Montville ― The Planning and Zoning Commission has unanimously approved plans for a new $2 million water tower to be built at 50 Cook Drive.

Barry Parfitt, an engineer with Wright-Pierce, the firm subcontracted for this project by the town’s Water Pollution Control Authority, provide an overview of the project and answer questions before the authority approved the plans on Nov. 8.

Parfitt said the only other approval still needed for the project is from the state Department of Public Health. The town engineer and building department, the Uncas Health District and Planning Director Liz Burdick all have approved the project.

The project calls for the construction of a 531,200-gallon glass-fused-to-steel water storage tank. It will be built next to the to the existing 590,000-gallon steel tank built in 1999. The existing tank, which also has antenna for the town’s emergency services, will remain until it can be demolished and a dedicated antenna tower and equipment building can be built on the site.

WPCA Superintendent Derek Albertson explained that an engineering report found that it would be more cost efficient to replace the steel tank tower instead of continuing to maintain it. Alberston said the glass-fused-to-steel technology does not require the exterior to be painted, like the current tank, nor does it require the same level of interior cleaning.

The design of the new tank helps keep the water fresh. With the current steel tank, the town has to use robots to get inside the tank to clean and check on its integrity. He added the new tank will have a 30- to 40-year lifespan.

The project was initially approved for a $2 million state grant but that has been cut in half. Albertson explained the town is now applying for the $1 million grant, which it needs to be approved before the town can seek bids for the project.

Albertson said the project could “easily” cost $2 million to complete due to supply-chain issues. He said the WPCA could finance the remaining cost, thanks to its reserve fund, or the town could opt to finance the project using a 20-year loan at 2% interest. He said it is likely the Town Council and WPCA will purse the loan option.

If all goes as planned, he said construction can begin as early as next spring.

“We’re lucky to be considered for the revolving fund (grant) and very fortunate for this technology,” Albertson said.

During the planning process, Albertson said the town talked with the Mohegan tribe about its water tower, which utilizes the same technology. He said the tribe has had no problems in the 14 years it’s tower has been in use.

k.arnold@theday.com