The email I got back said
Thank you for your inquiry and I apologize for our delayed response. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) manages public lands and natural and cultural resources across the region for the greatest public benefit. Included in this responsibility is protecting over 11,500 known sensitive archaeological sites as required by multiple federal laws including the Archeological Resources Protection Act. Activity permitted under the current metal detecting policy has resulted in damage to some of these protected resources.
TVA is reviewing its current practice of issuing permits for metal detection on TVA–managed lands and is also considering consistency with the practices of other federal agencies charged with protecting federal lands. In particular, the National Park Service does not allow the use of metal detecting devices on property they hold in trust for the citizens of the Unites States. Renewal or issuance of new permits for this activity on TVA-managed lands remains on hold until a decision has been made.
If you have any additional question, please contact me.
Thanks,
Erin
Erin Pritchard
Archaeological Specialist
Natural Resource Planning
Land & Shoreline Management
Office 865.632.2463
Fax 865.632.3253