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Energy Park awaits OK from county to begin

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: July 28, 2010

SYDNEY - As a county vote to create an alternative energy park inches ever closer, its financial backers are revealing new details on the expansive project.

The company plans to haul garbage in by truck and train from other counties and states to burn in a biomass gasification plant, Imperium Energy President Kyle Mowitz told a small crowd gathered in Valrico July 19.

The gasification plant and a solar farm will be located near State Road 60.

The company also plans to farm tilapia and hydroponic vegetables on the site. Excess heat from the gasification plant will warm the fish ponds and the fish waste will fertilize the vegetables. CO2 from the gasification plant will feed algae, helping to close the energy loop, Mowitz said.

"Our business model is built on the need for renewable energy, but it has to be economical," Mowitz said. Selling the fish, the vegetables and algae that can be used in high value nutriceuticals (foods that provide health benefits) will help make the project viable, he said.

The developers, addressing concerns from nearby residents, also have agreed not to have access to the 3,000-acre site from Dover and Durant roads. There will still be limited access from Turkey Creek Road. Berms surrounding the property will remain.

Imperium managing member Mark Robbins said the plant will also schedule work hours so they don't conflict with school traffic on Turkey Creek and Durant roads.

The company also plans to build a research and office building, student housing and some retail near State Road 60.

When complete, it will be a $1 billion facility and could employ up to 5,000 people, according to Imperium. About 600 employees would run the energy systems in three shifts.

To make the plan work, Hillsborough County must approve two comprehensive plan amendments: one creates an Energy Industrial Park land-use designation; and one expands the urban service area so the plant can get county water and sewer.

The state Department of Community Affairs is reviewing both amendments and the county is set to vote on them Aug. 5.

A rezoning hearing is scheduled for Aug. 23. The county commission is scheduled to vote on the rezoning on Oct. 12.

Residents attending the meeting said they think an energy park would be beneficial to the county by creating jobs and re-using an abandoned mine. Others, though, have reservations.

Charles Slowey headed into the meeting adamantly opposing the plan, saying the company had not been forthcoming with details.

He left with an altered opinion.

"This was the most informative meeting I've attended," he said. "If it's going to be odorless, noiseless and you can't see it, I guess it's OK. But, it is heavy industrial. And how bound will they be to stick to their plan?"

A big problem Slowey sees is more traffic.

So does community activist George Niemann, who lives south of the project.

"Traffic is a huge issue," Niemann said. "The real problem will be in Valrico and Brandon, with more truck and car traffic going west."

Robbins said Imperium's transportation plan, when complete, should provide more answers.

Niemann also said he isn't sold on expanding the urban service area to provide water and sewer to the energy park.

"When you expand the urban service area, it's a domino effect," Niemann said. "It opens the door to people arguing for higher density."

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 627-4763.

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