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NOTE: Some letter authors did not give permission for attribution. In those cases, the letter is
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5/10/06
TVA Board of Directors
400 W. Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
Dear TVA Board,
I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed Elk River Marina (Marina)
in Lauderdale County. I am writing in opposition for
numerous reasons, however, I will highlight only a few. One, the
development of Elk River Marina will contribute to the
deterioration of water quality which will affect humans,
wildlife, and fisheries. Two, the development of the Marina
will destroy valuable and increasingly rare greenspace. Three,
the development of the Marina will severely hamper the public's
overall enjoyment of the Elk River (Elk) as a resource.
I have spent a majority of my life in Limestone County and the
surrounding areas. I resided in Athens for over 20 years,
and my mother owns a small home on the Elk. In the past two
decades, North Alabama, and as a result the Elk, have experienced
tremendous growth and development. This growth has lead to
many positive improvements, but it also requires that TVA
approach land and water management with an eye towards conservation and
the future.
TVA, as a long-time steward of the land and water in the Tennessee
Valley, carries a responsibility to be forward-looking managers
of the land and water into the 21st century. This requires
the agency to think beyond short-term, dubious economic gains and
consider what impacts overdevelopment will have on the many miles
of shoreline that it owns.
I) Deterioration of Water Quality
Marinas are notorious for water pollution, and Elk River Marina would
be no exception. Water quality on the Elk is already
precarious, and this new concentration of boats will only
exacerbate the problem. Furthermore, several new marinas
have already been built on Lake Wheeler and the Elk. As
water quality decreases as a whole, activities on the Elk such a
swimming, skiing, fishing, birding, etc. will be jeopardized.
II.) Loss of Greenspace/ Increase in Pollution
The planned Marina will bulldoze one of the last remaining
undeveloped coves in this section of the Elk. This
destruction of shoreline vegetation and trees, in addition to
destroying flora and fauna habitat, removes a natural barrier
against non-point source pollution. TVA should seriously
consider whether one more marina of questionable economic value to
the region is really worth the amount of pollution and pressure
that it will create on the Elk.
III.) Overall Enjoyment of the Elk
Increased commercial development of the Elk increases pollution and
boat traffic on the river and lessens the overall enjoyment of
this public resource. We have to look no further than our
backyards to see the effects of poor resource management of our
water-ways and shorelines. As you consider this decision,
Lake Logan-Martin is embroiled in legislative battles because of
the pollution created there due to overdevelopment and boat
density. The Elk is headed in this direction without some
leadership from TVA.
These are just a few reasons that construction of yet another marina
should not go forward. Please vote "no" on the proposed Elk
River Marina project.
Sincerely,
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May 5, 2006
Regional Resource Stewardship council
400 W. Summit Hill Dr.,WT 11 A
Knoxville,Tn. 37902
Subject:Comments for May 10 Meeting
Dear RRSC Members,
I would like to voice my concerns and request TVA take another look at
their natural resources and environmental impacts on all reservoirs. It
is time for new and updated Land Management Plans especially on Wheeler
Reservoir. The present one is outdated due to all the growth in the
area since 1995. Any decisions made based on the Plan are not in the
best interest of the people or the environment. TVA appears to be
in the real estate business and not into the Environmental Stewardship.
They are leasing or selling my land(public) and land they took from
others to private individuals for personal profit. It has got to stop!
I am not against the development of new recreation areas in the valley.
I was born and raised in Oak Ridge,Tn. and grew up on TVA reservoirs. I
currently live on the Elk River in Rogersville,Al. Bubba Doss has put
in a request to TVA for a recreational development on 91 acres on Tract
21 to build a marina and campground. According to the 1995 Land
Management Plan this lot was allocated for Commerical Recreation and
Visual Management but not one of the best spots because of highly
erodible soils. TVA has designated wetlands in this area and the public
has identified Ginseng growing here, Mussel beds in area to be dredged,
Eagles and Osprey feeding in this area, spawning areas for fish
but TVA's FEA says "there will be No Significant Impacts to this
site." The Public used to ride horses and ATVs in this area but
TVA put up chains to keep them out due to the erosion they were causing
and now they will let someone come in and bulldoze approx. 60 of the 91
acres with no impact. I'm sorry but I beg to differ.
