March 20, 2009 – The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Division of Environmental Protection reports that a manhole located in Estate Barren Spot in Christiansted, St. Croix, is overflowing. The manhole is located in an over-grown property adjacent to a duplex at No. 318. As a result of the sewage overflow, a large pool has been created within a swale and continues to migrate into a gut that runs parallel to the Ricardo Richards Elementary School.
DPNR is advising the general public to avoid the areas around the affected manhole in Estate Barren Spot, and is also advising that children and adults with compromised immune systems should avoid the above mentioned areas and impacted beaches. Standing or running water in these areas may contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health. DPNR will continue to monitor the impacted area. For additional information regarding this matter contact the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority.
