Scottsboro, Alabama - November 9, 2021 - Scottsboro City Council Meeting - Opposition to Rezone Area Surrounding Old Metals Processing Plant - Citizen Presentation - Hazardous Materials on Goose Pond Island Site - EPA Declared Brownfield Site -- UPDATE - November 17, 2021- Maps of Super Fund/Brownfield Cleanup Site - UPDATE: Scottsboro City Council Meeting Video November 15, 2021 - UPDATE November 22, 2021 and December 6, 2021

 

Locations of known and suspected hazardous material burials and disposal sites, numbered sites described below.  EPA, Environmental Protection Agency and ADEM Alabama Departmentof Environmental Management contacted in 2015 and 2017 regarding site status. Not on National Priorities List as previous owners bankrupt; state, county, local government entities and developers have not insured property is cleared of dangerous hazardous materials. There have been no efforts to place site on National Priorities List, NPL, due to the negligent attitude - "Out of site, out of mind;" and "money before human health."  Fair Use of Google Map with numbered sites, described below, for non-profit news, education and commentary.

EPA INFO FOR SITE - ID NUMBER

LINK: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/CurSites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0400067

You are here:

EPA Home » Superfund » Search Sites » Search Results » Superfund Site Information

 REVERE COPPER & BRASS INC (EPA ID: ALD000826636)

Site Information

Site Info | Aliases | Operable Units | Contaminants | Contacts
Administrative Records | Reports and Documents

Site Name:	REVERE COPPER & BRASS INC
Street:	REVERE RD
City / State / ZIP:	SCOTTSBORO, AL 35768
NPL Status:	Not on the NPL
Non-NPL Status:	NFRAP-Site does not qualify for the NPL based on existing information
EPA ID:	ALD000826636
EPA Region:	04
County:	JACKSON
Federal Facility Flag:	Not a Federal Facility

The City of Scottsboro, Alabama is intentionally ignoring hazardous materials surrounding the Goose Pond Island area adjacent to the old Aluminum/Copper smelting and fabrication site, Revere-Norandel-Scottsboro Aluminum near and next to homes on the island and surrounding proposed developments.

There is a plan to rezone the property (appears to be part of the EPA Superfund Brownfield Site as indicated in the below EPA link), described in this petition link opposing the rezoning: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/goosepond-island-p2-rezoning-opposition?fbclid=IwAR3O1b9Onwx181_GCIbYT4ujfl6ZuyiaNTTgSuQGtTFwqovmL-UZEI0WzKQ

Map of the proposed rezone as described in the above petition link, which opposes the rezoning effort.

Public Document - Fair Use for non-profit news and discussion.

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AREA GOOGLE IMAGES

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Goose Pond Island Area

(Google Map Images - Fair use for non-profit news reporting, education and commentary.) 

Specific Hazardous Material Areas, Brownfield/Superfund Site, identified by the EPA but never funded for cleanup

Satellite image of old copper-brass-aluminum plant site.Note large pond south to southeast of the former plant site. This pond contains hazardous materials as described below indicated within the Brownfield Site. Other specific areas indicated on below maps. (Google Map images below - Fair-use for non-profit news reporting, education and commentary.) 

Hazardous Materials Area 2-Pond Site and environs

Hazardous Materials Area 2-Pond Site

EPA Brownfield

Known Hazardous Materials Locations (Field Survey and Interviews)

Site 1 - Metals Processing Plant, Basement and immediate environs

Site 2 - Pond Site and environs

Site 3 - Multiple Berms with leaking barrels 

Site 4 - River Dock Area, worker reports of haz-mat barrels dumped off  of dock area

Site 5 - Multiple Disposal areas, not specifically identified, including 2nd small pond area.

Site 6 - City of Scottsboro Property, evidence of large bore holes for 55 gallon drum burial, southwest of power line center, 300-1000ft., trail road, near number identifier; other potential unidentified areas.

Field survey and observation of sites and conditions performed 2005 -2013.

