HOWELL – A project is being planned to install new water mains and have water run more efficiently through Howell and Lakewood.
During a recent meeting of the Howell Township Council, New Jersey American Water representatives Maggie Wellins and Jill Marie explained the project.
The project will see approximately 34,000 linear feet of water transmission mains run through Howell and Lakewood. The project is expected to increase the capacity of water distribution, increase fire protection, improve system reliability and support future growth, according to the presentation.
A route analysis was completed by New Jersey American Water in coordination with local, county and state agencies. The proposed route will avoid impacting historic and environmental resources to the greatest extent possible and use roads with ample space to install and maintain the water main, according to the presentation.
As part of the project, a permanent easement of less than a half-acre is expected to be granted at Alfred C. Sauer Park at Echo Lake on Maxim-Southard Road in Howell. The property is owned by the township. The easement proposed for the transmission main is 20 feet wide and 1,000 feet long, according to the presentation. No permanent changes to the surface of the park are proposed and no tree removal is required.
A proposed diversion on township property is at the northern edge of land behind the recycling center at the Howell Department of Public Works facility on Old Tavern Road. The total area of the permanent easement is 0.12 acres. The easement proposed for the transmission main is 20 feet wide and approximately 250 feet long.
A proposed diversion on Monmouth County property is just south of Howell Park Golf Course on Squankum-Yellowbrook Road. The presentation indicated there will be no impact to the golf course and no disruption of play. The total area of the permanent easement is 0.25 acres. The easement proposed for the transmission main is 20 feet wide and approximately 550 feet long.
Information presented to the council indicated that while about 120 trees will be removed during the project, several thousand trees will be planted to replace the trees that are lost.
If trees cannot be replaced in exactly the same location from which they are removed, they will be planted in other appropriate locations, according to municipal officials.
Officials said compensation may be paid for land that is granted as an easement.
Adam Kane, a project manager with New Jersey American Water, said funding for the project will come from the company’s capital budget.
A resolution regarding the project is expected to be voted on by the Howell council at a future meeting.
