The mysterious, foul odor that caused classes at St. Croix Central High School to close early as recently as last week returned on Monday, with students and staff reporting ill effects and Gov. John deJongh Jr. pledging Monday night that the government will continue to seek for the source of the stench.
DeJongh said Monday that the Department of Planning and Natural Resources will continue efforts to determine the origin of the odor, which was experienced at various times during the school day.
DPNR will test as necessary to determine the nature and source of any potential health risk. DeJongh said that, beginning Tuesday, DPNR would have the ability to draw on the resources of the V.I. National Guard’s Civil Support Team to assist in the air quality monitoring initiative.
DPNR and the Guard team will install stationary air monitoring devices in strategic locations on the Central High campus and areas nearby, deJongh said.
Two weeks previously, DPNR officials issued a work stoppage order when it was learned that workers for Hovensa had been cleaning various crude oil processing units and storage tanks, resulting in the release of unpleasant odors. DPNR also will monitor operations at the refinery to ensure the personnel are only carrying out work it is authorized and permitted to do.
On Friday, an early dismissal was ordered at Central High School by the Department of Education after students, faculty and staff all reported feeling ill as the foul odor filled the air in and around the campus. Twenty-six faculty and staff members signed out and left the campus as a result of the odor and, between Friday and Monday, 43 students reported feeling ill.
The governor said DPNR is taking all the measures it can to ensure there is no risk to the health of the students and staff of the school or the residents in the surrounding areas.
