Sunoco Eagle Point Demolition Slated for Saturday

It's only estimated to take about two minutes to complete, but a demolition project at the Sunoco Eagle Point refinery in West Deptford has already got neighbors talking.

Slated for Saturday morning, the refinery will conduct "a controlled implosion of its fractionator...one tower and one chimney, which will last about two minutes in duration," according to a statement from the township.

The same statement notes that West Deptford Police and firefighters from the Verga and Colonial Manor Fire Departments will be on hand as a precaution.

But some residents in nearby National Park have been talking about the scheduled demolition since last week with no small bit of worry.

A closed-group Facebook post from the National Park town watch that was forwarded to West Deptford Patch warned residents to "stay inside" during the implosion.

It also encouraged them to rinse off their cars and door handles, "whatever to keep it from getting on you or being tracked into your home."

The author of the post, who was not identified, decried a lack of advance notice about the process.

As if in acknowledgment of the chatter, the statement from West Deptford government noted that the premises have been inspected by its construction code official, Phil Zimm, and fire marshal, John Austin.

Both certified that the site had been cleared of asbestos and that "no public health concern is present with this demolition," according to the statement.

"Part of that permitting process is to remediate the proposed site for the implosion of all asbestos material before any demolition can take place," the statement said.

"That remediation work was performed by Sunoco through NCM Demolition & Remediation, LP and was monitored by Accredited Environmental Technologies, Inc., which is an approved OSHA Monitor."

Stick with Patch for more follow-up, including our explainer on what's happening with the entire demolition project.