CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) suggested that all residents and visitors dispose of all household waste at the waste disposal bin sites throughout the islands to allow for the VIWMA and their contractors to empty the bins prior to the passage of Tropical Storm Isaac.
Residents are reminded to clear their homes and yards of any debris that could become air-borne, to remove any loose or low-hanging branches, and to secure any outdoor furniture, gas cylinders or other items prior to the arrival of any major inclement weather.
Solid Waste Guidelines:
Residents using the territory’s transfer stations and landfills are asked to follow the directives of the staff at the site. Residents are encouraged to take their bulk and yard waste and scrap metal directly to the Convenience Centers (CCs), transfer stations or landfills.
As a reminder, all appliances, such as refrigerators or stoves, bulk waste, such as bedding and furniture, yard waste, and hazardous waste, such as medical or liquid waste, construction and demolition debris, and other unacceptable waste are not accepted at the bin sites and must be taken directly to the transfer stations or landfills.
Businesses are reminded that their waste is to be taken directly to the landfill or transfer station by a licensed and permitted waste hauler. Any business found utilizing a public bin site for disposal of commercial waste will be cited.
Wastewater Guidelines:
Residents are advised that due to the expected inclement weather the sewer collection system may experience a large inflow of storm water into the system which may cause overflows in certain areas. The flow of rain water and storm water entering the sewer system may exceed the pumping capacity at various pump stations which pump sewage from residential and business systems to the wastewater treatment plants. After the rain and the storm water run-off subsides, the sewer collection system may continue to be impacted.
Motorists are asked to use extreme caution when traversing through flooded roadways during and after the storm to avoid potential and known areas of manhole overflows. Residents are asked to avoid areas with standing waters. Persons with impacted immune systems are especially reminded to avoid all flood areas.
Residents are asked report illegal dumping or sewer overflows by calling our 24-Hour Hotline at 844-WMA-USVI (844-962-8784). The VIWMA Preserving Paradise Team continues to work diligently to provide reliable services and would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation.
For additional information, contact Communications Management at (340) 513-4171 or email
communications@viwma.org