South Whitehall commissioners have granted approval to Nestlé Purina Pet Care for an expansion project covering 6.5 acres of the 114.6 acre property at 2050 Pope Road.

The proposal includes additions of 5,800 square feet to the packaging and labeling warehouse; 7,700 square feet to the administration building; 300 square feet to the utility building; 11,800 square feet to the meat batching production factory; and 6,000 square feet to the can operations facility.

Plans also show a 68,000-square-foot paved employee parking lot and expansion of the detention basin along the northern edge of the site.

In the resolution confirmed at the Dec. 20, 2017, meeting, Nestlé Purina Pet Care received waivers or deferrals regarding sidewalks, curbing and dedication of right-of-way to township standards.

In the matter of detention basins, waivers were granted for the complete drainage requirement, slope dimensions, fencing and safety warning signs.

Planting street trees within the right-of-way of roads along the perimeter of the property was deferred.

The expanded detention basin is intended to provide better stormwater control runoff rates. The site is located in the Jordan Creek Watershed.

To manage runoff directions, a stormwater pump station and force main are proposed.

Instead of open space dedication of public land, the company will be assessed $3,278.75 for the parks and recreation board.