As a Supervisor and workermaintaining the Superstack, Four Jet natural gas burners 24/7 365 full bore. The gas consumption is so huge just to keep the stainless steel liner from corrosion, not the cement. The cement is failing and no one is allowed the perimeter as chunks keep falling. FYI
Thanks Tim for providing some insight into where things currently stand in regards to the Superstack. It will be interesting to see how long this regular maintenance will remain safe & cost effective versus disassembly of the Superstack. Thanks for watching! Doug
@@rockets4kids They is contractors picking at it, there's alot of disassembly to do just in pipes, trestles and other infrastructure that is part of it and thats what they're are working on at the moment. It's probably gonna be years before they get to disassembling the concrete. I asked a guy at the smelter what the plan is and he said he heard it would be a excavator type of machine on a track that will pick at it from the top down and send the chuncks into the center of the stack
That's my father, Aarne Kovala, sitting on the Superstack with Copper Cliff far below. He was one of the foremen on the job and built chimneys across Canada and in States. One of my favourite photographs.
Hi Liisa! Your father is as iconic as the Superstack itself in my opinion. I had to have his picture in my video as I’ve seen it many times and for the community it represents the amazing brave men who built this engineering marvel. Thank you for sharing a little bit more about your father and his amazing career! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch. Doug
What an amazing structure. Everything has its time. It's a shame really. Thanks for telling us all the history of it. That's a very interesting place you live Doug it's important you continue to share it with us.
👍🏼 #13..... To think of a structure being built in this magnitude back in 1970 is a big accomplishment, as it took a lot more hands on construction than it would now.... Nice job of covering The Super Stack.....
It was an unheard of accomplishment and has lasted almost 50 years and with some upgrading a few years is standing strong. The men that built this are super impressive in my opinion. Thanks for watching brother! Doug
A fascinating engineering feat, no matter the environmental impact...to even conceive such a structure boggles my mind....very cool Doug...Great photo of your Dad Liisa...blessings!...woods
I lived in Copper Cliff when I was a kid and watched the superstack being built, pretty cool. There was a group of workers at the top of it when a F3 tornado struck Copper Cliff during its construction. Aug 20'70. I slept though it lol! But I can only imagine what that was like at 1250' swaying about.
Must have been really interesting watching it be built Mikey. If you have time give my video on the tornado a watch ruclips.net/video/pRjWvVKrIyI/видео.html
It sure is going to be interesting to see this happen regardless of your feelings as to whether or not it should be taken down. Thanks for watching brother! Doug
Wow thank you for the history of the superstack. These are what affected the Adirondack mountains causing acid rain, leading to a massive die off of trout species. Nice job on this video brotha.
Oh man yes! Unfortunately we shared our pollution with many places. We suffered from serious acid rain for many decades. Thankfully measures over the last 15 years or so huge advances have been made to eliminate acid rain. Thanks for watching brother!! Doug
I drove by that so many times and can't imagine how they are going to take it down without explosives . Look forward to seeing that done. Awesome vid Doug
My mother was born and raised 300 meters from the base of the Stack in Little Italy. I will always remember visiting my Noni and looking up at that thing. It will be a sad day for me when it comes down.
I don’t blame you for feeling that way considering what feelings and memories it’s associated with for you. I will feel the same way if and when it comes down. Thanks so much for watching! Doug
Great film Doug 👍 I grew up under smelter stacks in mining towns of New Mexico and briefly worked directly under them pouring concrete. Very impressive Thanks for sharing
I had forgotten about the big stacks there. Great bit of yours, and Canada's history my friend. I do remember the surrounding area when it looked like the moon before the massive reforesting in the entire area. Great vid fella !
Yes things have really changed here but some iconic symbols from the past still exist...for now. Thanks for watching Dean! Appreciate it brother!! Doug
It’s definitely a bittersweet situation Tracy. I’ve not known a time where the super stack wasn’t part of my skyline. Appreciate you watching brother!! Doug
Another great video Doug. This is a very impressive feat of engineering, especially considering how long it has been there. Thank you for provide your good information about the Superstack and its history.
Thank you for making this video Now planning a visit to the area to see this iconic structure before it’s gone forever 😢 never used again It’s a wonder to stand in awe of its existence…
Thanks so much Derek!! I agree with you and recently I heard from someone on the ‘inside’ that they aren’t taking it down...too costly. Let’s hope that information is correct. Thanks for taking the time to watch. Doug
great to see some of your history over there buddy. Are you going to take a trip to the fort Martello tower in Kingston? im still amazed that Canada has Martello towers
I’ve actually been there but it was a few years ago pre-youtube for me. They were very cool! I may go back as I have friends who live in Kingston and it’s not that far away from me. Thanks for watching Andy!! Doug
Enjoyed this video greatly. Didn’t know any of it’s history. Remember the bad days though when it was hard to breath at times. Although it will be missed as part of the Sudbury skyline.
