I really hate to hear that TVA is reevaluating it's permit issuance.I've had one for several years and when I went on their website to renew mine in Dec,I did notice that there was no link shown.I just went ahead and sent a copy of my last permit and DL to the TVA police and asked them to forward the info.In all the years that I've had a permit, I have been checked one time.I do,however, see people detecting for relics in on TVA property on a regular basis possibly unaware of the consequence of their action or possibly just thinking they won't get caught!A few folks have been arrested with a pocketful of arrowheads locally,but I really think they(TVA) don't have enough officers to check for permits,much less patrol the many miles of shoreline they control,BUT if they do catch you (1) forfeit any detecting equipment in your possesion including any in your vehicle(2) forfeiture of vehicle(3)search and seizure of any relics in your home(4)a very hefty fine(5) possible jail time.So even if the odds look good,it ain't hardly worth the risk!