TVA Board Meeting - Listening Session - Environmental Groups' Press Conference

Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors Meeting February 16, 2012 in Chattanooga, Tn. (photo by G. Morgan)

TVA Agenda shown above. On demand video link to the Board Meeting: On-demand video (Windows Media) 

TVA Board Chairman Bill Sansom (above) and TVA CEO/President Tom Kilgore (below) (photos by G. Morgan).

TVA slide presentations link: TVA Presentations 

TVA Chief Financial Officer John M. Thomas, III (above) presents the Financial Report (below) (photos by G. Morgan).

"The financial report shows TVA revenues so far this year are down because of milder weather, and a mild second quarter also is expected."

"Milder temperatures and lower prices for purchased power meant TVA used less generation from coal in the first quarter. Coal accounted for 31 percent of generation, with nuclear at 32 percent. Natural gas, hydro, purchased power, renewables and energy efficiency were the balance. TVA announced earlier this month it is idling four coal units at Johnsonville Fossil Plant ahead of schedule."

"Mike Skaggs, TVA senior vice president for Nuclear Construction (pictured above, G. Morgan photo), said two new senior level managers hired at Watts Bar 2 and TVA’s Bellefonte Nuclear Plant Unit 1 “will increase experience levels and improve the span of control. These actions create a more direct line-of-sight to top management.”"

"Skaggs also provided the board with an update on Watts Bar 2, stating that when the review is completed, the result will be a high-confidence cost estimate and milestone schedule."

Watts Bar Issues (analysis = reason for failures)

 "“This review is a rigorous process that will help provide efficiency, productivity and high-quality work as we move toward completion of Watts Bar,” Skaggs said. “We are also developing independent assessments to improve our level of confidence.”"  Full TVA Press Release concerning Board Meeting: http://www.tva.com/news/releases/janmar12/feb_16_board.html

LISTENING SESSION ISSUES

Prior to each board meeting the TVA provides an opportunity for citizens to express concerns. Several Environmental Groups' concerns were represented. 9 environmental groups presented a letter to the TVA Board and the CEO. This letter was covered in area press releases. Report in Scottsboro's Daily Sentinel: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_49a58c0e-59cb-11e1-95bf-001871e3ce6c.html

Other issues included: Browns Ferry GE Mark 1 defective reactor and cooling pool design; dangers of Plutonium MOX fuel proposed to be used in the defective Browns Ferry Reactors; biomass inceneration hazards.

County Leaders Voice Frustration With TVA: http://www.newschannel9.com/news/county-1009087-tva-recreation.html


Previous blog listings on the coal ash spills listing dangers, deceit, TVA's negligence etc: http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/TVA%20Coal%20Ash%20Spill


Request for the TVA to fulfill its responsibilities under the Federal Sunshine Act.

PRESS CONFERENCE -After the TVA Board Meeting we had a joint Environmental Group Press Conference in front of TVA in Chattanooga, Tn. on Market Street.  Representing, 15,000 members of the endorsing organizations: Tennessee Environmental Council, the Tennessee and Cumberland (Kentucky) Chapters of the Sierra Club, Tennessee Clean Water Network, Tennessee Alliance for Progress, Appalachian Voices, BEST/MATRR, Urban Century Institute, Solar Valley Coalition and the many Valley citizens who wish to see TVA generate more renewable energy.

 Sierra Club Attorney Ms. Mary Mastin (above photo by G. Morgan) delivers group introduction and outline of our request to the TVA Board. "We are concerned about TVA‟s recent changes in its renewable energy incentive programs and with TVA‟s continued failure to fully recognize renewable energy, and particularly solar power, as a viable and substantial part of its energy portfolio. We believe that if TVA committed to developing and achieving greater levels of renewable energy and efficiency, no other new sources of energy generation would be necessary and TVA could further reduce its reliance on dirty and inefficient coal plants," said Ms. Mastin.

Dr. John McFadden, (above photo by G. Morgan)Tennessee Environmental Council Director discusses the advantages of Solar Power and bringing manufactoring jobs to the Tennessee River Valley. Dr McFadden Commented: "The new energy economy is the single best economic engine we have to create jobs and drive ourselves out of the current recession. Solar is a key component of the new energy economy with over 6,000 solar jobs already in Tenn. and more on the way with Sharp, Hemlock and Wacker investing in solar manufacturing jobs."