Information regarding the Brownfield/EPA Hazardous materials dump site. This is a Brownfield site, Superfund Cleanup Site, which has not been funded for cleanup. Many dangerous chemicals and substances are buried and concealed in this area. https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/CurSites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0400067

They are: ". . . toxicity and carcinogenicity of metals such as arsenic [23, 24, 25], cadmium [26], chromium [27, 28], lead [29, 30], and mercury [31, 32]. Because of their high degree of toxicity, these five elements rank among the priority metals that are of great public health significance." Heavy Metals Toxicity and the Environment (nih.gov) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144270/

Cancer Death Rate for Jackson County is High (red zone), link:   https://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/map/map.withimage.php?01&county&001&001&00&0&02&0&1&5&0#results

Map (click on image to expand)

Public info from cancer dot gov;  Fair Use for News, education and commentary.

The City Council made excuses for hazardous materials dumping which has existed for more than 50 years, sickening the people of Scottsboro, Alabama. Jackson County has one of the highest cancer death rates in Alabama as demonstrated by the U.S. Government Cancer Death Rate Map of Alabama. Gross long term negligence obvious on the part of political officials.

Video of council meeting, presentation at 16 minutes 25 seconds into video regarding hazardous materials. It is unfortunate that some think it is my responsibility to report to the EPA problems, the problems of hazardous materials have already been reported and identified. The problem is the lack of action on the part of political officials including this city council, previous political officials of the city, county, state and federal officials.

AGENDA

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SCOTTSBORO CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2021

Scottsboro City Council Meeting video --- video includes explanation by developer's representative regarding the Goose Pond Development proposed, item 8 on the agenda, 8 minutes 25 seconds in the video.

MEETING AGENDA

1. Present Employee Service Awards

2. Discuss Proceeding with Rezoning Property located at 218 Bob Jones Road

3. Discuss Street Dedication in Memory of Dr. Wayne Patterson

4. Discuss Resolution for ALDOT Maintenance Agreement for Traffic Signals at County Park and 72

5. Announce Library Board Vacancies

6. Announce Museum Commission Vacancies

7. Announce Zoning Adjustment Board Vacancy

8. Discuss Proceeding with Rezoning Property located at Goose Pond Island

Regarding the proposed and future Goose Pond development of the area identified in this article, it is this citizen's opinion based on the current Brownfield/Superfund Cleanup site identified by the EPA, due to hazardous materials dumping in the area while plant operations were occurring, there should be no further development of the area surrounding the former Revere Copper-Brass & Aluminum -Norandel/Scottsboro Aluminum plant site until there is an extensive environmental survey and study completed and the existing hazardous materials are removed. Failure to perform an extensive site study and survey, including removing known hazardous materials is gross negligence. References contained within this article.

November 22, 2021 UPDATE: The Scottsboro City Council approved the rezoning of the property discussed at previous meetings, link to video: https://youtu.be/vXPg5NNR8KU . Developers Public Hearing will be held on December 6, at 5PM, Scottsboro City Hall, agenda item 7 in the scheduled City Council Meeting - Regarding the Hazardous Waste, Brownfield Site, linked above, not on National Priorities list, the City Council has neglected their responsibility of stewardship regarding public health of the citizens of Scottsboro, Al., specifically those on Goose Pond Island.

UPDATE - December 6, 2021 Public Hearing Regarding Rezoning Issue at 13 minutes 15 seconds into the video, link: https://youtu.be/sx-C0NhbGpE

Expressed degree of concern, specifically at 6 min 58 sec. Scottsboro City Council Meeting - 12/22/2021 - BE CONCERNED MY FRIENDS.

September 20, 2021 - Scottsboro, Alabama - Scottsboro City Council Work Session. Employee Awards, Public Hearing, Alcohol Beverage License, Citizen Objection, Unlawful Acts, Entertainment District

 

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

Scottsboro City Council Work Session. Employee Awards, Public Hearing, Alcohol Beverage License, Citizen Objection, 21 minutes 22 seconds, to the City of Scottsboro buying, selling, profiting, or loss utilizing Tax Payer Funds for the sale of beer at BBQ Cookoff - Not the roll of city government or city employees being utilized to sell beer or any other alcoholic beverage. The question arises, does this sale of alcohol violate Scottsboro's Municipal Code?

Note - The City Attorney mentions that alcohol has been sold at the Goose Pond Colony (GPC) Complex, and that is true. However, GPC is designated as an "Entertainment District" by the City of Scottsboro Municipal Ordinance. Link: https://library.municode.com/al/scottsboro/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH4ALBE Note - Section 4-29 consumption of alcohol on public right of ways, streets, parking areas etc; also note the designation of GPC as an Entertainment District, Section 4-131, 4-132, 4-133; Unlawful Acts and Offenses - Section 4-134 .