This area on Elk River is already over-developed. Across from the
proposed Marina there are multimillion dollar condos going in with
approx. 120 boat slips. Within 5 miles of this proposed marina there
are 2 marinas and campgrounds.(Bayhill Marina,Lucy's Branch Campground
and Joe Wheeler State Park.) Now when the Tn. River is to rough
everyone comes onto the Elk River which is causing erosion of our
shorelines. An additional 100 boats will be detrimental to our Elk
River. There are several other sites in the Land Management Plan where
commerical recreation can go.
There is nothing on the south side of the Tn. River from Decatur to
Wheeler Dam. There are several safe harbors on that side which
are deep enough for a marina. One sight could be Spring Creek. There
use to be a restaurant there (according to our Elders in the area) and
was closed due to the drugs and roughness. The water lines and electric
should all be there. If Mr. Doss is willing to pay to have Barnett Rd.
widened and paved appox. 1 mile, he surely could pay to have the road
fixed going into Spring Creek which is less than 1/10 mile. Please
consider helping save some of our natural habitats from
overdevelopments and commerial recreation. Not everything is about
money, somethings need to be left alone for our future generations to
see and enjoy.
Sincerely,
Robin Burchfield
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May 4, 2006
Regional Resource Stewardship Council
TVA
400 West Summit Hill Dr., WT 11A,
Knoxville, TN 37902-1499
Via fax to 865-632-3146
Dear Stewardship Council:
Subj.: Comments for May 10 meeting
Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments to the Council.
I, and several members of the community near the mouth of the Elk River
(mile 1.5) have recently had reason to review the Wheeler Reservoir
Land Management Plan (released Dec. 1995). We were dismayed to find how
inappropriate and outdated (in our opinion) the Plan Land Use
designations are given the phenomenal growth pressures the area has
experienced in the past five or six years. The area now is nothing like
that described at the time the Plan was developed (probably in 1994 or
early 1995). The area is now much more intensively developed than at
the time the data in the plan was collected.
We understand the Land Management Plans are generally on a ten-year
review cycle, but that period is not a "hard" requirement. Indeed, that
period has already passed for the Wheeler Reservoir plan. Accordingly,
I would like to request that the Wheeler plan be scheduled for update
as soon as practicable. We believe that a priority should be
established for the plan update, particularly since the March 17 2005
meeting of the Regional Resource Stewardship Council Meeting identified
"development pressures" as one of the underlying factors supporting the
need for a plan's revision.
Sincerely,
Victor P Dura
Shoals Environmental Alliance
Rogersville SIG
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TVA Board of Directors
400 W. Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902
Dear Directors:
After reading the front page article written by John Peck and published
by the Huntsville Times on Monday, April 24, 2006, I became
seriously interested in learning more about the proposed marina
for Elk River, Project #2005-112. It is the opinion of the
people with whom I have communicated, that it is already
conclusive that the vote by the Board on May 18 will be in favor of
this Elk River marina project.
Is this really the way you wish to see the Elk River? Is it good
business for the residents on the Elk both in Limestone and
Lauderdale counties? I am playing catch up with the volumes
of papers, surveys and studies made by TVA and others since the
original application, but I cannot find any survey that is
realistic in the recreational value, developmental value, or even
commercial value of the project. Simplistically, the
commercial value is exclusively limited to the private leaser of
previously public land and to TVA receiving 5% of the
monies. This is wrong and NOT in the best interest of TVA.
TVA has such a rigid reputation and works so hard in protecting
every foot of land along its river basins maintaining natural
habitat--but TVA's reputation and protection are going by the
wayside in the approval of this project. An unwanted marina
does not encompass TVA's mission.