Bellefonte Efficiency Sustainability Team/Mothers Against Tennessee River Radiation ( http://www.matrr.org ) spokesperson Garry Morgan. (above photo by J. McFadden for Garry Morgan) "“We ask the TVA to implement sustainable-renewable energy technology,” Garry Morgan a member of BEST said. “In our letter we list seven advantages of renewable energy over nuclear and coal power generation options.”

Seven Advantages:

• Unlike nuclear or fossil fuels, wind and solar have no fuel costs. Citizens invest in the purchase and installation of photovoltaic panels for their homes or businesses with their own money. Minimal incentives from TVA and/or the government increases TVA‟s power generation capacity without the huge cost and need for financing of new nuclear power plant construction.

• Savings in transmission lines - Solar power from our own rooftops supplements electricity from big power plants, which has to be transported across long distances with line losses and therefore is more expensive when it comes out of the socket. Traditional fossil fuel sources of energy also require spending massive amounts for grid repair and expansion.

• The record is clear that solar energy equipment production and installation have produced many new green jobs in Tennessee over the past few years.

• The sun and wind are infinite sustainable energy sources compared to the finite availability of coal or uranium for nuclear production.

• Storage of radioactive waste from nuclear generation for up to a million years, or for coal ash from coal-fired power plants, is very costly ($1 million each for dry casks to hold spent fuel) and poses huge environmental risks. In the event of a serious incident, as we have seen with Kingston - or Fukushima- the damage can escalate to catastrophic proportions.
• Renewables don't require us to use destructive extraction methods such as mountaintop removal coal mining. Surface mining in Central Appalachia has been linked with job loss, poverty, sickness, and early death in mountain communities.

• Both solar and wind are much cleaner energy sources in terms of both air emissions and water discharges. The lack of need for cooling water is also a huge advantage. As TVA must recognize, clean water is becoming a more and more important and rare resource.

“Energy efficiency and sustainable-renewable energy technology saves money for citizens and business while energy efficiency generates local jobs for citizens and serves to expand business by saving money and by creating new job growth,” Morgan said.

J.W. Randolph Director of Appalachian Voices (pictured above, photo by G. Morgan). “Mountaintop removal means fewer jobs, higher healthcare costs, damaged property values, and the destruction of Tennessee and Appalachia's proud mountains forever. TVA produces less than 2% of their electricity from mountaintop removal coal. On behalf of Appalachian citizens' health and economic well-being TVA should become the first major utility in the country to step away from the use of mountaintop removal coal."

Area Press coverage of TVA event and Press Conference links: Chattanooga Times Free Press-  http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/17/work-watts-bar-nuclear-plants-second-reactor-behin/  Scottsboro's The Daily Sentinel-  http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_49a58c0e-59cb-11e1-95bf-001871e3ce6c.html  The Chattanoogan.com- http://www.chattanoogan.com/2012/2/16/219646/Environmental-Organizations-Seek-25.aspx

Scottsboro City Council Meeting - Aquatic Nuisance Species Issue - Roseberry Rescue Group

At last nights City of Scottsboro's City Council Meeting there were 46 citizens in attendance. Six citizens spoke concerning the elimination of nuisance weeds in Roseberry Creek. The agenda is listed:

The City of Scottsboro's City Council approved item 12 on the agenda by a majority vote.

SCOTTSBORO CITY COUNCIL APPROVES $50K DISBURSAL TO ROSEBERRY RESCUE GROUP SPRAYING. FAILS TO REQUIRE LONG TERM CONTROL PLAN OR TVA/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST INPUT. Provided either the County Commission or the Legislative Delegation contributes another $50K. 3 out of 4 was the requirement approved by the majority of the council. The 4 possible contributing groups are the Roseberry Rescue Group, the State Legislative Delegation, the Jackson County Commission and the City of Scottsboro. 

 Roseberry and Dry Creek area from the City Park.

Council Member Carol McCrary voted no on the issue. Ms. McCrary stated, "we need TVA's input on this matter...I cannot in good conscience vote for the approval of this issue."