Thanks so much Bryan! There were many more bad days prior to it being built but still depending which way the wind was blowing it would be bad. Appreciate you watching brother!! Doug
Hello Doug it's great that Canada is heading in the right direction in lowering Greenhouse gas emissions, only wish your closest neighbours would follow suit, we are also doing the same, hopefully we can achieve our emissions target's by 2022, our main concern is electrical power stations, being fired by coal, at the moment we are building thousands of wind turbines, what the cost of that is no one knows, I'm sure we will be paying more for our supply LOL. ATB jim .
It certainly appears our government is taking reducing green house emissions seriously by forcing companies to clean up their act. Lots of wind turbines starting to pop around here as well. Appreciate you watching and your comments Jim!! Doug
Very impressive stack. The demolition will be as fun to watch as the construction must have been. Coincidentally, Doug, the ASARCO smokestack here in Texas at El Paso was the tallest in the world when it was built in 1967 ... until the Inco Superstack was completed. The ASARCO stacks were demolished in 2013. Thanks for sharing buddy.
Wow Don that’s interesting that our smokestack displaced yours being the tallest as ours was displayed in 1987. Interesting information brother! Thanks for sharing with us! Doug
The SMPTE Journal in 1976 had an article about the plotting of smoke dispersion and the creation of double smoke coils using the most modern Remote Sensing technology at that time.
the superstack, sharing polution to the rest of the world!! lol. My whole career has been based on the mines so i can't really say much about the plant and stack. Thanks for sharing a little bit of info on the stack. Never knew how tall it was.
Well Adam the government forced them to stop sharing the pollution so that’s definitely a step in the right direction lol. Thanks for watching my friend! Doug
There used to be a tower very similar to that , looked almost identical to it in Widnes a town a few miles from where I live, wasn't as big as that thing though, I remember that coming down too, that's a huge chimney, 👍
I was recently in Copper Cliff visiting my neice who lives on a street with a perfect view of the stack, still standing high above Sudbury. My entire childhood the super stack had always been a landmark, I now live in Toronto, its going to be a sad day for me when I return home for visits and the stack will be gone, my entire life I never knew a Sudbury without it.
I feel the exact same way as you do. So far it’s cheaper to maintain it than take it down….thankfully. I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Doug 👍🏻😊
Danny, your father was part of a great piece of history and engineering feat. One can only hope the Superstack stays up as long as possible. Appreciate you watching! Doug
I work for vale. We were told it going to come down for Shure due to the cost of maintenance. It need to be kept heated to prevent cracking. It going to cost them over a million dollars to heat and maintain it. It will be taken apart by hand from the top .the job will be extremely difficult to do.
Wow awesome history, That is and was amazing. Sad to hear it's gotta go but hey it's for a good cause. I wish our government cared about our habitat and emissions !
The change in how they do things in definitely a must and a go, it’s the idea of keeping the shell of the Superstack up as a non functioning piece of our community’s history. Thanks for watching brother! Doug
Love it or hate it, it's part of history and it's a landmark, which is part of the landscape. I would love to climb up that ladder, what a view you would get from the top. It would be a shame to see it torn down, cheers Alan
That smokestack is mighty impressive! It is also the tallest smokestack in North America and the second tallest smokestack in the world. We have the third tallest smokestack in the world right here in the United States, namely in Homer City, PA. Greetings from Washington State. 🙂
These smokestacks are so interesting from an engineering perspective. I’ve been to Pennsylvania several times but I’ve yet to make it to the lovely Washington State…on the bucket list. Thanks so much for watching! Doug
It is to bad that they do not leave it standing as a memorial, a tribute to the rejuvenation of the environment, as that was the catalyst by which this stack was built, The devastation incurred prior to it's construction was astronomical. It is also good to hear that the two new stacks being built will be even more friendly to the environment and all those who live in or near their shadow. I suppose that in reality leaving it would prove to costly but it would be interesting if other uses could be found for that stack that would make it a viable cost to maintain. Great video Doug.
Thanks so much my friend! What you’re suggesting would be the perfect scenario but Vale has told us the community wants the Superstack gone, even with the fact vast improvements have been made building the other stacks...I’m not so sure that’s what the community really wants. Ultimately Vale owns it and would have to pay the bill to upkeep it the shell so it’s their call. Appreciate you watching! Doug
The removal of monolithic land marks is an emotive subject. I was a coalminer and when the pits in Kent closed they took down the headgear and some of the buildings quite quickly ( for safety, I suppose: someone would be bound to climb them ). At Snowdown, where I worked, the rest of the buildings were left, but with no maintenance they fell into ruin from vandalism and nature's return. The other two colliery sites were redeveloped and the land is much better for it. Also a power station at Richborough was demolished and the site cleared. It too looks much better too. If the stack was left up I expect there would be a lot of problems locally over time concerning the future care of it. Amazing as this edifice is, it could well end up casting a very long shadow over the community ( no pun intended ). It will be interesting to see what happens in the future. Atb.
