CYPRESS CREEK

Originating east of the Memphis city fairgrounds near the center of the city, Cypress Creek runs north and northwest eight miles before emptying into the Wolf River. Cypress Creek is vital to the city for storm water drainage and flood control; before 1963, it was used to dispose of some sanitary sewage and manufacturing wastewater. As a result, sediment and soils in and along the creek contain low levels of chemical contaminants... Six sampling programs conducted between 1964 and 2000 measured the chemical residue levels in creek soil sediments. None of these studies resulted in a determination by governmental agencies for a need to implement protective measures... The most extensive study of Cypress Creek soil and sediments to date began in 2001. Velsicol conducted the study with the direction, oversight and support of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also provided oversight and input and the city of..