The South Bay Power Plant is now one step closer to getting dismantled. In a October 25 letter, executives from former plant-operator Dynegy, Inc. agreed to strip the 51-year old plant in two-steps. The first step being demolishing the structure above-ground and then removing the pipes and foundation underground, to a depth of four-feet.

Residents of Chula Vista have wanted to pull the plug on the plant for years. Their wishes were granted in December 2010, when the California Independent System Operator, who oversees power plant operations, ruled that the power produced at the plant was no longer needed.

"Dismantling and demolishing the South Bay Power Plant is a critical step in our plans for the Chula Vista waterfront, which is one of the prime pieces of coastal real estate in all of California," stated Scott Peters, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners, in a Port news release.

Before tearing the plant down, Dynegy will first need to obtain permits from the City of Chula Vista and the California Coastal Commission.

image provided by California Public Utilities Commission website