The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) has announced that the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) will begin a monthly education series to increase public awareness. DPNR will launch the new education series during the month of September, according to Commissioner Robert Mathes of DPNR.
Mathes said, “Our goal is to increase public knowledge and awareness as it relates to our programs within the Division of Environmental Protection.”
He said, “The Division of Environmental Protection has over 10 major regulatory environmental programs that address a gamut of issues of concern that touch the lives and livelihood of the average citizen, business community and government sector. Each month, we will put the spotlight on one of our programs, permitting process or environmental concept to foster not only awareness but compliance with environmental laws and regulations.”
The commissioner added, “While DPNR is responsible for oversight of environmental matters, we need the public to be aware of the dos and don’ts as it relates to our programs. And we need the public to help us by being our eyes around the community.”
The monthly education series will be held after hours to afford residents as well as members of the business community, the opportunity to attend, learn and ask questions related to the featured program. The first program to be featured during the month of September is the Earth Change Program. The September Education Series on Earth Change will be held as follows:
St. Croix
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 21
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: DPNR Main Conference Room Mars Hill
St. Thomas
Date: Thursday, Sept. 23
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: DPNR Main Conference Room at the Cyril E. King Airport
The Earth Change Program has undergone changes as it relates to building and development in the territory. During this time, we will also discuss Non-point Source Pollution.
Mathes said, “I would like to encourage the community to come out to learn more about our agency, our programs and environmental matters that affect our lives and livelihood in the territory.”
For more information on the monthly education series, you may contact the Division of Environmental Protection on St. Croix at 773-1082, on St. Thomas at 774-3320 or visit our Web site at www.dpnr.gov.vi
