EPA to review Cypress Creek Town Center

By Lisa Buie

WESLEY CHAPEL — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who raised concerns about Cypress Creek Town Center when she was a Hillsborough County commissioner, has called upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a further review of the Cypress Creek Town Center development.

The EPA has agreed to look into the matter.

This is the latest snag to hit the proposed 1-million-square-foot outdoor mall to be located at Interstate 75 and State Road 56. Plans were put on hold for 18 months when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suspended the mall's permit after muddy water was allowed to flow into Cypress Creek. The corps reinstated the permit on Sept. 4 after the developers agreed to a $297,000 fine for violating the Clean Water Act.

In opposing the mall, Castor has cited concerns about protecting Tampa's water supply from the development's environmental effects. Castor also has been wary of the development's impact on the surrounding wetlands.

"I ask you to give every due consideration to suspending this permit and examining the very serious environmental issues at stake," Castor wrote to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. "The land in question is also important to the drinking water supply in Tampa, as Cypress Creek is a tributary of the Hillsborough River, one of our main sources of drinking water."

In 2005, Castor led the Hillsborough County Commission to join the state Department of Community Affairs in objecting to the project on environmental grounds.

Today, Castor received a letter from the EPA:

"Based on information received since the original public notices were issued, including your letter and input, EPA is currently reviewing the history and status of the project, and we are conducting an independent assessment to determine whether restricting the permit … is warranted," the EPA wrote.

Mall officials have said they plan to resume work on the mall but are starting from square one, given the sour economy. Two possible tenants, Linens N Things and Circuit City, went out of business. Another retailer, Justice for Girls, opened a shop at nearby rival the Shops at Wiregrass.