SARTELL — Crews have started demolishing the former Verso Paper mill in Sartell.

Jeff McGlin of AIM Development, which now owns the mill, says workers have started removing buildings on the north side of the site.

McGlin said that over the next month, demolition will move toward the utility plant.

Part of the paper mill was destroyed in an explosion and fire last year. The plant’s former owner decided to shut it down and sold the property.

Last month the city of Sartell issued an interim use permit that allows the demolition to begin.

The company says more than 530,000 square feet of buildings will be removed. The only buildings that will remain are the office building, hydroelectric operations and a warehouse.