Well said Dale and great examples of what you’ve seen and experienced in the United Kingdom. I don’t believe there is any chance they will keep it up for the exact reasons you’ve eluded to. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts Dale! Thanks for watching my friend! Doug
Mixed emotions I am sure but for me just sadness as history continues to be thrown to the wayside and considered useless no matter how vital it was during it's functioning period and felt needed to be trashed so to speak. I did enjoy the information you shared here Doug. Thanks
I completely understand what you’re saying my friend. History is easily thrown away unfortunately. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! Doug
Yes I agree. There is some chatter that it will not be taken down due to the high cost and the company experiences some financial issues worldwide. Thanks for watching Kelly! Doug
Everything got green around that area after they put that stack up. But acid fallout from sulphur dioxide was killing these surrounding lakes. So the pollution just got diverted somewhere else. Like the French River area
That stack is impressive!! I can imagine it would cost a fortune to maintain and insure. I guess it will cost a slightly smaller fortune to tear it down.
No there is not. There is actually a ladder on the inside of the outer wall. There is an inner tube which the discharge comes out. Thanks so much for watching!! Doug
Now that's an impressive chimney. It would be cool if they could preserve it for historical reasons, but it sounds like its fate has already been determined..
I work for the company that owns it.. they told us it coming down for Shure 100%. Once it's not used it will cost over a million dollars a year to keep heated and maintained. So down it comes..
Drop a kangaroo crane onto the stack with a helicopter supported by a ring that goes over the outside of the stack (it's not cylindrical, so the kangaroo crane will remain at a fixed height) and then just start taking blocks off from top to bottom. The ring can be expanded bit by bit so the kangaroo crane drops slowly to the bottom as blocks are removed.
Sounds like a good plan except the stack is made poured concrete with 937 tonnes of reinforced steel buried inside it along with a stainless steel liner. So there are no blocks to remove. Taking it down will have to be some type of elaborate demolition project. Appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts! Doug
How would they get up to that platform? There's no visible ladder on the outside and the chimney is emitting smoke. So even if there is an internal ladder (not even sure if there is..?) it surely wouldn't be usable when the chimney is operating.
Thanks for watching Troy! There is an internal ladder from bottom to top connected to the outer shell inside wall with rest platforms for maintenance. The chimney has an internal steel flue system to carry gases out of it into the atmosphere. The Superstack was decommissioned in 2018 and was last used October 30, 2020.
I remember seeing that eye-sore every year, driving up north for our annual fishing and hunting trips. Definitely an engineering feat...but an ugly one at that. Thumbs up dude!
I think it should stand and be maintained as a monument to local, provincial, and Canadian history. But that's just the opinion of a non-Canadian. I think too many iconic landmarks around the world are torn down each year because someone disagrees with or is offended by the reason they were built, or what they memorialized hack in their day. But history can't be erased simply by removing a rock, or statue, or even a tall chimney. There - that's the opinion of a non-Canadian. Cheers to you, brother. Stay safe out there.
I believe it’s much cheaper for Vale to maintain the Superstack rather than take it down. So it remains part of our skyline for the foreseeable future. Appreciate you watching. Doug
I'll take it down with a hammer and bolster at a dollar a foot.........ok, maybe not I really don't fancy that job! Interesting video, I live and learn everyday :)
WOW! Doug what an amazing chimney, I’m just thinking what a brilliant climbing wall it would make with bolt on fixed holds. Let’s keep the Superstack and use it for the benefit of Youngsters to safely climb an amazing structure. Or am I being a bit too ambitious?
Interesting idea Ron. There are various reasons why they probably wouldn’t with the one of the biggest being it’s located right in the middle of the smelter plant which is 100% operational. Thanks for watching! Doug
Definitely a bittersweet situation brother. Be cool if they could maintain the empty shell and leave it up as a historical landmark. Thanks for watching my friend! Doug
well you say it was built in 1970, well i have a paper here saying they replace the top 15 ft of the stack 1962, Inco triangle news paper October 1962 page 13, and i have the complete page of this article my Father-in-law was part of that crew. Also states last work of any consequence on this stack was in 1949.
