Demolition operations have begun on the dilapidated Silver King Motel at the south end of the Ocean Shores Peninsula.

The work is being done under contract to Quinault Indian Nation, which owns the property and the neighboring Marina and RV Park and campground.

Located at 1070 Discovery Ave., the former 54-unit Silver King has long been an eyesore since it was closed in 2009 and boarded up several years ago.

The job includes asbestos abatement, and will include the removal and disposal of all asbestos-containing materials.

The work officially got under way at noon Monday, with a 12-man crew from IRS Environmental from Hillsboro, OR beginning a two- to three-week “environmental abatement” process, according to crew chief Bob Craft.

Tribal officials have not said what the future of the property will be.

Tom Mail, tribal caretaker for the marina area, said this phase of the project includes asbestos abatement and removal and disposal of all asbestos-containing materials. Craft said he expects by week’s end to have furnishings and other content removed, at which point half his crew will go home. Then comes the asbestos abatement.

Following successful environmental testing, primary demolition will begin, to be performed by Anderson Environmental Contracting of Kelso, WA.