LEWISTON – The final state permit needed to break ground on a new Wal-Mart Supercenter is expected from Augusta by week’s end.

The permit, issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection, couldn’t be released until a $56,000 check for environmental improvements was received from the store’s developer, Hecht Co.

“We hope to get the official OK next week,” said Patrick Cleary, vice president of development for Hecht. “Then we’ll be moving right along.”

The check, received by the state on Oct. 3, is earmarked for a compensation fund, established last year by a new DEP regulation that requires developments near city streams to contribute to an account for future watershed improvements. Hart Brook runs near the 24-acre parcel slated for the new Wal-Mart.

The DEP permit was the last state regulatory hurdle that had to be cleared before construction can begin at the Exit 80 site near the Maine Turnpike. Local zoning changes and traffic studies have already been completed.

“We still have no definitive date for breaking ground, but we are working on it,” Cleary said.

When plans for the store were revealed last January, he said he’d hoped to break ground this year.

David Hediger, city planner, said the DEP permit was processing through Augusta. He expects Wal-Mart will submit plans for the 191,000-square-foot store and request a building permit as soon as the DEP permit is issued.

“It’s a big package,” said Hediger. “But I believe we’ll let them start excavating as soon as we get the paperwork.”

Hediger said it’s typical for large scale projects to request local permits in sequence: first a site improvement permit, then one for foundation work, then a construction permit.

The project will still need traffic design permits for new turning lanes, traffic lights and other road improvements required for the retail complex. Those permits will need vetting by the city, state Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority.