Demolition starts on tank farm at ex-Navy base in North Charleston

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A nearly century-old cluster of tall fuel tanks are coming down at the former Navy Base in North Charleston.

Demolition of the massive metal, concrete and brick structures starts this week, one of the largest developments in the plans to redevelop the shuttered base and transform part of it into the new intermodal rail yard.

"The tank demolition is something that needs to occur and it shows some progression with respect of the redevelopment of that tract of property," said Jeff McWhorter, president and CEO of Palmetto Railways.

"They're somewhat iconic because they've been around since the '20s and '30s, but it will go a long way in cleaning up of the old Navy base."

Palmetto Railways, a division of the S.C. Department of Commerce, plans to construct a 90-acre yard, known as the Navy Base Intermodal Facility. The $180 million project will allow shipping containers to be transferred between trucks and trains. The project coincides with the State Ports Authority's plans to build a new container port nearby. Both projects are anticipated to be completed by 2018.

The eight tanks at the Navy base were used to store fuel and water, but have not been used in decades, officials said.

One tank on the base was the scene of a fire in October 1985.

George W. Cherry, 29, a flying instructor who was wanted for military desertion and for the murder of his wife, died when the twin-engine plane he was flying crashed into the side of an empty fuel tank. Officials have said that damaged tank was later demolished.

The demolition of the eight tanks on the property will take up to three months and include equipment like an excavator with a metal sheer cutter, according to Tarek Ravenel.

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Demolition starts on tank farm at ex-Navy base in North Charleston