There will be a 60-day public comment period for the proposed Water Quality Standards Regulations (WQSR) are available for public inspection online at http://dpnr.vi.gov/public-notices/ or by appointment at the DPNR Division of Environmental Protection offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
- Notice of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ intent to establish revised water quality standards regulations (WQSR) for the United States Virgin Islands under Title 12, Chapter 7, Subchapter 186 of the V.I. Rules and Regulations
- Date of Notice: Aug. 1, 2023
- Description of the Water Quality Standards, Regulations and Related Requirements
The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is tasked with protecting the environment and human health under federal and local laws. The USVI Water Quality Standards define the appropriate physical, chemical, biological and ecological limits to support designated uses within the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Water Quality Standards provide the framework for protecting, maintaining and improving water quality. To provide greater protection of these resources, DPNR proposes to revise provisions of Title 12, Chapter 7, Subchapter 186 of the Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations pursuant to Section 303(c)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the “Clean Water Act” (CWA), 33 U.S.C § 1313(c)), 40 C.F.R. § 131.20, and 12 V.I.C. § 186(a). DPNR is allowing a 60-day period for soliciting public comment on its intent to revise 12VIRR §186.
- Request for Public Comment
The proposed Water Quality Standards Regulations (WQSR) are available for public inspection online at http://dpnr.vi.gov/public-notices/ or by appointment at the DPNR Division of Environmental Protection offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
To arrange to examine the proposed rules and regulations or to submit comments, contact:
Mary Stiehler, Environmental Program Manager
Water Quality Management Program
4611 TuTu Park Mall, Suite 300, 2nd floor
St. Thomas, VI 00802
774-3320, ext. 5058
The Administrative Record related to the change of 12VIRR §186, containing background technical information, is on file and may also be inspected at the Division of Environmental Protection office by appointment.
DPNR is allowing a 60-day period for soliciting public comment on its intent to revise 12VIRR §186.
- Public Hearings
Hearings on the proposed revisions to 12VIRR §186 will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in both districts as follows:
St. Croix – Thursday, Aug. 17, at DPNR, 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted
St. Thomas – Wednesday, Aug. 23, at DPNR, 4611 Tutu Park Mall, Suite 300, 2nd Floor.
All interested persons will be afforded an opportunity to be heard on the proposed revisions to the WQSR.
- 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. Comments must be submitted to DPNR at the above-mentioned address either by email or in writing on or before Oct. 1, 2023. 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.
