HUBBARD TOWNSHIP — A distribution center and warehouse for a well-known snack brand proposed in the township needs approval from state and federal regulatory agencies before it can be built because of wetland issues.

A request has been made to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act for permission to construct the building for Frito-Lay on Bell Wick Road because it will impact 0.86 acre of two wetlands.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency also has been asked to OK the project.

The 27,500-square-foot building would include a warehouse, garage and office space. Other parts of the project include paved drive and parking area, utility service, storm sewers and a stormwater management facility.

To mitigate the impact to the wetland, the applicant, Martin Wohlgamuth of Peoples Management, LLP, has proposed to buy 1.7 acres of forested wetland credits from the Stream and Wetlands Foundation In-Lieu Fee Program.

“The purpose of this project is to expand and support Frito-Lay’s regional product warehousing and distribution,” the application, filed Aug. 17, states.

It is proposed for 2842 Bell Wick Road, also the address of Interstate Storage, a commercial storage unit facility.

Messages seeking comment were left with Wohlgamuth. An email with questions about the project was sent to Frito-Lay.

Abigail Uhler, a biologist in the regulatory division of the corps’ Pittsburgh District, said the corps’ regulatory program supports the Clean Water Act “by protecting the physical, biological and chemical integrity of waters” in the region.

“If a permit were to be issued for the current proposed plan, then it would authorize the applicant to fill the proposed 0.86 acre of wetland with the condition they provide mitigation with the impact,” Uhler said.

Part of the permit approval process is securing a water quality certification permit from the Ohio EPA, which must either give or waive its approval, Uhler said. That must happen before the corps can make its determination.

The Ohio EPA received a permit request Aug. 24. The agency is reviewing the application for correctness before the applicant is required to publicly post it in the local newspaper.

State approval certifies the state has verified the discharge or fill activity meets Ohio’s water quality standards and complies with the Clean Water Act.

“It also requires mitigation of the fill activity,” Ohio EPA spokeswoman Dina Pierce said.

The state application gives more details on the project.

The project location is about a 14-acre parcel that contains commercial storage units and vacant wooded land, according to the application. The center would be adjacent to the storage facility on about 4 acres and would require tree clearing for it to be built.

Construction is estimated to begin in October with an anticipated completion by April, the application states. The construction location at the site was picked to minimize stream and wetland impacts.

Uhler said the corps attempts to issue its decisions within 120 days. That, however, can be extended depending on the public comments received and coordination with other agencies.

“We seek to make our decisions that will protect aquatic resources while at the same time allowing for balanced permit decisions,” she said.

According to the federal application, the engineer with the Pittsburgh District has determined the project may affect but is unlikely to affect adversely endangered or threatened species. Also, no places on the National Register of Historic Places would be impacted by the warehouse.

Peoples Management formed Aug. 22, according to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office. Wohlgamuth is listed as managing partner on the paperwork.

The company, according to the Trumbull County’s Auditor’s Office, owns the land at 2842 Bell Wick Road and provides a tax mailing address of 39 Erie St., the same address listed for People’s Building Company.

The building company, according to its website, specializes in horse, residential and commercial garages.

rselak@tribtoday.com