That article refers to the Copper Cliff smelter’s 500 foot Nickel Stack built of brick, not the Superstack. The Superstack’s construction started in 1970 and was completed in 1972. It is 1250 feet tall. Thanks for watching! Doug
it's too bad the newer technology doesn't looks as impressive as the SuperStack. Things like that are pretty odd.. man made, kinda industrial ugly, but still impressive and becomes an icon like you say.. that's one that really depends on your perspective as to whether it is art or junk... I'm generally for taking down man made objects that impede natural views, but also very glad you and others will have good video footage of this historical monolith. I could see trying to preserve it as art after it was shut down, but it probably became a cost/liability issue more than anything else... that's too bad/
It's the same thing as in Flin Flon Manitoba with their stack. There is talk of taking it down. It is no longer operational but I will always remember going to Flin Flon as a kid and always remembering Flin Flon for their stack. Its only 825 feet tall so it's not nearly as big as the superstack but I would be sad to see it go.
Whether you agree or disagree as to why these stacks were being used it’s hard to deny their physical uniqueness. They become symbols in our community. Appreciate you watching Brother! 👍🏻👊🏻
As a Supervisor and workermaintaining the Superstack, Four Jet natural gas burners 24/7 365 full bore. The gas consumption is so huge just to keep the stainless steel liner from corrosion, not the cement. The cement is failing and no one is allowed the perimeter as chunks keep falling. FYI
Thanks Tim for providing some insight into where things currently stand in regards to the Superstack. It will be interesting to see how long this regular maintenance will remain safe & cost effective versus disassembly of the Superstack. Thanks for watching! Doug
i have not been to Sudbury in over a year now is the superstack still up?
@@you_want_some_gamer8553 Yes it is
Anyone have the latest word on the demolition schedule? Or at least how they plan to take it down?
@@rockets4kids They is contractors picking at it, there's alot of disassembly to do just in pipes, trestles and other infrastructure that is part of it and thats what they're are working on at the moment. It's probably gonna be years before they get to disassembling the concrete. I asked a guy at the smelter what the plan is and he said he heard it would be a excavator type of machine on a track that will pick at it from the top down and send the chuncks into the center of the stack
That's my father, Aarne Kovala, sitting on the Superstack with Copper Cliff far below. He was one of the foremen on the job and built chimneys across Canada and in States. One of my favourite photographs.
Hi Liisa! Your father is as iconic as the Superstack itself in my opinion. I had to have his picture in my video as I’ve seen it many times and for the community it represents the amazing brave men who built this engineering marvel. Thank you for sharing a little bit more about your father and his amazing career! I really appreciate you taking the time to watch. Doug
Fascinating information on the super stack an amazing looking chimney. Very enjoyable film. Many thanks.
Thanks so much! I’m happy you enjoyed it! Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
Hi my friend! Awesome video! Thanks for sharing and stay Blessed!
Thanks brother! Appreciate you watching! Doug
What an amazing structure. Everything has its time. It's a shame really. Thanks for telling us all the history of it. That's a very interesting place you live Doug it's important you continue to share it with us.
Thanks so much Ed! I agree my friend. I love hearing the history and stories from your area as well. Appreciate you watching brother! Doug
A good video thanks for the history of the Superstack very informative .God bless you..
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
👍🏼 #13..... To think of a structure being built in this magnitude back in 1970 is a big accomplishment, as it took a lot more hands on construction than it would now....
Nice job of covering The Super Stack.....
It was an unheard of accomplishment and has lasted almost 50 years and with some upgrading a few years is standing strong. The men that built this are super impressive in my opinion. Thanks for watching brother! Doug
love the view and the sounds
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching!! Doug
A fascinating engineering feat, no matter the environmental impact...to even conceive such a structure boggles my mind....very cool Doug...Great photo of your Dad Liisa...blessings!...woods
Totally agree with your thoughts Woods! Thanks so much for watching brother! Doug
I lived in Copper Cliff when I was a kid and watched the superstack being built, pretty cool. There was a group of workers at the top of it when a F3 tornado struck Copper Cliff during its construction. Aug 20'70. I slept though it lol! But I can only imagine what that was like at 1250' swaying about.
Must have been really interesting watching it be built Mikey. If you have time give my video on the tornado a watch ruclips.net/video/pRjWvVKrIyI/видео.html
Thanks for this interesting piece of Canadian history. Well done!
Thanks Don! Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
Leave it alone!! What an icon!
Thanks for watching! Doug
Well done presentation !!
Thanks so much!! Appreciate you watching!! Doug
What an amazing story Doug, thanks for sharing this
Thanks John! Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
Taking this down will be a big job. Thank you for the history lesson, Doug
It sure is going to be interesting to see this happen regardless of your feelings as to whether or not it should be taken down. Thanks for watching brother! Doug
Wow thank you for the history of the superstack. These are what affected the Adirondack mountains causing acid rain, leading to a massive die off of trout species. Nice job on this video brotha.
