Porter County committee conditionally approves Amulch Depot plan, requires septic abandonment and neighbor agreement

The Porter County Development Review Committee on April 2 conditionally approved the development plan for Amulch Depot at 910 U.S. Highway 30, allowing three buildings as the first phase of a larger proposed build‑out.

The committee’s action requires the applicant to provide documentation that an on‑site well and septic system have been properly abandoned, produce verification of an erosion‑and‑sediment‑control (ESC) permit or renewal, and submit a formal agreement with the neighboring property owner regarding access and infrastructure. The motion was approved by voice vote.

An applicant representative explained the site’s approvals history, saying the DRC previously approved the three‑building plan in 2021 and that a March 2026 resubmittal followed a period of inactivity. "Back in February 19th of 2020, we achieved a BTA approval to install three of the source buildings on this site," the representative told the committee. Staff noted updated plans include callouts for the well and septic abandonment.

Health‑department staff reported locating a septic system and well installed in the 1970s and told the applicant that the health department will require an invoice or other evidence showing the tank was pumped and the system collapsed or removed. "I need to receive evidence of that," a staff member said.

Board members emphasized confirming whether existing legal easements adequately authorize the proposed infrastructure and recommended the applicant secure a written agreement with the neighbor who shares the access. Staff also advised obtaining written confirmation from the Indiana Department of Transportation that the existing driveway location is acceptable for the proposed use because INDOT controls that access.

The committee’s conditional approval preserves the project on the development‑plan track while ensuring the county receives the requested documentation and permits before final sign‑off. The applicant was directed to coordinate with county staff on ESC permit issuance and on verifying abandonment documentation for the well and septic system.

Next procedural steps: the applicant must submit the required documentation and permits to county staff; if items meet conditions, staff will proceed with processing the final approvals.