CHULA VISTA, Calif. - The South Bay Power Plant's time is almost up. Demolition crews have removed 24,000 tons of recyclable material, as well as material that is harmful to the environment. All that is left is one big implosion.

The plant, which is located on Chula Vista's bayfront, was originally slated for implosion as early as October 2012.

However, cleanup took a bit longer than expected. Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox told 10News it needed to be done correctly because the plant is located so close to sensitive habitats along San Diego Bay.

The power plant first started generating power for Southern California in 1960. It was decommissioned at the end of 2011 after its usefulness ran out.

Its final implosion will mark the end of one era and the beginning of Chula Vista and the Unified Port of San Diego's grand vision: the 550-acre Bayfront Master Plan. That plan includes residential, retail, restaurants, park land, open space, and a hotel/resort and convention center.

"What a way to start out 2013," said Cox. "We're looking forward to it. It's a new beginning for Chula Vista."