MARTIN TOWER IMPLOSION
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is the process of demolition by explosives/implosion?
The basic premise of explosives demolition is to isolate the key structural supporting elements of the structure
(in this case, structural steel columns) and eliminate them sequentially with explosives charges so the weight
and construction of the structure can be dynamically controlled with differential velocity to insure that the
resultant debris falls in a predetermined area.
2) What regulations are in place to secure public safety?
The explosives and demolition industry have regulations in place at local, state and federal levels to ensure
public safety. Adherence to the regulations is overseen by, and has been coordinated through, the project
team including: ATF, FAA, Pennsylvania DEP, Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem Fire Department,
Bethlehem Office of the Fire Marshal, Emergency Medical Services, Bethlehem Emergency Management,
Lehigh County Emergency Management, Northampton County Emergency Management, Northampton County
911 Center, Bethlehem Service Center and Lehigh Valley International Airport.
3) What has been done to prepare for the demolition and environmental remediation?
All interior demolition was completed and all controlled and hazardous materials (including asbestos) were
removed from the building, as required by law, prior to the final demolition permit being issued. Completion
of interior demolition (i.e. walls, ceiling, carpeting, doors, etc.) prior to implosion results in less dust being
created during the implosion activities.
4) Will air quality be monitored before, during and after demolition?
Yes. An independent 3rd party firm is conducting particulate and asbestos air quality monitoring before, during
and after the implosion activities.
5) What measures will be taken for dust control?
Multiple water spray and misting devices will be utilized prior to and during the implosion activities.
6) Are there any precautions residents should take related to dust? Should residents stay indoors during the
implosion and if so, for how long?
Dust is an unpreventable byproduct of all types of demolition. With a wrecking ball or high-reach excavator,
the building is slowly broken up releasing dust over a lengthy period of time. With implosion, the same overall
quantity of dust is released in a matter of seconds, and may linger in the general area for 4 to 6 minutes before
crews begin cleanup of same from streets and sidewalks. Depending on wind speed and direction on the day
of the implosion, the dust may or may not reach your properties. As a precautionary measure, we recommend
that you see that all windows, doors and air intakes are closed, and cover any other openings that might allow
dust to enter your apartment, house or building. We also recommend that you turn off all exhaust fans before
or at the time of the implosion as these might draw air in to your building through cracks in walls and windows.
If you find dust uncomfortable or irritating, or if you have any respiratory conditions that would be aggravated
by dust, please stay indoors during the demolition.
7) What is the anticipated size of the debris field?
The building will incline slightly to the southeast, then fall straight down. Most of the debris from the implosion
will come to rest within the footprint of the existing building, or slightly out of the footprint to southeast
(toward the center of the 53 acre property).
8) How will the restricted area by cleared and secured?
Bethlehem Police Department with clear the area prior to implosion activities using various methods including
foot patrols, motorcycle patrols and marked control units. Lehigh County Emergency Management will be
utilizing drones with infrared capabilities to survey the restricted area.

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 9) Can I fly my drone?
No. A temporary flight restriction with a one-half mile radius and 2,500 foot ceiling has been granted by the
FAA on May 19th from 6:00am to 8:00am. During the temporary flight restriction, no aircraft (including drones)
will be permitted within the restricted area.
10) What is possibility of utility service interruption (water, gas, electric)?
There is no anticipated interruption of utility service. However, as a precaution, representatives from the City
Water Department, UGI and PPL will be on site before, during and after the implosion activities.
11) What is the timeframe for the implosion activities?
• 5:00am Bethlehem Police will close Eighth Avenue from Union Boulevard to Bradford Street.
• 5:00am Bethlehem Police will close Eaton Avenue from Elizabeth Avenue to Ralston Road.
• 5:00am Bethlehem Police will close Route 378 North and South Exit Ramps at Eighth Avenue.
• 6:00am the Exclusion Zone surrounding the site will be closed to the public. Details on the limits on
the exclusion zone will provide at later date.
• 6:30am Bethlehem Police will begin closing Route 378 from Catasauqua Road to the Main Street Ramp.
• 7:00am approximately, as safety and preparations permit, Martin Tower will be demolished by
implosion.
• 7:10am an assessment will be made by members of the project team to determine any clean up
activities prior to opening any roadways. Any unaffected roadways will be reopened after inspection
by Bethlehem Police Department.
• It is estimated that by mid-morning all public rights of way will be open and the exclusion zone lifted.

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