Oh man yes! Unfortunately we shared our pollution with many places. We suffered from serious acid rain for many decades. Thankfully measures over the last 15 years or so huge advances have been made to eliminate acid rain. Thanks for watching brother!! Doug
I drove by that so many times and can't imagine how they are going to take it down without explosives . Look forward to seeing that done. Awesome vid Doug
It’s going to be interesting to see how they handle this situation Buddy! Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
They won't its more expensive to take it down then to keep it up
Awesome video Doug and very well put together brother!! Sad to hear that the stack will come down tho. Thanks for the share brother!! Dan
Thanks so much Dan!! Appreciate you watching brother! Doug
My mother was born and raised 300 meters from the base of the Stack in Little Italy. I will always remember visiting my Noni and looking up at that thing. It will be a sad day for me when it comes down.
I don’t blame you for feeling that way considering what feelings and memories it’s associated with for you. I will feel the same way if and when it comes down. Thanks so much for watching! Doug
Great Piece and quite accurate
Many thanks!
Very interesting, thank you.
Thank you for watching my friend!! Doug
It's amazing what we could do and can do! Keep up the good work my friend cheers Nathan
Thanks so much for watching brother! Doug
As a member of the energy industry myself, I found this really informational, interesting and cool man
Thanks brother! I’m glad you enjoyed it my friend! Doug
Interesting Knowledge
Thanks for watching my friend! Appreciate it!! Doug
Always a great history lesson Doug.
Thanks Art!! Lots of interesting stories here as you know brother 🇨🇦. Appreciate you watching! Doug
Great film Doug 👍
I grew up under smelter stacks in mining towns of New Mexico and briefly worked directly under them pouring concrete. Very impressive
Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much brother! Appreciate you saying so! Interesting that you grew in a similar place as myself. Doug
I had forgotten about the big stacks there. Great bit of yours, and Canada's history my friend. I do remember the surrounding area when it looked like the moon before the massive reforesting in the entire area. Great vid fella !
Yes things have really changed here but some iconic symbols from the past still exist...for now. Thanks for watching Dean! Appreciate it brother!! Doug
Just found your channel from a Steve Rob recommendation. Pretty interesting video on the Super Stack. Thanks for sharing and well done to!!!
Thanks so much! I appreciate your support and you have mine now too!! Appreciate you watching! Doug
Awesome vid Doug. I say let it stand.
Thanks so much!! Unfortunately the community has no say in this one and they are taking it down. Appreciate you watching brother! Doug
@@PinetreeLine well put together...held my attention til the end. Great job!
Thanks Brother means a lot you saying so!!
Great video Doug. That is one huge chimney. Could be sad and good for it's removal.
It’s definitely a bittersweet situation Tracy. I’ve not known a time where the super stack wasn’t part of my skyline. Appreciate you watching brother!! Doug
nice and interesting video
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching! Doug
Another great video Doug. This is a very impressive feat of engineering, especially considering how long it has been there. Thank you for provide your good information about the Superstack and its history.
It is an iconic part of our city Dave and definitely an impressive feat of engineering. Thanks for watching brother! Doug
Thank you for making this video
Now planning a visit to the area to see this iconic structure before it’s gone forever 😢
never used again
It’s a wonder to stand in awe of its existence…
Thanks so much Barbara! The Superstack is an iconic structure and it will be missed. Doug
Good Video, Let's hope they keep it bcz it's part Sudbury history
Thanks so much Derek!! I agree with you and recently I heard from someone on the ‘inside’ that they aren’t taking it down...too costly. Let’s hope that information is correct. Thanks for taking the time to watch. Doug
Your filming, editing, and video skills are FIRE!
Thanks brother I appreciate you saying so!! Appreciate you watching! Doug
Informative as ever!
Thanks so much my friend! Appreciate you watching! Doug
great to see some of your history over there buddy. Are you going to take a trip to the fort Martello tower in Kingston? im still amazed that Canada has Martello towers
I’ve actually been there but it was a few years ago pre-youtube for me. They were very cool! I may go back as I have friends who live in Kingston and it’s not that far away from me. Thanks for watching Andy!! Doug
Ty for the share there is
Thanks Brother! Appreciate you taking the time to watch!! Doug
Watching this omw to work. 😁😁
Enjoyed this video greatly. Didn’t know any of it’s history. Remember the bad days though when it was hard to breath at times. Although it will be missed as part of the Sudbury skyline.
Thanks so much Bryan! There were many more bad days prior to it being built but still depending which way the wind was blowing it would be bad. Appreciate you watching brother!! Doug
Dang you know your home town better than me. I don't know that much about my town. Great video Doug. Have a great week. - Josh
Thanks so much Josh! There are interesting stories in every town. Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
Hello Doug it's great that Canada is heading in the right direction in lowering Greenhouse gas emissions,
only wish your closest neighbours would follow suit,
we are also doing the same,
hopefully we can achieve our emissions target's by 2022,
our main concern is electrical power stations, being fired by coal, at the moment we are building thousands of wind turbines, what the cost of that is no one knows, I'm sure we will be paying more for our supply LOL. ATB jim .