City of Scottsboro Employee Service awards photos, Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/cityofscottsboro/photos/pcb.4377164638999254/4377154512333600

City of Scottsboro Video Link: https://youtu.be/r20qiqkrMGw

AGENDA

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VIDEO

August 1, 2020 - Scottsboro, Alabama Video Interviews for the Scottsboro Mayor's Election - Mayor Robin Shelton and Mr. Jim McCamy

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

VOTE - SCOTTSBORO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ARE TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

Alabama Secretary of State Voter Registration Information Link: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/voter-registration

The interviews consisted of an introduction and four questions which were provided to the candidate for Mayor prior to the interview. #1 Why should a citizen of Scottsboro vote for you as our Mayor? #2 What do you see as major problems of our city, if any, and how do you propose to resolve the problem(s) identified? #3 What do you see that is great about Scottsboro? #4 Is there anything you would like to add?

INTERVIEW OF MAYOR ROBIN SHELTON

                        INTERVIEW OF MAYOR CANDIDATE JIM MCCAMY

Scottsboro, Alabama - July 27, 2020 - Scottsboro City Council Work Session and Regular Session, Dr. Reyes, Scottsboro Schools Superintendent Makes Presentation - Jackson County Commission, Agenda and Video Link .

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

AGENDAS

Work Session

VIDEO Work Session

                                       
                                       AGENDA Regular Session

Patrick Woosley (2nd from left), Election Certificate for Place 4 of Board of Education, no opposition, presented by Patrick Stewart (2nd from right), President Scottsboro City Council     (photo by G. Morgan)

VIDEO Regular Session

JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING - AGENDA AND VIDEO LINK (after agenda below) - JULY 27, 2020

Jackson County Commission July 27, 2020 (Fair use for non-profit news reporting and commentary - photo capture from commission's Facebook live video.) Note, no social distancing, no masks. 

AGENDA

Jackson County Commission Facebook Link :  https://www.facebook.com/JCCommissionAL/videos/337953814268137/

June 26, 2020 - Scottsboro, Alabama - Celebrating Our Diverse Culture in Food and Art - Toros Cantina & Grill on South Broad Street in Scottsboro, Al. Mexican Art Display - Sometimes a Chair is More Than a Chair, it is a Work of Art

June 26, 2020 - Celebrating the cultural diversity of Scottsboro through food and art. Toros Cantina & Grill 3311 South Broad St., Scottsboro, Alabama. Great Mexican-American Cuisine - Video Feature of Toro's Art Displays - Sometimes A Chair Is More Than A Chair, it Is A Work Of Art! Toros Cantina & Grill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorosCantina/ Photography and video by G. Morgan, by permission of owner of Toros Cantina & Grill

Video Tour, more pictures below.

Sometimes a chair is more than a chair, it is a work of art.

TORO

Scottsboro, Alabama - June 14, 2020 - Prayer Walk - Unity March for Equal Treatment, End the Violence Against Minority People, Peace

Approximately 200 citizens participated, the prayer walk for unity from the Scottsboro Boys Museum to the Jackson County Courthouse Square. Participant's line was a 1/4 of a mile long, and the entire width of West Willow St, in support of equal treatment, the end of racist practices and peace. Police officers walked with those participating in the prayer walk.

PICTURES

Circuit Court Judge Elect Brent Benson talked about what a courthouse is about - equal justice in support of the law. He stated justice is ordained by God, and spoke of St. Thomas Moore's prayer for lawyers. Mr. Benson spoke of Dr. Martin Luther King's statement, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Dr. Gary Spears talks about growing up in Birmingham, Al. during a time of racist violence by the Klan against black folks, which included the bombing murder of 4 innocent black children in the 16th St. Baptist  church. Dr. Spears led the group in prayer.

Scottsboro Boys Museum Director Sheila Washington discusses the Prayer Walk for Unity. 

Scottsboro Mayor Robin Shelton talks about the meaning of prayer. Acting Police Chief Ron Latimer discusses how the Scottsboro Police Department will treat every citizen with fairness, acts of brutality and excessive force will not be tolerated.