It was very disturbing to see the Scottsboro City Council not recognize the necessity of acquiring the professional input of a biologist or fisheries expert to examine the Roseberry/Dry Creek nuisance species problem. The City Council did not establish a requirement to develop a long term control plan involving the input of an Alabama Department of Conservation or TVA Biologist for this project.

By all appearances, the Scottsboro City Council is catering to the request of influential special interest groups while ignoring good sense, legal requirements and explicit responsibilities of other government agencies.

The council ignored what the fisherman present were telling them was occuring to the fishery. They also ignored the request to develop a long term plan and acquiring the advice of a professional biologist in addressing this problem.

There is a TVA meeting in Chattanooga Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. A public listening session by the TVA Board will begin at 9AM Eastern time, 8AM our time.

Our regional environmental group supports responsible aquatic nuisance species control, not decimation of the fishery via improper application of herbicide treatment to sensitive riparian areas of Dry Creek and Roseberry Creek area.

Our group request was plainly stated to the City Council, the Roseberry Rescue Group, the City's Attorney and the Mayor. The press also received a copy of our environmental groups request and suggestions for the proper management of this problem.

It was plainly stated by the Roseberry Rescue Group their only concern was for themselves and not for the preservation of the fishery or the environment. The group spokesperson stated, paraphrased: "Go somewhere else to fish, you have 98% of Guntersville Reservoir to fish."

If the project is to be accomplished, it must be done in accordance with sound practices of environmental-watershed management and the law for the benefit of the fishery, the wildlife, while allowing proper usage and navigation to and from the area for the public. 

Since the application of the aquatic herbicide begining 3 years ago algae has become a problem. This problem was demonstrated to the City Council last night but had no effect on the city council. 

Profuse Algae growth may be seen in shallow and up to 6 foot depths in the area. 

A sample of the algae was collected and taken to the city council meeting. when a body of water has excessive phosphate, nitrates or other effluent or runoff problems algae will become excessive. There are 2 sewage treatment plants in this area.  Plus considerable farm land drainage. The large area removal and destruction of aquatic species by the methodology applied results in a high risk environmental scenario of which the Roseberry Rescue Group nor the City of Scottsboro seem to grasp.

More information on the TVA meeting Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 8AM Central time in Chattanooga, Tn.: http://www.tva.com/abouttva/board/index.htm Sign up page to address the TVA Board: http://www.tva.com/abouttva/board/speak.htm

It is TVA's explicit responsibility as stated in the TVA's policy to manage this problem. TVA policy link: http://www.tva.gov/rrsc/readingroom/aquaplantrec.htm

A biologists perspective: http://www.chattanoogan.com/2011/2/4/193833/TWRA-Expert-Weighs-in-on-Milfoil.aspx

Previous articles on my blog about this issue: http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Roseberry%20Rescue%20Group

Toxicity studies of Fluridone: U.S Bureau of Land Management, Fluridone Ecological Risk Assessment, November 2005, Bureau of Land Management Contract No. NAD010156ENSR Document Number 09090-020-650;  Section 3.1.3.1- "...fluridone is considered to be moderately toxic to fish species. Most studies reviewed, and all studies selected, for TRV derivation for fish were based on products containing at least 97% fluridone." 3.1.3.3- "The toxicity of fluridone was evaluated with several freshwater aquatic invertebrates, including water fleas (e.g., Daphnia magna), scuds (Hyallela spp.), crayfish (e.g. Astacidae), and chironomids. Acute toxicity was observed in aquatic invertebrates exposure to fluridone..." Fluridone Ecological Risk Assessment, Final Report The report goes on to state that larger animals and wildlife, including birds, are not effected if the application of the herbicide is performed properly. However, there is a risk to native aquatic species in the treatment area.

Conclusion: there is a moderate to high risk to the fishery and the the fishery food chain. This may account for the poor fishing within the area of Roseberry and Dry Creek area as reported by members of the Bass Anglers Clubs and fisherman speaking at last nights city council meeting.

We do not want what the picture to the left demonstrates. What probably will be acheived in the Dry and Roseberry Creek area will be what the Bass Club members described in last nights Scottsboro City Council meeting," no cover, no fish, the fish left the area." And so have the fisherman and their money.