It certainly appears our government is taking reducing green house emissions seriously by forcing companies to clean up their act. Lots of wind turbines starting to pop around here as well. Appreciate you watching and your comments Jim!! Doug
Very impressive stack. The demolition will be as fun to watch as the construction must have been. Coincidentally, Doug, the ASARCO smokestack here in Texas at El Paso was the tallest in the world when it was built in 1967 ... until the Inco Superstack was completed. The ASARCO stacks were demolished in 2013. Thanks for sharing buddy.
Wow Don that’s interesting that our smokestack displaced yours being the tallest as ours was displayed in 1987. Interesting information brother! Thanks for sharing with us! Doug
The SMPTE Journal in 1976 had an article about the plotting of smoke dispersion and the creation of double smoke coils using the most modern Remote Sensing technology at that time.
Thanks for the information Geoffrey. I appreciate sharing your knowledge with us. 👍🏻👊🏻
the superstack, sharing polution to the rest of the world!! lol. My whole career has been based on the mines so i can't really say much about the plant and stack.
Thanks for sharing a little bit of info on the stack. Never knew how tall it was.
Well Adam the government forced them to stop sharing the pollution so that’s definitely a step in the right direction lol. Thanks for watching my friend! Doug
by august 2023 it is still standing
Sure is! Thanks so much for watching! Doug
Awesome video as always,nicely done!Sorry they are taking it down
Thanks brother! Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
There used to be a tower very similar to that , looked almost identical to it in Widnes a town a few miles from where I live, wasn't as big as that thing though, I remember that coming down too, that's a huge chimney, 👍
This one is unbelievably big and tall. Incredible how they built this thing almost 50 years ago. Thanks for watching Gaz! Doug
I was recently in Copper Cliff visiting my neice who lives on a street with a perfect view of the stack, still standing high above Sudbury. My entire childhood the super stack had always been a landmark, I now live in Toronto, its going to be a sad day for me when I return home for visits and the stack will be gone, my entire life I never knew a Sudbury without it.
I feel the exact same way as you do. So far it’s cheaper to maintain it than take it down….thankfully. I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Doug 👍🏻😊
my late father was superintedent for dominion bridge , on this stack.in charge of the ironworkers.
Danny, your father was part of a great piece of history and engineering feat. One can only hope the Superstack stays up as long as possible. Appreciate you watching! Doug
Amazing video doug mate 👍😀.. Totally Awesome soundtrack bro and history i would say its going to be a shame if it goes
Thanks so much Derek! Appreciate you watching brother! Doug
no probs its a pleasure watching the videos bro 👍
I work for vale. We were told it going to come down for Shure due to the cost of maintenance. It need to be kept heated to prevent cracking. It going to cost them over a million dollars to heat and maintain it. It will be taken apart by hand from the top .the job will be extremely difficult to do.
There’s no doubt it’s coming down. Thanks for sharing your insight into what’s being told to Vale employees. Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
Cool
Thanks Rylan! Doug
Wow awesome history, That is and was amazing. Sad to hear it's gotta go but hey it's for a good cause. I wish our government cared about our habitat and emissions !
The change in how they do things in definitely a must and a go, it’s the idea of keeping the shell of the Superstack up as a non functioning piece of our community’s history. Thanks for watching brother! Doug
Love it or hate it, it's part of history and it's a landmark, which is part of the landscape. I would love to climb up that ladder, what a view you would get from the top. It would be a shame to see it torn down, cheers Alan
Well said Alan! I feel the exact same way my friend! Doug
Pretty cool information and as a fellow Canadian it is sad to see it is going to be taken down.
It is sad such an engineering marvel has to be taken down. Thanks for watching my friend 🇨🇦. Doug
That smokestack is mighty impressive! It is also the tallest smokestack in North America and the second tallest smokestack in the world. We have the third tallest smokestack in the world right here in the United States, namely in Homer City, PA.
Greetings from Washington State. 🙂
These smokestacks are so interesting from an engineering perspective. I’ve been to Pennsylvania several times but I’ve yet to make it to the lovely Washington State…on the bucket list. Thanks so much for watching! Doug
It is to bad that they do not leave it standing as a memorial, a tribute to the rejuvenation of the environment, as that was the catalyst by which this stack was built, The devastation incurred prior to it's construction was astronomical. It is also good to hear that the two new stacks being built will be even more friendly to the environment and all those who live in or near their shadow. I suppose that in reality leaving it would prove to costly but it would be interesting if other uses could be found for that stack that would make it a viable cost to maintain. Great video Doug.