VIDEO

Short Version Video


                                            VIDEO EXCERPT

Scottsboro, Alabama - June 6, 2020 - Peaceful Protest Scheduled at 5 PM - Fear of Violence Due to Alleged Social Media Postings and Government Officials Comments

Jackson County Courthouse, Scottsboro, Alabama photo by G. Morgan

Joint Statement from Scottsboro Mayor and Police Chief Regarding the Peaceful Protest           ( Click on image to expand image.)

A peaceful protest scheduled earlier was cancelled, then rescheduled. City officials claim they were warned of possible violence would be started by an out of town element due to social media postings. I screened hundreds of social media postings on Facebook and Twitter and found no credible evidence of an imminent threat of violence that would occur during the scheduled peaceful First Amendment protest regarding concerns over racism and police violence. (reference George Floyd story on Wiki with references  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_George_Floyd )   I contacted law enforcement leadership, one call was not returned, one source indicated there were social media rumors of violence, this was later confirmed by a second law enforcement source.

OFF then ON PEACEFUL PROTEST SCHEDULED

A local citizen had scheduled the protest at 5 PM this afternoon then cancelled it claiming he had received information there were folks coming from out of town to cause harm and create a violent situation. Another involved citizen stated he was going to continue the protest, reference - https://www.facebook.com/events/548891852686656/ Quote: "Peaceful Protest - June 6, 2020 - Scottsboro, Alabama - 5 PM - Jackson County Courthouse Square - Hosted by Ryan Little"

WAFF-TV story concerning the original protest organizer, Anthony McCamey, quote: "Once outsiders learned about Anthony McCamey’s plans they sent violent threats to him. “Within 8 hours I received at least 20 messages from people sending screenshots saying out-of-towners and locals from Scottsboro, Stevenson, South Pittsburg, Florida, Atlanta were going to come down here and riot the town," said McCamey. As a safety precaution McCamey immediately canceled the protest." https://www.waff.com/2020/06/05/peaceful-protest-scheduled-scottsboro-canceled-due-violent-threats/?fbclid=IwAR2YgxzA-1NVjJCitXBxlxVG9y7jGFMDJk8tUBpaxQ1qhs3LiM_GuY2Ajsg

WAAY-TV story quote:"The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce says plans that started peaceful turned violent when an outside group tried taking that protest over." - - - “Scottsboro is our home and we can’t destroy it with riots, destruction and violence,” Shelton’s statement says. “We are trying to be as proactive as possible to prevent any damage coming to any individuals or businesses on the square on Saturday.”  Link (with Mayors Letter advising business owners to close stores at 2 PM): https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/Scottsboro-mayor-recommends-businesses-close-Saturday-to-avoid-possible-violent-protest-571027791.html?fbclid=IwAR21612BvQlJmkDlS336QvO_UdqhbYFUgVd-VRAXMycKeO4bftC8LvbJp9w 

This story raises concerns and a question - How does a planned protest turn violent before the protest occurs???

VIDEOS

Part 1, Boarded up businesses on the downtown square.

Part 2 video, full video 21 minutes.



A short version, approximately 12 minutes



                                     Video Excerpt from protest

Scottsboro, Alabama - Scottsboro Police Department, Six New Police Officers Sworn in by Mayor Shelton

Photo from left to right - Mayor Shelton; Officer Daniel Welch; Officer Taylor Miller; Officer Ryan Manning; Officer Kyle Bearden; Officer Wesley Taymon; Officer Patrick Cooley; Chief of Police Ralph Dawe (photo by G. Morgan)

Historical Event - Chief Dawe stated this is the most Police Officers sworn at a single event in Scottsboro. (photo by Scottsboro Police Department, fair use for non-profit news reporting)

MAYOR SHELTON ADMINISTERS THE OATH OF OFFICE TO SIX NEW OFFICERS

(all photos and video below are by G. Morgan)

Officer Kyle Bearden

Officer Patrick Cooley

Officer Ryan Manning

Officer Taylor Miller - Officer Miller is the Grandson of Former Jackson County Sheriff Dennis Miller (Sheriff of Jackson Co. Al. 2007-2011), Sheriff Miller began his civilian law enforcement carrier at the Scottsboro Police Department 46 years ago this year.

Officer Wesley Taymon

Officer Daniel Welch

VIDEO OF CEREMONY