Jackson County Commission Meeting

Yesterday was a regular meeting of the Jackson County Commission. The agenda is posted below.

Significant Issues: 1) Dustin Mount selected for a Building and Grounds Custodian position 2) Personnel Board member Mr. David Kennamer resigned to be replaced by Mr. Bob Matthews. 3) County Rd 693 to be vacated, Mr Porter says public hearing is to be held concerning the issue. 4) Demolition of the County Annex building discussed concerning disposal of building materials. It was stated in accordance with the agreement with the City of Scottsboro that all construction waste must be disposed of at Scottsboro's landfill. A discussion ensued stating the construction waste could be used as fill at sites around the county. It is illegal in the State of Alabama to utilize construction debris as "fill" for building projects. Commissioner Stone stated to me that the project contractor would determine if their were any hazardous materials present such as asbestos.

Approved 2012 Millage Rates for Jackson County pictured below. Many thanks to Chairperson Bias for providing the 2012 Millage Rate schedule.

Scottsboro City Council Meeting

Last night was a work session of the Scottsboro city Council. Several important issues were discussed.

1) City Attorney, Steve Kennamer, discussed the City Ordinance concerning business licenses and alcoholic beverage control license. The new ordinance will coordinate local laws with the state law. Mr. Kennamer stated the new license issuance fee will be based on the state license fee which is based on the consumer price index. According to the City Attorney this will lower the current fees. (In my last posting concerning this issue I had misunderstood the explanation of the license fee issues. I stated there would be an increase in license fees. A change in the law will not result in a fee increase and there probably will be a decrease in license fees as the local law is coordinated with state law, my apologies for the error.) 2) Vacancy announcement on the Water Sewer and Gas Board due to the death of Mrs. Dicus, term expires Sep. 2014. Applications for the position must be turned into the City Clerk no later than Feb. 24, 2012 by 4PM. 3) 1 vacancy on the Housing Authority Board, applications must be turned into the City Clerk no later than 24 Feb, 2012 by 4PM. 4) There were 3 items of discussion relating to the traffic signals at the intersection of Hwy 72 & 35, Wal-Mart and Scottsboro High School. The items concern a modification of the signals at the 3 locations.

Presentation by Mr. Lowell Bivins of the Roseberry Rescue Group concerning Aquatic Nuisance Species in the Dry Creek and Roseberry Creek area. The Jackson County Park and the Scottsboro City Park are located in these areas. There are many homeowners which have docks by the lake in the area of Roseberry and Dry Creek.

The Aquatic Nuisance Species issue has been an ongoing issue long before 2008 when the Roseberry Rescue Group (RRG) LLC was formed.  Information about the Roseberry Rescue Group may be found on the web at  http://sites.google.com/site/roseberryrescuegroupllc/home .

The Roseberry group of concerned citizens state on their web site: "In 2008 two specific non-native aquatic weeds (hydrillia and Eurasian milfoil) had encroached the waterways, channel and near shore areas of Roseberry Creek within Scottsboro and Jackson County. They literally took over whereby Roseberry Creek was unusable by the public or private land owners."

"The simple reason this occurred was that around 2005 TVA began scaling back service and eventually stopped treatment and left the job to local communities."

 Roseberry Rescue Groups informational aids as presented to the City Council demonstrating the area of coverage. Aqua-Services of Guntersville, Al. will be contracted to provide the service. The Daily Sentinel coverage of the issue by Dewayne Patterson: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_4bc867d8-51e0-11e1-9933-0019bb2963f4.html

The Roseberry group is asking the City of Scottsboro to pay for $50,000 of a $200,000 bill for control of  hydrilla and millfoil. The group will also request $50K each from the County Commission and the Legislative Delegation. The lakeside homeowners will also contribute $50K to the project. The responsible parties for the stewardship of the Tennessee River waterways, TVA and the State of Alabama in accordance with Federal and State law, contribute nothing.

The irresponsibility of the TVA and the State of Alabama in this problem is appalling in regards to this issue. The TVA and the State of Alabama are neglecting their responsibilities.

