GKN Aerospace cleared to install 34-foot argon tank at Lewis Street facility

The Newington Town Plan and Zoning Commission on June 10 approved a site plan and height modification for a roughly 34-foot vertical argon tank at GKN Aerospace’s 179 Lewis Street facility.

Stephen Jenner, speaking for GKN, said the company is insourcing an advanced manufacturing process and needs an on-site supply of argon. Jenner described argon as “a very safe gas. It’s non-reactive, nonflammable inert gas,” and explained the vertical tank was chosen to preserve floor and staging space and to reduce operational risks associated with maneuvering large parts.

The proposed tank will sit about 11 feet from the property line and roughly 81 feet from the building; staff noted the top of the tank would align roughly with adjacent building heights. Paul Dixon said the fire marshal and fire chief had been consulted and staff recommended two conditions: any future modification to the tank’s height or location, and any change to the tank’s contents (type of gas), would require a new application to the planning commission.

Commissioners discussed delivery logistics — Jenner said refilling would use a trailer-mounted tanker (approximately a 4,000-gallon delivery configuration) that would pipe the argon into the site tank — and compared the proposal to similar approved vertical tanks already in town. The commission voted to approve the site plan and height modification with the recommended conditions.

The approval is recorded with conditions that require the applicant to return to the commission before changing tank height/location or the tank contents.