Everyday is Earth Day!

In 1970, Earth Day was established in the United States due to the rising environmental concerns.  This day is observed on April 22, 2008 in the states and territories.  Why should we observe this day?  There are many reasons.  However, the main reason is the fact that the earth provides all the resources necessary to sustain all life.  

Earth Day is the time to celebrate the progress we have made thus far to improve our environment.  It is also a time to educate others to protect our environment and our natural resources.

At the Department of Planning and Natural Resources-Division of Environmental Protection, we have many programs in order to protect the human health and the environment.  These programs are the Air Pollution Control, Groundwater, Non-Point Source Pollution, Pesticide Control, Public Water System Supervision, Small Business Environmental Assistance, Solid Waste, Underground Storage Tank, Water Pollution Control and other sub-programs administered within these programs.

The Division has many responsibilities under the different programs where a few of these responsibilities are discussed.  The Air Pollution Control Program has air sampler that collect particulate matter samples of specific diameters.  This information is then entered into a national database and compared to the national average.  The purpose of the groundwater program is to protect the groundwater and ensure this renewable water resources continue to exist in the territory.  The Non-Point Source Program is concerned about non-point source pollution such as storm water runoff entering the Territorial waters.  Under the Water Pollution Control Program, we conduct weekly beach monitoring in order to monitor the water quality at over forty (40) beaches within the Territory and provide this information to the community.  The Public Drinking Water Program conducts annual testing for bacteria in water haulers tanks; and monitors the self testing of our public and transient facilities to ensure safe drinking water quality for the public.  While our functions are many, the work of our programs is only part of the equation to the healthy environment. 

Environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility.  Everything we do at home, at work, in our schools, and our communities have some effect on the environment.  Celebrate Earth Day every day.  Please protect the natural resources in our community by becoming more aware of environmental issues by participating in environmental workshops, recycle, and to report environmental violations to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.  Working together we can make a positive difference in the resources we all enjoy and share in our islands.

Happy Earth Day 2008! 

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By Director, Nadine Noorhasan, Ph.D.
Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Director Division of Environmental Protection