The V.I. Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises all residents and visitors to dispose of all household waste at the waste disposal bin sites throughout the islands on Thursday, Aug. 21, to allow for the authority and its contractors to empty the bins prior to the passage of Invest 96L.
Residents are reminded to clear their homes and yards of any debris that could become airborne, 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:
1) Residents using the territory’s transfer stations and landfills are asked to follow the directives of the staff at the site.
2) Residents are encouraged to take their bulk waste, yard waste and scrap metal directly to the Peter’s Rest Convenience Center (PRCC), 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:
1) 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 that pump sewage from residential and businesses to the wastewater treatment plants. After the rain and the storm water run-off subside, the sewer collection system may continue to be impacted.
2) 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.
3) Residents are asked report any sewer overflows to the VIWMA at 715-9100 on St. Thomas; 712-4962 on St. Croix or 774-2141 on St. John.
For more information, contact the respective landfill: St. Croix Transfer Station 778-1231, Bovoni Landfill 775-3665, or the Susannaberg Transfer Station 774-2141.