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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES
No. 45 Estate Mars Hill, Frederiksted
St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00840
I. NOTICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES INTENT TO ESTABLISH REVISED WATER QUALITY STANDARDS REGULATIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS UNDER TITLE 12 CHAPTER 7 SUBCHAPTER 186 OF THE VI RULES AND REGULATIONS.
II. DATE OF NOTICE:
December 14, 2008
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS REGULATIONS & RELATED REQUIREMENTS
The Water Quality Standards define the appropriate physical, chemical, biological and ecological limits to support designated uses within the US Virgin Islands. Water Quality Standards provide the framework for protecting, maintaining and improving water quality.
IV. HOW TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO WATER QUALITY STANDARDS REGULATIONS OR REVIEW THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
The proposed Water Quality Standards Regulations (WQSR) are available by mail or for public inspection by appointment at the DPNR Division of Environmental Protection offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix. To request the proposed WQSR or to submit comments, contact:
ANITA E. NIBBS
45 MARS HILL
FREDERIKSTED
ST. CROIX,VI 00841
TELEPHONE: (340) 773-1082
ALEXANDRA HOLECEK
8100 LINDBERG BAY, STE. #61
CYRIL E. KING AIRPORT
TERMINAL BLDG., 2ND FLOOR
ST. THOMAS, VI 00802
TELEPHONE: (340) 774-3320
The administrative record containing background technical information is on file and may be inspected at the Division of Environmental Protection office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Arrangements to examine the administrative record may be made at the above address. A copy of the proposed WQSR and the administrative record will also be available at the DPNR offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Contact Anita E. Nibbs or Alexandra Holecek for appointment arrangements. The WQSR will also be available online at www.dpnr.gov.vi
V. REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
This notice announces the availability of the proposed WQSR, which the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) intends to revise pursuant to Section 303(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, (the “Clean Water Act” (CWA), 33 U.S.C. § 1313(c)), to protect the public health and welfare, enhance the quality of water and serve the purposes of the CWA for the U.S. Virgin Islands, as soon as possible after the close of the public notice period. DPNR is allowing a 60-day period for soliciting public comment on its intent to establish these regulations.
Comments must be submitted to DPNR at the above-mentioned address in writing or by email anita.nibbs@dpnr.gov.vi
on or before February 12, 2009.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearings will be held in both districts in the DPNR Main Conference Rooms – St. Thomas on Thursday, February 5th and St. Croix on Friday, February 6th. Both hearings will commence at 6:00 p.m.
V. DPNR’S RESPONSE TO COMMENTS
Following the close of the 60-day comment period, a written response to comments and petitions will be developed as soon as possible. All petitions and comments received during the public notice period will be considered. This response to comments and petitions will be available to the public in the same manner as today's notice.
