Alabama Pygmy Sunfish Action Update

I'm reposting the following from the NANFA Forum about increasing threats to the Alabama Pygmy Sunfish. Mike Sandel's description of the situation speaks for itself:

News on the ground: the Huntsville sewer line along Beaverdam Creek is nearly complete, and the wastewater treatment plant on I-565 is at least half-way complete. The wastewater treatment plant is located about 1/4 mile from Beaverdam Creek, and now I need to find out where the discharge from this system will empty. My guess is right in the middle of Elassoma territory. There has been little news from USFWS, but I have heard rumors that they are pushing for a normal listing process, as opposed to an emergency listing. This is not an indication of whether they will grant protection for the spring pygmy, it simply means they are choosing the slower of two paths which will lead to some sort of decision. In my best estimation, if they take the "normal" route, we are talking about a process that can take decades before a resolution is reached. On the other hand, the emergency listing process could take less than two years. In the opinion of every qualified biologist concerned with this situation (and anyone else who can think without dollar signs in their eyes), this listing is already 20 years overdue. The conservation measures associated with the ESA need to be in place before this area is developed. Otherwise the survival of this species will be left to the mercy of Huntsville and/or the next automobile manufacturer that shows an interest. Huntsville has been ranked among the 10 fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. Infrastructure construction for this expansion has already begun, the remaining tracts are for sale on industrial realty sites, and we know that after the money has changed hands and facility construction has begun, USFWS will have little to say about it.

Please consider writing a letter in support of the EMERGENCY LISTING of Elassoma alabamae. These letters can come from individuals or organizations.

Send letters to:

Janet Mizzi
USFWS Southeast Regional Headquarters
1875 Century Blvd., Suite 400
Atlanta, GA 30345