The list of the Compendium of Objections to the Elk River Marina
Project is mind-boggling, including dredging, increased two-lane
county road traffic, increased river traffic, miles of shoreline
impact, sewage disposal, fuel leakage, inevitable additional
garbage in the river, noise pollution, absolute negative impact
on wildlife, including fish, eagles, geese, deer, snail darters,
etc., etc., etc. TVA has released its Final Environmental
Assessment and the report entitled Finding of No Significant
Impact (really???). The community objections appear to have
been totally ignored. Progress is beneficial to the
majority. This is not progress. Yes, it would be
advantageous to boaters in having a gas pump available on the
Elk, but a MARINA is just wrong. There are six other
marinas and camping facilities located close by and all are under
utilized, according to the Environmental Assessment.
Do not approve this proposal, especially not on the community's
behalf. It is not a good thing, and if you look beyond the
pocket book, you know it is not in the best interest of the land
or the people who care for the land. LEAVE A POSITIVE TVA
LEGACY ON ELK RIVER.
I am only one voice of many who have already addressed the TVA Board,
but I ask that each member, one more time, receives a copy of
this communication. Since I believe so strongly that this
is not in the public's best interest, I am forwarding copies to
Senators Shelby and Sessions, and Congressman Cramer. Since
their districts encompass the project, they too, should be
accountable and aware of this potential ugly and unnecessary
degradation of the Elk River.
PLEASE DO NOT APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL.
Sincerely,
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TVA Board of Directors,
400 W. Summit Hill Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37902-1499
Dear Directors:
Last Sunday, my little family was a few minutes early for the
Shoals Environmental Alliance's afternoon nature walk through
ninety-one acres of TVA-protected public lands on Elk
River. This beautiful stretch of forest is under the protection
of a government agency that will most likely allow our children's
heritage to be mown and replaced with the pavement and pollution
of yet another marina.
Since we had the woods to ourselves for a while, we decided to
walk ahead and meet the other hikers on our way back. The
sun-dappled, spring-green leaves of the shady path beckoned, and
impatient six-and-a-half-year-old Maggie in her red sun hat,
glasses sliding down her short nose, scrambled over the chain at
the management area entrance. "Wait, Maggie; listen! I
whispered. First one and then a second small snake rustled
through dried leaves as we disturbed their peaceful sunbath on a
rotting log beside the weedy path. "You have to
/whisper/ in the woods, Maggie!"
Under our green canopy, a breeze cooled the 87-degree afternoon as
we identified a variety of large trees and pitied the circular
scars and mudholes left beside the path by errant four
wheelers. Maggie ran ahead in the onobstructed areas,
slowing only to point out the wildflowers to her father and
me. Each time, I cautioned her to whisper, remembering how
my parents had walked with my sister and me in the woods of
Middle Tennessee, teaching two loud, rowdy redheads respect for
nature.
Our turning destination was a slough at the end of the management
area. It has become congested with logs and garbage.
Trees lining the TVA boundary were swathed in orange, day-glo
paint. One of the largest beech trees that we had ever seen
stood defaced with the initials of transient teenage lovers, yet
lifted its arms far above our heads as if looking up to ignore
the ugliness inflicted upon its massive trunk. At this
point, the intrusion of man was obvious in all directions.
Even so, turtles lined the logs amid the garbage, and birds called
in the treetops. A gar swam in and around clear patches in
the slimey water. The wonder of nature survives in this
place--but for how long?
As average citizens of the area, we must ask exactly /who/ will
use another marina? Who will own the big boats that will be
docked there? Who will be able to afford the gas to run
those boats? What about those of us who cannot afford such
luxuries? Where will our public lands be? If we
allow/ this/ marina, what will become of the other public lands
along our river?
We will be left with waste and pollution. There will be no
more woodland paths to walk or ancient beeches to offer shade.
Every citizen is responsible for making his or her wishes known.
What do we want for our children? Do we teach them to
whisper in the woods, or do we pave paradise and buy them four
wheelers?
Will Maggie shush her children under a giant beech while wild
birds whistle, and reptiles rustle the leaf-covered floor of
Alabama's public lands?
