USVI to receive federal help to address water contamination crisis
President Joe Biden has approved the US Virgin Island’s request for a Federal Emergency to be declared on the territory as it responds to a water contamination crisis on St Croix.
Biden approved USVI’s request on Sunday, five days after he received a letter from USVI Governor Albert Bryan asking for the declaration.
According to the White House, Biden’s declaration permits the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts “which aim to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population”. “Specifically, FEMA is authorised to identify, mobilise, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program will be provided for water, other necessary related items such as filters and testing, and technical assistance necessary to identify and address immediate threats to public health and safety for 90 days from the start of the incident period,” the White House said in a statement.
At a media conference on Monday, Daryl Jaschen, director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, told reporters that the territory now has access to technical support from several federal agencies which can assist the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) in determining temporary actions and applying those actions to communities where elevated levels of lead and copper were detected in the water supply.
Over the next 90 days, Jaschen said local and federal officials will work tirelessly to address the matter.
Also addressing the press conference was Richard Motta, Communications Director at Government House.
He revealed that over 1,200 clean water vouchers were distributed between Saturday and Monday to WAPA customers impacted by lead and copper in their drinking water. The $100 vouchers must be redeemed within 90 days at distribution points across St Croix.
He said local officials are actively working with FEMA to find a solution to the problem, which includes a US$1.2 billion overhaul of the water delivery system.
“As we await the comprehensive overhaul of the system, WAPA and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources are collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency to identify a safe and effective corrosion control inhibitor that will reduce corrosion in the metallic components of the water system. We are also procuring filters and water pitchers to filter out lead and copper,” Motta commented.
“This is the route most municipal water systems utilise to improve water quality when lead and copper are detected. We are optimistic that the Federal Emergency Declaration requested by Governor Bryan and approved by President Biden will expedite these plans.”
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