The TVA Act states: "Sec. 22. To aid further the proper use, conservation, and development of the natural resources of the Tennessee River drainage basin and of such adjoining territory as may be
related to or materially affected by the development consequent to this Act, and to provide for the general welfare of the citizens of said areas..." Board of Directors of the TVA has a responsibility:

"Sec. 2. MEMBERSHIP, OPERATION, AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. (b) (5) 

shall affirm support for the objectives and missions, of the Corporation, including being a national leader in technological innovation, low-cost power, and environmental stewardship." In TVA's Environmental Policy they state: "Natural Resource Management - TVA protects natural resources while providing recreational opportunities across the valley." TVA also states their responsibility under "Water Resource Protection and Improvement - TVA manages an integrated river system for multiple uses while striving to provide clean and sufficient water for the valley's needs." TVA's  Environmental Policy .

 

TVA's policy, Aquatic Species Management: http://www.tva.gov/rrsc/readingroom/aquaplantrec.htm

The policy states: Policy for managing aquatic plants in the Tennessee River system-

TVA will assume the leadership responsibility for resolving problems with, and disputes over, aquatic plants within the Tennessee River system. TVA will take the lead in bringing stakeholders and technical experts together to discuss and define the problems, voice concerns, design management plans, and develop funding strategies. Administration, implementation, and financial responsibilities will be negotiated among local, state, and federal government agencies, TVA and other stakeholders.

State of Alabama: The Department of Conservation and The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) have responsibilities under several laws. Previously, ADEM did not issue permits for aquatic nuisance species control. Currently they are issuing permits for herbicide treatment. There are other responsibilities outlined in Alabama Water Resources Act. This law is referenced in the Code of Alabama Section 9-10B various subparts.  Also relevant is the Alabama Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan which was developed by Governor Riley and signed into law but has never been funded.   www.outdooralabama.com/education/generalinfo/ans/plan/AlANSPlan200812.pdf. A public law has been passed regarding aquatic nuisance species, and it may be found in the Code of Alabama Section 9-20.  http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/CodeOfAlabama/1975/coatoc.htm

There are several problems relating not only to government responsibility but to the Roseberry Rescue Group Responsibility.

There is no doubt that Hydrilla and Millfoil are out of control in many areas of the lake. The last application of the herbicide reduced the current problem. Short term solutions are not the answer. Poisoning the waters over and over again will have an impact on the fishery. The application of Fluridone and also a shoreline herbicide promotes the growth of dangerous algae. Reports from Florida reveal Hydrilla will build a resistance to Fluridone.

There is no long term plan by any of the governmental entities or the Roseberry Rescue Group concerning their deployment of this herbicide. Nor has there been any scientific input concerning the impact on the fishery or native aquatic species relating to the long term use of the herbicide.

To continue to spend $150,000 in public funds every 3 years for the spraying of "water weeds" in an 1100 acre area without knowing the long term effects of the application is negligent. In 21 years (began in 2008) that will equal a total of $1.05 million dollars (2012 dollars) in tax dollars spent without any scientific input from biologists or a definitive plan to evaluate and resolve the problem for a long term solution.

It is significant that the Dry Creek area has been identified by government conservation agencies as an area affected by siltation and pesticide runoff. There are 2 sewage treatment plants releasing effluents in the area of Roseberry Creek. Killing off the aquatic species in the area will have an effect on the fishery and the lake. Aquatic species in shallow water serve a purpose to clean human waste and agricultural discharges. The possible repercussions of widespread aquatic species poisoning are not known at this time due to the lack of a study. However, in Florida and other areas there are horror stories related to excessive algae blooms killing off the fishery as a result of eliminating other aquatic plant species.

Previous stories from 4 years ago relating to this issue; including incidents of censorship on al.com due to discussion of the issue. http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Roseberry%20Rescue20Group

TVA WOES, WATTS BAR UNIT 2 PROBLEMS EQUAL PROBLEMS FOR BELLEFONTE

WATTS BAR UNIT 2 - Chattanooga Times Free Press article revealing. http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/04/delays-cost-overruns-hit-watts-bar-work/

"Despite the cost overruns, Kilgore said finishing Watts Bar Unit 2 still makes good economic sense. Watts Bar is still expected to be far cheaper than the $4.9 billion expense of finishing one of the reactors at Bellefonte, which TVA determined last year was still the best way to meet future power demand."

