Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen is inviting all residents to attend a community discussion on environmental and public health issues, “Voices, Values and Visions: Partners for Building A Safe, Healthy and Livable Virgin Islands Community,” with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Judith Enck and other EPA officials. It will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 5, at the St. Croix Educational Complex Auditorium.
Discussion will include a review of EPA rules and regulations for protecting air quality and human health in the territory, an explanation of the Hovensa consent decree and fines, and the cistern test results. There will also be a question and answer period, and members of the community can provide suggestions for projects they would like to see funded by Hovensa’s $4.875 million fine.
“The protection of our environment and the potential impacts to the health of our people and our natural resources are issues of primary concern to just about everyone in the community,” said Congresswoman Christensen. “While these concerns have been longstanding, the recent toxic releases have brought them to light. It is important that the community have the opportunity to hear from our federal partners about their efforts to assist us to meet these current challenges and plan for a better future.”