Tag: V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR)

Coast Guard Conducts Oil Spill Exercise At Limetree Bay Refinery On St. Croix

CHRISTIANSTED — Coast Guard, federal and local emergency responders in cooperation Limetree Bay conducted an oil pollution response exercise for two days this week at the south shore refinery. The government-led exercise is a part of the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) required under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. “These exercises are […]

DPNR Commissioner Testifies Before Congress Remotely On Climate Change

WASHINGTON — The House Natural Resources Committee issued the following testimony by Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, as part of a remote hearing entitled “Discussion on the Insular Area Climate Change Act” on Thursday: Thank you Representative Grijalva for the opportunity to testify in support of the proposed “Insular Areas Climate Change Act” […]

SNAKES OF ST. CROIX! What To Do About Exotic Pets Once They Are Loosed Into Our Neighborhoods

CHRISTIANSTED — Todd Kirkpatrick of Estate Rattan wrote to the Virgin Islands Free Press this week and asked what to do with a nine-foot-long Boa constrictor that was living under a storage container in his yard. What to do indeed. That is the problem plaguing many homeowners around the island as exotic pets become too […]

VIWMA Warns St. Croix Residents Of Sewage Overflowing Between Boardwalk, King Cross Street

CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) asked motorists to avoid the overflowing manhole in the downtown Christiansted area around the Boardwalk and government parking lot. Residents with compromised immune systems should avoid standing water in this area near King Cross Street by Holgar Danske Hotel. Motorists are advised to use an alternate […]

Boats Anchored Too Closely Together In Magen’s Bay Draw The Attention of Authorities Sunday: VIPD

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Two boats anchored too closely together in Magen’s Bay on St. Thomas drew the attention of authorities Sunday morning who said the people and boats did not follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. The people in the water, owners of the two boats involved, were given warnings and asked to separate after the […]

V.I. Entities Off The WAPA Grid Must Register For The Net Energy Billing Program: VIEO

CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) in partnership with V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) said it has worked “diligently” to create a sustainable renewable energy industry within the territory. The closing of the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program in June of 2017 resulted […]

DPNR Begins Accepting Vessel and Mooring Registrations for 2019-20

CHRISTIANSTED — Commissioner nominee Jean-Pierre Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources said that the Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE) will immediately begin vessel and mooring registrations for the 2019-2020 year. Oriol said all permitted mooring holders must include in their applications to the Division of Environmental Protection the GPS coordinates of their […]

DPNR To Hold Meetings About Recreational Fishing On St. Thomas and St. Croix

CHRISTIANSTED — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources said that the Division of Fish and Wildlife will be holding meetings about recreational fishing throughout the territory. On St. Thomas, the meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9th at 7 p.m. at the V.I. Housing Finance Authority training room in Frenchtown. On St. Croix, the […]

DPNR To Host Series Of Workshops For Small Business Owners

CHRISTIANSTED — Commissioner nominee Jean-Pierre Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources said that the Division of Environmental Protection will be celebrating Virgin Islands Small Business Week from May 6 to 10. This week-long celebration begins with two workshops to educate all small business industry owners and managers on compliance and of their […]

DPNR Closes Down Mars Hills Offices Today Due To WAPA Potable Water Issue

FREDERIKSTED — DPNR Commissioner nominee Jean-Pierre Oriol said his Planning and Natural Resources Department closed all offices at its Mars Hill location on St. Croix at 12:00 p.m. today due to no potable water in the building. DPNR contacted the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and has been notified that water service would […]