"We could spend up to $4.58 billion and still have an economical plant," Kilgore said of the Watts Bar Project. "I don't think the estimate is going to be anywhere near that, but we know this is going to be a good plant and that is why we continue to work on it."
 

  It appears the money raised in the sale of John Sevier Combined Cycle Gas plant and the pending Watts Bar 2 sale will not be utilized for Bellefonte but for the completion of Watts Bar 2. The two $30,000,000,000 questions: Can the TVA afford Bellefonte after Watts Bar's unit 2 construction? Will TVA Executives and the Board be honest with citizens about TVA's financial difficulties or continue with deceit?

Now the question: Can the TVA afford Bellefonte and Watts Bar without selling more assets and placing the TVA into an unrecoverable financial failure spin. Will the TVA Executives advise the Board to cancel the Bellefonte Project or extend the start date to 2016? Or will the TVA continue to treat the ratepayers as an ever-bearing "money tree?"

More revelations: In the article from the Times Free Press Saturday, "the [Watts Bar] project is probably only 70 percent complete." (TVA CEO Tom Kilgore)

Watts Bar Unit 2 public misinformation/information: Just how far along is Watts Bar 2? a) "Power News" via a TVA news release: "August 10, 2011-The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on Monday said it would delay construction at Watts Bar Unit 2 and delay commercial operation of the facility from the previously anticipated late 2012 time frame into 2013...Work to complete the 1,180 MW generating unit resumed in 2007; the unit is currently about 86% complete." http://www.powermag.com/POWERnews/TVA-to-Delay-Watts-Bar-2-Startup-until-2013_3932.html b) Bechtel Corporation: "Unit 2 at Watts Bar in Spring City, Tennessee, was about two-thirds (66%) complete in 1988" http://www.bechtel.com/watts-bar-completion.html c) From Wikipedia: "TVA is currently working to finish the partially completed Unit 2. Unit 2 was about 80% complete when its construction was stopped in 1988. d) Rhea County Herald News: "Watts Bar Nuclear Unit 2 is on schedule to be completed by October 2012, according to a Tennessee Valley Authority spokesman...We're still on schedule to get it complete on time," TVA spokesman Terry Johnson said. "And we're still on budget too."" (Current information has shown this TVA report to be inaccurate information. ) http://rheaheraldnews.com/story/17178 e) Chattanooga Times Free Press article Feb. 4, 2012: "TVA has already spent more than $2.2 billion on finishing the new Watts Bar reactor since work was restarted there four years ago, and Kilgore said the project is probably only 70 percent complete." http://timesfreepress.com/news/2012/feb/04/delays-cost-overruns-hit-watts-bar-work/

Utilizing the figures in the article links provided we may conclude that the plant construction has gone in reverse according to TVA sources, contractors and news reports. (There was a construction rate loss of 16% due to inaccurate TVA information between Aug 2011 and this weekend.) In 4 years, if we utilize Bechtel and TVA's Chief Executive Officer's figures, the plant has progressed at a total construction rate of 4% or 1% per year. It is obvious there have been information inaccuracies and serious management problems within the TVA regarding the Watts Bar nuclear construction project over the past 4 years. At 1% rate of construction per year the plant will take 25-30 years to complete. (Relying on the TVA CEO's information of "probably only 70% complete.")

Once management problems are worked out, a real construction time would be 3-4 years for completion of 25-30% of the plant - construction completion in 2015-2016; financially, an additional 3.5 billion dollars in construction costs due to inflation and cost overruns would be a more realistic cost estimate.

Alabama Senator Shad McGill (State Senate district 8 Republican), Caviar, Paddlefish, Russians, Department of Justice, Teachers, Religion and Politics

The Paddlefish used to be plentiful in Lake Guntersville and on the mighty Tennessee River, including other waters in the State of Alabama. The species is now threatned primarily due to the Caviar Industry which harvests the fish, takes its roe then sells it on the open market as Russian Caviar. Siltation of the river and tributaries is also a factor in the species decline.(photo by Alabama Dept. of Conservation Polyodon spathula, Paddlefish or Spoonbill Catfish)

Department of Justice Photo of caviar tin which was not as advertised. The contents when tested for DNA revealed the roe was that of American Paddlefish, a protected species.