Thanks so much my friend! What you’re suggesting would be the perfect scenario but Vale has told us the community wants the Superstack gone, even with the fact vast improvements have been made building the other stacks...I’m not so sure that’s what the community really wants. Ultimately Vale owns it and would have to pay the bill to upkeep it the shell so it’s their call. Appreciate you watching! Doug
The removal of monolithic land marks is an emotive subject. I was a coalminer and when the pits in Kent closed they took down the headgear and some of the buildings quite quickly ( for safety, I suppose: someone would be bound to climb them ). At Snowdown, where I worked, the rest of the buildings were left, but with no maintenance they fell into ruin from vandalism and nature's return. The other two colliery sites were redeveloped and the land is much better for it. Also a power station at Richborough was demolished and the site cleared. It too looks much better too. If the stack was left up I expect there would be a lot of problems locally over time concerning the future care of it. Amazing as this edifice is, it could well end up casting a very long shadow over the community ( no pun intended ). It will be interesting to see what happens in the future. Atb.
Well said Dale and great examples of what you’ve seen and experienced in the United Kingdom. I don’t believe there is any chance they will keep it up for the exact reasons you’ve eluded to. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts Dale! Thanks for watching my friend! Doug
Mixed emotions I am sure but for me just sadness as history continues to be thrown to the wayside and considered useless no matter how vital it was during it's functioning period and felt needed to be trashed so to speak. I did enjoy the information you shared here Doug. Thanks
I completely understand what you’re saying my friend. History is easily thrown away unfortunately. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! Doug
I'm curious to know what other reasons they're using it for inner Earth entrance?
You never know! Thanks for watching! Doug
What severely hard work gone down the drain
Yes I agree. There is some chatter that it will not be taken down due to the high cost and the company experiences some financial issues worldwide. Thanks for watching Kelly! Doug
Everything got green around that area after they put that stack up. But acid fallout from sulphur dioxide was killing these surrounding lakes. So the pollution just got diverted somewhere else. Like the French River area
Yes you’re right all it did was spread the pollution around as it took it away from the immediate area to some extent. Thanks for watching. Doug
That stack is impressive!! I can imagine it would cost a fortune to maintain and insure. I guess it will cost a slightly smaller fortune to tear it down.
It sure looks like that’s definitely a motivation to just take it down. Thanks for watching brother! Doug
is there a ladder on the outside
No there is not. There is actually a ladder on the inside of the outer wall. There is an inner tube which the discharge comes out. Thanks so much for watching!! Doug
Now that's an impressive chimney. It would be cool if they could preserve it for historical reasons, but it sounds like its fate has already been determined..
I agree that it would be cool if they could keep our City’s history around but it’s not looking good at all. Thanks for watching Francis! Doug
I work for the company that owns it.. they told us it coming down for Shure 100%. Once it's not used it will cost over a million dollars a year to keep heated and maintained. So down it comes..
Drop a kangaroo crane onto the stack with a helicopter supported by a ring that goes over the outside of the stack (it's not cylindrical, so the kangaroo crane will remain at a fixed height) and then just start taking blocks off from top to bottom. The ring can be expanded bit by bit so the kangaroo crane drops slowly to the bottom as blocks are removed.
Sounds like a good plan except the stack is made poured concrete with 937 tonnes of reinforced steel buried inside it along with a stainless steel liner. So there are no blocks to remove. Taking it down will have to be some type of elaborate demolition project. Appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts! Doug
How would they get up to that platform? There's no visible ladder on the outside and the chimney is emitting smoke. So even if there is an internal ladder (not even sure if there is..?) it surely wouldn't be usable when the chimney is operating.
Thanks for watching Troy! There is an internal ladder from bottom to top connected to the outer shell inside wall with rest platforms for maintenance. The chimney has an internal steel flue system to carry gases out of it into the atmosphere. The Superstack was decommissioned in 2018 and was last used October 30, 2020.
Wow... That's a tall chimney! Better technology makes yesterdays solutions obsolete, but it's History too, so why not keep it there?
Yep I agree brother but the company that owns it doesn’t want to pay for upkeep. Thanks so much for watching my friend! Doug
Fun fact: this superstack is almost as tall as the CN Tower.
I remember seeing that eye-sore every year, driving up north for our annual fishing and hunting trips. Definitely an engineering feat...but an ugly one at that. Thumbs up dude!
The ugly kind of grows on you brother 😂 Appreciate you taking the time to watch my friend! Doug
@@PinetreeLine yep...the ugly grew on me for sure...see it everyday when I shave, lmao! Thanks for the email brother!
😂 good one! No brother thank you for your email. Be well my friend! Doug
@@PinetreeLine They need to make iot like the washington monument so people could go up to the observation deck.
