Construction crews are currently demolishing facilities no longer needed on post and will recycle and reuse the leftover materials for future projects, according to the Directorate of Public Works.
A contracting company began razing the old buildings Feb. 1 and the projects should be complete by the end of March.
The facilities slated for destruction include the Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas station on 12th street, a warehouse on Gunston Road and the former Prime Power Engineering School on the corner of Pohick and Theote Roads.
DPW will collect salvageable concrete and metal to use for projects such as asphalt paving, pipe installation and parking lot installation, according to Carl Crump, DPW construction inspection estimator.
"We reuse here at Fort Belvoir. We don't send useable materials to landfills," Crump said. "This practice prevents landfills from filling up and it's less expensive for the government."
The reason behind each facility's end varies.
The old AAFES gas station was replaced by a gas station on the corner of Pohick and Gunston roads. The garrison hasn't used the warehouse since strong winds tore a portion of the roof off during the "Derecho" storm in July 2012. The 249th Engineer Battalion once used the prime power engineering school but the unit moved into a different facility on post.
The estimated cost for each demolition project is: $165,000 for the warehouse, $221,000 for the prime power school and $199,000 for the gas station. The current plan is to turn the land into grass areas, but this is subject to change, according to Crump.
"They're going back to nature until a decision is made to put something on those lands," Crump said.
Contractors are sending any potentially salvageable materials to the Fort Belvoir Recycling center for processing.
One item that won't be salvaged, at least at this time, lies under the old gas station. The gas tanks beneath the concrete will not be removed by contractors. Ben Wallen, DPW environmental protection specialist, said construction crews will eventually remove the tanks, but no time table is currently set.
A current project making use of the recycled material is taking place on Pole Road, where a construction crew is using recycled concrete to help pave the road.
Crump said reusing material in this manner is cheaper and ultimately better than purchasing new materials.
"They don't waste anything here," Crump said.
Contractors have caution tape and signs near the demolition sites to warn people, Crump said. He advises community members to stay clear of the projects.
"Don't park near the construction and demo areas," Crump said. "Stay outside of the barrier and keep your head up."
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