Prosecution of cases by the Department of Justice concerning fraud ...and the taking of protected species: http://www.justice.gov/enrd/3367.htm "The undercover agent, in cooperation with Sutton Place, purchased caviar from Connoisseur Brands, which was then DNA tested by the FWS National Forensics Laboratory in Oregon. The DNA results showed that the vast majority of Russian Sevruga caviar – one of three types of commercially available caviar – purchased from Connoisseur was in fact fish eggs from the American Paddlefish, a protected species indigenous to the United States and found in the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers. "

Recent Paddlefish Caviar Prosecution: "CINCINNATI, Ohio, January 17, 2012 (Environmental News Service) - Two Kentuckians and their caviar companies pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio to trafficking in and falsely labeling illegally harvested paddlefish, Polydon spathula. Steve Kinder, along with his wife, Cornelia Joyce Kinder, both of Owenton, Kentucky, owned and operated Kinder Caviar Inc. and Black Star Caviar Company. Those companies were in the business of exporting paddlefish eggs as caviar to customers in foreign countries." http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2012/2012-01-17-093.html

Alabama State Senator Shad McGill's statement in the Dekalb County Times Journal- (State of Alabama photo of Senator McGill on left) ""McGill said one bill he was developing was to open the state's waters to the harvesting of American paddlefish. McGill said the fish's roe sold as caviar and sells for as much as $90 a pound. "I'd never heard of a paddlefish," McGill said. "Some foreigners might like it, I'm not sure. I'm drafting legislation for this. It has the potential to open up thousands of jobs."" http://times-journal.com/news/article_bf20e02c-4b94-11e1-804b-0019bb2963f4.html  (Legaly obtained American Paddlefish Caviar sells for aprroximately $80.00 per 3.5 oz container. A similar size of Russian Beluga Caviar sells for approximately $700.00; reference Amazon.com search)

Senator McGill wants to open up thousands of jobs based on illegal activity?? It is illegal to possess or take Paddlefish from Alabama waters. There is one exception, that is the commercial spawning of the fish in grow out ponds as licensed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/fish/paddlefish/reg.cfm
(From the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: "220-2-.94 Prohibition of Taking or Possessing Paddlefish (Spoonbill): It shall be illegal to take or attempt to take paddlefish (spoonbill) from all public waters of Alabama by any method or to possess paddlefish (spoonbill) or any part of a paddlefish (spoonbill). Any paddlefish (spoonbill) accidentally captured shall be immediately returned to the waters from whence it came. This regulation does not apply to commercially packaged paddlefish (spoonbill) products imported from out-of-state or to paddlefish (spoonbill) cultured at hatchery operations or grow out ponds permitted through the Commissioner,  Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.")

DeKalb County Times Journal Editorial: "Paddlefish Bill is a bad idea" http://times-journal.com/opinion/article_2ab7f274-4b97-11e1-94b4-0019bb2963f4.html

McGill's proposal involves illegal activity of  "harvesting of the American Paddlefish from state waters." Appropriate authorities should be asking who has put McGill up to this scheme and has there been any money exchanging hands in this schemes development?


UPDATE: Feb. 7, 2012
Senator McGill on Religion and Teachers pay.

More on Senator McGill from WAAY TV http://www.waaytv.com/news/content/vote/story/McGill-Responds-to-Controversies/ECx6gqrHuE26PKjFRxlCWQ.cspx

Dekalb Co Times Journal  http://www.waaytv.com/news/content/vote/story/McGill-Responds-to-Controversies/ECx6gqrHuE26PKjFRxlCWQ.cspx

More: ""I don't believe you keep God out of state. Church represents the body of Christ, Christ being the head of that body. No, I don't believe in that separation," said Sen. McGill."

http://www.waaytv.com/mostpopular/story/Jackson-County-School-Board-Sides-with-Bible-Man/9L6CFjmae0WrdqgZi-StQA.cspx

 Thomas Jefferson interpreted the 1st Amendment in his famous letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in January 1, 1802: "I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between church and State."