An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Base construction removes hazardous material, saves tax dollars

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron has consolidated its vehicle operations and maintenance sections into one building after the original building was torn down. Before it was vehicle ops, the building housed the 141st Air National Guard Ground Transportation and the 92nd Ground Transportation unit.

“The space will now be utilized as an outdoor parking lot for heavy duty equipment and oversized vehicles,” said Kora Todd, Ahtna Engineering Services field quality control manager.

The building was torn down as part of Fairchild’s goal to remove hazardous materials which could potentially affect Air Force personnel. After the structure was found to have lead paint, asbestos and heavy metal contaminants, it was demolished.

“Hazardous materials are a key factor when deciding if a structure is to be salvaged and renovated or if it will be demolished and a new structure will be built,” Todd said.

The total period of teardown and removal of all debris will take 365 days and includes design, physical and closeout parts, said Master Sgt. Vitaliy Kim, 92nd Contracting Squadron NCO in charge, construction flight.

29 loads of debris have been removed from the site with each load weighing approximately 14,000 pounds. The over-all weight of the ground structure debris weighs between 400,000 to 500,000 pounds.

“Recycled metals will be approximately 10 percent of that total," Todd said.

The tear down should improve mission effectiveness, Kim said.

This building was torn down to reduce facility square footage by 20 percent before 2020, said Wayne Musselwhite, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron chief, construction management.

“The reduction of square footage also reduces utility and maintenance cost, saving tax dollars,” Musselwhite said.