Lawrence Kupfer, executive director of the V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA), gives an update on preparations surrounding Tropical Storm Dorian.
“I welcome this opportunity to provide an update to our community on some of the preparations underway at the V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA) in the event of any adverse impact by Tropical Storm Dorian — preparations that are focused specifically on St. Croix.
“Coordination is in place and resources are readily available for damage assessment and restoration efforts. Contractors presently on St. Croix are capable of performing damage assessment and emergency restoration work through the use of 56 line-workers. Preparations are in place to shift additional manpower from St. Thomas to St. Croix to commence initial restoration work.
“WAPA’s goal is to restore critical government facilities within 24 hours of the storm including: hospitals, airports, seaports, VITEMA and emergency response agencies. Most of those are provided electrical service through underground circuits.
“Within 24 hours of the damage assessment, WAPA will be best positioned to determine if additional outside help is needed for restoration of service. WAPA has pre-staged arrangements to mobilize mutual aid assistance if needed, consignment agreements for material sourcing, emergency housing and staging areas for debris collection.
“In addition, the Authority has taken stock of fuel supply for its power plants as well as water storage capabilities in both districts. In terms of fuel, WAPA has approximately 12.5 days of propane fuel, a 14-day supply of No. 2 oil and 6,000 gallons of diesel and gasoline to support the vehicle fleet.
“Water storage on St. Croix is approximately 13.4 million gallons or water supply for four and a half days. Once it is safe to resume the operations of the seawater reverse osmosis units, WAPA will do so.
“Stay tuned for continued updates from WAPA on all aspects of its operation.”