Consider taking action to keep this public land protected by
voicing concerns to Senator Richard Shelby, E-mail:
senator@shelby.senate.gov, Washington Office: SH-110, Washington,
D.C. 20510-0103; Senator Jeff Sessions, Washington Office:
SR-335, Washington, D.C. 20510-0104; and Congressman Bud
Cramer, BudMail@mail.house.gov, Washington Office:
2368 RHOB, Washington, D.C. 20515.
More information about the impact of the proposed Doss Marina can
be found at:
http://www.shoalsenvironalliance.netfirms.com/ERM/ERM1.htm
Carla Gregg
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Office of Congressman Bud Cramer
Huntsville District Office
Attn: Mr. Jim McCamy,
District Director
Dear Mr. McCamy,
I appreciate you and Mrs. Judy Sizemore attending the Open House Style
Public Meeting in Rogersville at the Lauderdale County High School
February 9, 2006 to represent my Congressman, Bud Cramer, as you said,
to ensure public concerns are aired and to hear what concerns are
coming back in response to Gilbert “Bubba” Doss’ May
31, 2005 request for a 30-year easement on 91 acres of TVA-managed
property, for the development of a commercial marina and resort on Elk
River.
Because the TVA representatives, at this second TVA public meeting, did
not present, nor address, the landslide of issues and concerns already
submitted by the voting citizenry of Congressman Cramer’s
district since TVA’s initial request in June 2005, nor at the
first TVA public meeting October 18, 2005, and more specifically,
because the TVA representatives did not address this voting
citizen’s issues I submitted by letter to TVA November 2, 2005, I
am enclosing these for your information.
As an owner of lakeside property very near the proposed project, I
“rise in opposition to the Elk River Resort proposal”, and
I am actively working to ensure this project’s prompt disapproval.
I recently joined the Shoals Environmental Alliance, Rogersville
Special Interest Group (SIG), an environmental activities and watch-dog
alliance established to promote the preservation of the natural
resources, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities of the Muscle
Shoals, Alabama area of northwest Alabama. I call your attention to our
website, under the sample letters section, and to the compendium of
many objections and excellent commentaries of concerns already
submitted to TVA, to get you an overview firsthand, for your
information, of why many people oppose this project.
Further, my Senator, Jeff Sessions, stated upon introducing Tennessee
Valley Authority board nominee, Howard Thrailkill of Huntsville, at a
Senate confirmation hearing February 8, 2006, “I
think the people of the Tennessee Valley understand that TVA is really
self-contained and does not receive outside federal dollars. So when
money is wasted, it’s money that comes from the taxpayers of the
Tennessee Valley. There’s no free lunch.” Senator Sessions
could not have said it any better for me. I believe the Elk River
Resort Proposal is TVA’s free lunch to Bubba Doss, it’s TVA
wasting money, and the money comes from me, a taxpayer of the Tennessee
Valley.
Regards,
Thomas Gary Wicks
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TVA officials,
I think of this proposed marina situation
often and with much worry. I envision the world that my children
and grandchildren will inherit. It is sad to see the current
trends toward privatization of our public lands. It is sad
to envision the river's edge without beautiful unspoiled scenic vistas.
It is sad to see how wildlife struggle more and more with
astounding habitat fragmentation.
It is easy to see that the political
persuasion of the board and future board of directors is
tied into the Republican agenda. This dynamic is a conflict of
interest and is perhaps the strongest reason that TVA is catering
to those who profiteer off of public land. It is unfortunate that
science is being upstaged by shortsighted, political
backscratching at the cost of irreplaceable natural areas and the
host of wildlife that depend on them for their existence.
I felt from my conversations with TVA
representatives at the public scoping an attitude of
resignation as if they were aware that the deal was done and that
the scoping was just a necessary formality. It is ridiculous that
the TVA scientists must lower their standards to please higher
ups that perhaps have an already "done deal." Just because there
are no known endangered species found on this site does not mean
that this site is "insignificant"as several TVA scientists kept
referring to this piece of land during the public meetings.
A new environmental assessment should be
drafted that is much more specific as to Mr. Doss's development
plans. Many details were completely omitted leaving room
development with extremely high impact on the environment. Most
importantly, a new EA should also take into account the context of this
land as a part of the whole ecosystem of the Tennessee River and
it's banks. It is noteworthy that Joe Wheeler State Park, just
around the way hosts an eagle retreat......more development could
not be best for eagles or ecotourism which stands to bring in
much more dollars to our area than more development.
