Residents weigh in on boiler house being imploded in New Albany

Oct 19, 2024

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Duke Energy is set to bring down one of its buildings along the Ohio River this weekend.

The boiler house at the old Gallagher Station power plant in New Albany, Indiana, will be imploded, marking the end of an era for the coal-fired facility that produced energy for Southern Indiana for over 60 years.

During its operational years, the twin smoke stacks of Gallagher Station have been a significant part of the New Albany skyline.

Missy Rosenberger, who lives near Gallagher Station, shared her thoughts: “That plant has always been there. It’s been something I’ve seen since the day I was born.”

"It's been here my whole life, so it's kind of iconic to this community," said neighbor Cameron Mann.

Three years ago, Gallagher Station ceased operations.

On Saturday, after decades on the banks of the Ohio River, part of the Gallagher Station power plant is coming down.

The old boiler house will be imploded, but the dual chimneys will remain, at least for now.

Duke Energy says those will be dismantled over the next couple of months.

Rosenberger added, “That’s going to be a different view, for sure. Like I said, those stacks have been there forever. As long as I can remember, honestly.”

Residents in the vicinity have been informed about the planned implosion through letters from Duke Energy, which have been widely shared on social media.

The company has emphasized that the event is weather-dependent and will be rescheduled if necessary.

While the implosion will be visible from a distance, Duke Energy has advised that there will be no public viewing areas for safety reasons.

Rosenberger, who will be on a girls’ trip in Denver when the iconic landmark is imploded, expressed her disappointment: “I’m really bummed out. I’m not going to be here. They’re going to film it. They’re going to send it to us.”

According to the Corps of Engineers, the implosion of the boiler house at Gallagher Station is scheduled to take place around 9 a.m. Saturday.