The planned demolition of the empty Pallas Hotel on New Orleans' Canal Street has been postponed after the state Department of Environmental Quality found more hazardous materials inside.

"The inspection of the 60-year-old structure revealed additional amounts of hazardous material, which in the interest of public safety must be removed and abated prior to the implosion," state officials said in a news release.

The demolition originally was scheduled for Nov. 20 but that date was rescheduled to complete the permitting and planning process. A date of Dec. 18 was scheduled but officials said a new demolition date will be scheduled once the hazardous material removal process is complete.