I knew a guy who installed the lights on the super stack. He was murdered by pirates in the bahamas. Life is strange.
That is crazy! Thanks for sharing with Thom. Appreciate you watching! Doug
I think it should stand and be maintained as a monument to local, provincial, and Canadian history. But that's just the opinion of a non-Canadian. I think too many iconic landmarks around the world are torn down each year because someone disagrees with or is offended by the reason they were built, or what they memorialized hack in their day. But history can't be erased simply by removing a rock, or statue, or even a tall chimney. There - that's the opinion of a non-Canadian. Cheers to you, brother. Stay safe out there.
Well said brother!! History will remain no matter what. Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
who else was driviong into sudbury bout 20 minutes away and saw a smoking pencil sticking straight up into the stratosphere
My Dad was hired from Montreal to be the Cost Controller of the Stack.
That’s awesome Jim! Appreciate you sharing that with us. Doug
The good thing is, it's stil there, and now is 2021
I believe it’s much cheaper for Vale to maintain the Superstack rather than take it down. So it remains part of our skyline for the foreseeable future. Appreciate you watching. Doug
I'll take it down with a hammer and bolster at a dollar a foot.........ok, maybe not I really don't fancy that job! Interesting video, I live and learn everyday :)
Lol..I wouldn’t fancy that job either Si! I’m glad a taught you a little something today brother!! Thanks for watching! Doug
ruclips.net/video/tBQrcKF5_rA/видео.html
Great watch!
That Texas hat is dope as fuck
WOW! Doug what an amazing chimney, I’m just thinking what a brilliant climbing wall it would make with bolt on fixed holds. Let’s keep the Superstack and use it for the benefit of Youngsters to safely climb an amazing structure. Or am I being a bit too ambitious?
Nice try Mike but ya that idea won’t fly to keep those pesky kids that are always bugging you away 😂. Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
Watched it being built in early 1970s.
Very cool. Thanks for watching! Doug
Another fantastic video!!
(It would be a shame if the decided to demolish)
Thanks so much Dee! I definitely agree with you! Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
Man that stack is huge.. and very cool great historical lesson right there. If it's not showing its age why bother taking it down.
Thanks Spongie! Appreciate you watching brother! Doug
Why dont the convert it to make it like the washington monument so people could gp up as a lookout?
Interesting idea Ron. There are various reasons why they probably wouldn’t with the one of the biggest being it’s located right in the middle of the smelter plant which is 100% operational. Thanks for watching! Doug
Nice video Like 69
Thank you!! Doug
Always sad to see pieces of history being tore down.
Definitely a bittersweet situation brother. Be cool if they could maintain the empty shell and leave it up as a historical landmark. Thanks for watching my friend! Doug
well you say it was built in 1970, well i have a paper here saying they replace the top 15 ft of the stack 1962, Inco triangle news paper October 1962 page 13, and i have the complete page of this article my Father-in-law was part of that crew. Also states last work of any consequence on this stack was in 1949.
That article refers to the Copper Cliff smelter’s 500 foot Nickel Stack built of brick, not the Superstack. The Superstack’s construction started in 1970 and was completed in 1972. It is 1250 feet tall. Thanks for watching! Doug
I really try to imagine how tall this looks in real life. In video it seems like it's only 100 meters tall
Imagine a 125 storey building and there you go!! Appreciate you watching!! Doug
Thank you canada is beautiful
Like Dylan said... "The times, they are a changin".
Oh they sure are brother! Thanks for watching Brandon! Appreciate it my friend! Doug
it's too bad the newer technology doesn't looks as impressive as the SuperStack. Things like that are pretty odd.. man made, kinda industrial ugly, but still impressive and becomes an icon like you say.. that's one that really depends on your perspective as to whether it is art or junk... I'm generally for taking down man made objects that impede natural views, but also very glad you and others will have good video footage of this historical monolith. I could see trying to preserve it as art after it was shut down, but it probably became a cost/liability issue more than anything else... that's too bad/
Very well said brother! You hit all the points right there! Appreciate you watching my friend! Doug
dam its not right to take it down its history
It’s definitely a big part of our history. Thanks for watching Debbie! Doug
They shouldn't have torn it down they Should have left it alone liberal Politics
Hideously heinous.
Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment Allan. Doug
It's the same thing as in Flin Flon Manitoba with their stack. There is talk of taking it down. It is no longer operational but I will always remember going to Flin Flon as a kid and always remembering Flin Flon for their stack. Its only 825 feet tall so it's not nearly as big as the superstack but I would be sad to see it go.
Whether you agree or disagree as to why these stacks were being used it’s hard to deny their physical uniqueness. They become symbols in our community. Appreciate you watching Brother! 👍🏻👊🏻