requirement concerning air opacity caused by dust was the stumbling block. "With explosive demolition" the board "didn't think there was any way they could meet that requirement," he said.

The purpose of the requirement is to prevent exposure to too much dust.

Asbestos exposure was not considered a problem with the project because asbestos was identified in an inspection and it "will be removed prior to demolition," Bird said.

As reported earlier, the remaining five buildings at Deseret Towers were expected to be vacated and razed as well over the next few years. The project is part of a BYU overhaul of student housing facilities.

E-mail: bau@desnews.com

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