The character of the landscape for which North
Alabama is valued is at stake. If this development is
granted, how long will it be until real estate cronies of
Mr. Doss build neighboring developments to tie in with the
marina??One thing is obvious - there is no need now for another marina
in this area. Marinas and golf courses have a lot in common-they
tend to destroy the "commons" of the public while providing
developers opportunity to profiteer from developing around them.
Every chunk of wooded natural landscape along
the river that is developed is yet another very significant chunk
gone from what should be protected as a greenway along the
river. Privately owned land is already unprotected.TVA's
priority should be that of steward of the last natural areas
along the river that remain. If developers want land to develop
let them buy it from private land owners at a fair market
price!!! Must the "invisible hand" grab up our last public
lands?? Please say no to this proposed marina.
Nancy Muse
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It was a pleasure to meet you at the meeting concerning TVA's Elk
River Resort proposal. I have read many of my neighbors's
comments and letters by other interested persons. I hope
you will take the time review the letter written by Lamar
Marshall. It is among the best letters I've seen, thus far.
I would like to thank you for convincing TVA that another meeting and
extended comment period was necessary. Mr. Marshall would
not have had the chance to review the EA and submit this very informed
description of the situation.
I visited the property with this gentleman the day before the
meeting. He knows much more about the value of this land than any
of the TVA people working on this project. This letter spells out
in great detail the many deficiencies in the Environmental
Assessment. In addition, it spells out the extremely bad deal
this is for the public.
Now that you have reviewed the proposed project, you should understand
the fact that TVA is simply giving this land away. I
hope you and Congressman Cramer will now take a stand with us. We
fully intend to file suit should TVA disregard the majority of the
people for the benefit of Mr. Doss and his rich buddies. I hope
and pray that Congressman Cramer will find some way to help us stop
this destruction of public land for no apparent good reason.
I know that TVA is it's own kingdom, but we must take a stand.
The little people out here have little chance against them, but we
intend to continue to fight them as best we can.
Sincerely,
Bob Freeman
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Comments to aide of Congressman Bud Cramer:
It was a pleasure to meet you at the TVA Open house meeting.I hope you
can relay to Mr. Cramer our feeling against the Elk River Marina
Project. It is such a beautiful spot on the Elk I really hate to see it
lost forever, not to mention the history, artifacts and wildlife lost.
I am sending you some of my comments. Please share them with Mr.
Cramer
Elk River Marina Comments
How can the public seriously make comments on the TVA DEA about the Elk
River Marina Project.It appears it has changed from the original one
issued. I am referring to the handout given to me at the Open House
meeting on Feb.9.The original EA stated approx. 5 acres would be
cleared,the handout says approx 40 acres will be cleared. This is quite
a big difference. Was the aerial photos taken on both sides of Elk
River? Did this include residents yards? My concern is about the last
undeveloped parcel on Lauder dale Co. side, the Marina proposed site.
All of the displays at the meeting are different than what were
presented at the last meeting. The wetland area has changed but still
shows some will be destroyed by Bubba with dry storage. This is
unacceptable.
The land management plan still states not preferable to have 3 marinas
on the same side of the river. I suggest this project be moved to the
other side of Tenn. River to Spring Creek on some private land. If
there needs to be some type of development put it on that side
There is to much developing on the Elk and Tn. River's North side
especially in a such a small area. This will cause to much stress
on our river and environment.I am talking about The Pointe Subd.,
Bay-hill marina and condo after condo after condo(which has turned into
an eyesore). Where does all the sewage end up? Why can we not see a
definite plan by Mr. Doss for this project. All he tells us is he has a
few ideas.Surely there is something in black and white. Where are the
sewer systems,power lines,water lines etc.? This has to be available
for the public in order to make a proper comment. Mr. Doss claims he
will pay to put in a culvert at Barnett Rd and have the road widened. I
talked to Mr. Thornton (road commissioner) at the meeting Feb 9
he knew nothing about this. He has not been approached by anyone on
this matter. The day after the meeting there were surveyor marks (says
locate) on Barnett Rd. for the culvert. How can TVA say this is not a
done deal with Mr. Doss? Appears he has started on the road work.
