The demolition of a 1 million litre water tower throws up some unique challenges.
How do you take down a rusting, 1.13 million litre capacity water tank that hovers 50 metres above its nearest neighbors, who are only about three metres away?
Very, very carefully, according to Salisbury officials and construction experts tasked with doing exactly that over the next few weeks, as Salisbury replaces its old beach water tank. Part of the landscape since the mid-1950s, the tank stands in the salt marsh just off North End Boulevard smack in the midst of the beach’s congested residential community. Its extreme height and proximity to homes makes the effort challenging all around.
The $3 million project has been in the works since 2003, when an inspection found rusty bolts in its support structure and holes in the tank’s roof, offering contamination possibilities to the drinking water source. After making emergency repairs, officials knew the tank was in dire need of replacement.
Costello Dismantling will be removing the tower over the next four weeks, said project supervisor Tom Berenz. Presently, workmen are suspended in a basket held by a huge crane beside the tower. Their job: cut the tower apart with torches.
“The 50 metre height of this tower and its closeness to the neighboring home makes it a challenge,” Berenz said. “But we’re taking every precaution.”
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