start today.

And a spokesman for the Bermuda Land Development Company said that the work would release 28 acres of land in St. David's for much-needed light industrial and commercial use.

The first phase of the work involves knocking down three crumbling buildings, removing asbestos, taking down massive fuel tanks and removing contaminated soil.

A spokesman for the Bermuda Land Development Company said: "The Marginal Wharf site preparation represents the company's first investment in returning the former US Naval Air Station to productive use.'' He added: "Marginal Wharf is considered a development priority because of the lack of suitable industrial land in Bermuda and because of its dock facilities, proximity to the Airport, warehouses and cold storage.

"These attributes have attracted the attention of most private sector groups that have expressed interest in the former military base.'' The work will be carried out by Paget firm J.W. Gray and Co., with Correia Construction sub-contracted to carry out demolition work. US firm AST Environmental Inc. of Ohio will remove the fuel tanks.

The BLDC spokesman said the work was expected to take about four months. The contract was awarded last month by competitive tender.