New Town water tower project cleared from further environmental review

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has reviewed the proposed Sand Hill Water Tower Improvements project in New Town under the National Environmental Policy Act and determined it is exempt from further environmental review, according to the Minot Daily News. The project includes upgrades to water storage facilities, booster station pump rehabilitation and water treatment plant pump improvements. The department states the current ground storage reservoir is nearing the end of its useful life, showing external leaks, and the city has received complaints of low water pressure in some areas.

According to the Minot Daily News, the project will replace the existing reservoir with an elevated water tower to address pressure concerns and aging infrastructure. The City of New Town has applied for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to finance the project. The department states the exclusion applies because work will occur on previously disturbed land, and the Three Affiliated Tribes-MHA Nation Tribal Historic Office determined no historic properties will be affected.