CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: DISMANTLING OF THE KELAG CHIMNEY AT TPV
An infrastructure project to ensure long-term site safety is scheduled to begin shortly at Technology Park Villach. The old brick chimney of the KELAG heating plant will be fully dismantled between June and September 2026.
BACKGROUND AND PROJECT NECESSITY
Following the replacement of the steam boilers a few years ago and the simultaneous commissioning of new metal chimneys, the old brick structure is no longer functional. Due to weathering, debris has occasionally fallen from the structure in recent years, placing its structural integrity—especially regarding potential seismic activity—increasingly at risk. Prior core drillings and extensive environmental testing have completely ruled out the presence of hazardous pollutants within the masonry.
DISMANTLING PROCESS AND TIMELINE
The dismantling will be executed systematically from top to bottom:
Procedure: Following the installation of a temporary external service lift, the brick rows will be manually removed. The debris will safely fall through the interior of the chimney structure into a designated containment skip at the base.
Working Hours: Construction activities are strictly confined to weekdays between approximately 7:00 a.m. and a maximum of 5:00 p.m.. Operations will pause during severe weather or thunderstorms for safety reasons.
Project Completion: Final clean-up and concluding activities are expected to be completed by the end of September 2026.
IMPACT ON THE PARK ENVIRONMENT
An increased volume of heavy truck traffic for debris removal is to be expected within the park grounds throughout the construction phase. To minimize noise and dust emissions for the surrounding companies and research facilities, KELAG is implementing rigorous protection measures. These include the continuous wetting of the bricks during the dismantling process and the installation of a special protective curtain at the base to suppress dust during material transport.
KELAG and the park administration kindly request the patience and understanding of all local residents and partners during this construction period.