Environmental sensitivity maps of the U.S. Virgin Islands are now under final review by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
The maps contain information about coastal shoreline sensitivity and biological and human-use resources. They are used to identify environmentally sensitive areas so they can be protected from oil or hazardous-substance spills, and to help authorities develop clean-up plans in case of a spill.
The color-coded maps are published in bound atlases that include the coastal and inland zones of a state or territory. NOAA will also publish the information in CD-ROM form.
The maps will be reviewed at DPNR's office in Wheatley Center on St. Thomas on Thursday, and at the Christiansted National Park Service headquarters on St. Croix on Friday. Reviewers will accept new information and updates until August 31.
For more information, contact DPNR, Leonard Reed, 777-4577; U.S. Coast Guard, Lt. Mario Mercado, (787) 729-2364; or NOAA, Brad Benggio, (305) 530-7931.