The TVA Wildlife & Wetland group said at the meeting they
spent another day at the sight and did not see any unusual water fowl
or migratory birds. I did not see any birds in the area the day they
were out either. There were duck hunters all around.One day in
Aug and one day in Dec does not constitute a thorough survey. They also
said there has not been any type of study on the mussels in the area
for the marina. I personally took out a group of divers to the area
that will be dredged and we found 5 different species of mussels. Some
were very old.
TVA needs to do a study on the underwater creatures and Archealogical
artifacts. I did not see any recent fish counts, mussel counts, no
dives performed in area for artifacts. in the DEA. Just info based on
someone elses facts.
If the closest Eagle nest is 30 miles away, why do we see one
every other day on the Elk? Why do they have an Eagle watch at Joe
Wheeler Resort?
I would still like to see some type of rules and regulations
established for a campground prior to turning Mr. Doss loose. "No stays
longer than 30 days." "quiet times," "gated entrance," "24 hour
security." I do not want to see RV rallys and Jamborees held in the
middle of two residential areas. I do RVing myself and private
campgrounds are usually the roudiest. State Parks are the best do to
the rules and regulations.
There is just to much history and environmental impacts involved in
this for TVA to use old text books information. I do not see a profit
from 1.2 million estimated spent by Bubba in my lifetime. What if Mr.
Doss passes away(God forbid he doesn't) prior to finishing this
project? Who gets the lease? Does it go back to the public for an
application to be applied? Can we turn back time and make it like it is
now?Will TVA let someone else make the money? What if Mr. Doss decides
to sell out? What happens to the lease agreement then?
Right now this land is available to the public to use as they want with
no charges. TVA wants to lease to a private individual to make money
and then the public will be charged to use the same land. This is not
for the good of the public. I can not understand the reasoning behind
this except greed.
Robin Burchfield
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Feb. 7, 2006
TVA FOIA Officer
400 West Summit Hill Dr. ET 6A
Knoxville, TN 37902-1499
FOIA Request
Dear TVA FOIA Officer:
The Shoals Environmental Alliance Inc. (SEA) would like to request
summary cost records relating to work performed on the "Elk River
Resort Request for Recreational Easement and Approval for Marina
Facilities" (see
http://www.tva.com/environment/reports/elkriver/index.htm for a
description). By "cost" we mean financial costs incurred by or
charged to TVA for processing this application. Such costs would
include all labor, materials and indirect charges such as document
costs, employee travel expenses, mailing expenses, etc by or on behalf
of TVA. Since it is our understanding that such costs are billed to the
Applicant we also ask that summary copies of such bills or invoices be
included.
By "summary cost records" we mean the most recent record or
records showing the total cost incurred from the time that
TVA began to incur costs of processing the application to the
latest date on which a summary of such total costs was generated
The period for which we are asking summary records is from the time the
Application for Easement was submitted or January 2005, whichever is
earlier, through December 2005 or the most recent later
date for which summary cost records are available. We are
trying to determine the cost to TVA and the public of processing this
application so that we may educate the public as to the costs and
benefits of local projects.
Fee Waiver: SEA hereby requests a fee waiver. We are a non-profit
organization dedicated to the preservation of the scenic beauty and
recreational opportunities of the Shoals area, the protection of our
natural resources and public green spaces which significantly
contribute to our cultural and historical heritage. We are
dedicated to the education of the public to responsible management of
the natural environment as well as responsible planning for future
development of our community. We believe TVA actions have a major
effect on the natural environment in the Shoals area and the
costs and benefits of those actions are of great interest
to the public. TVA's actions in the Shoals area are considered
significant news and are reported extensively in the newspapers of
Athens, Decatur and the Florence quad-cities area. Accordingly we
believe that the information requested herein is likely to contribute
significantly to public understanding of the operations and activities
of TVA.
Please note that SEA has no commercial interest in the requested
records nor is there any financial benefit that we can derive from them.
If SEA’s request is denied in whole or part, we ask that you
justify all denials by reference to specific exemptions of the FOIA.
Sincerely,
Victor P Dura
Shoals Environmental Alliance
Rogersville Special Interest Group
Rogersville, AL 35652
