74.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesSenator Calls on Community to Identify Dam Wreckers

Senator Calls on Community to Identify Dam Wreckers

Jan. 21, 2005 – Sen. Neville James wants to know when something will be done about the situation at Jolly Hill dam. A portion of the dam, which has been there since the 1930's, was destroyed recently in an act James called "environmental terrorism."
The story unfolded last week when residents who frequent the area noticed a large portion of the dam's wall damaged by what could have been a jackhammer. James, who is chairperson of the Economic Development and Environmental Protection committee, said his office will continue to "monitor the situation."
Department of Planning and Natural Resources personnel were called in to assess the damage and possible impact on the environment. According to Jamal Nielsen, DPNR public relations officer, the department is still investigating the matter.
James issued a press release on Thursday indicating there are "no local leads" as to who may have damaged the sturdy structure, which is 40 feet long and more than 6 feet wide. James is requesting assistance from the community to identify those responsible. "This could not have been done without neighbors hearing anything out of the ordinary," said James.
Megan Schoenfelt, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) said on Thursday the damage done to the dam could impact the coral reef. Shoenfelt said the dam prevented sediments and non-source point pollution from flowing into the sea. "It's all cumulative," said Shoenfelt. "Everything we do on the island eventually impacts the sea. It is a distance, but it's a steep area."

Back Talk

Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name, and the city and state/country or island where you reside.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.