Public Notice

I.                 

 

NOTICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES INTENT TO ESTABLISH A LIST OF WATERS FOR THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS UNDER SECTION 303(d) OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT AS AMENDED BY THE WATER QUALITY ACT OF 1987.
 

II.             

DATE OF NOTICE:  February 3, 2008
 

III.            

DESCRIPTION OF SECTION 303(d) REQUIREMENTS

Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, requires every state and territory to: develop lists of water-quality limited waters still requiring Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs); establish a priority ranking of these waters; identify pollutants causing their impairment; and identify waters targeted for TMDL development over the next two (2) years.  TMDLs include a determination of pollutant loadings compatible with achievement of applicable state water quality standards.  State 303(d) lists and TMDLs are submitted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval or disapproval.   

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) developed the proposed 2008 303(d) list.  The DPNR today notices its intent to establish a 2008 303(d) list for the U.S. Virgin Islands pursuant to Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, and solicits public comment on this intent.
 

IV.              

HOW TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE PROPOSED 2008 303(d) LIST OR REVIEW THE ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD 

The proposed 2008 303(d) list is available by mail or for public inspection by appointment at the DPNR Division of Environmental Protection offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix.  To request a copy of the proposed list or to submit comments, contact: 

ANITA E. NIBBS
45 MARS HILL, FREDERIKSTED
ST. CROIX, VI 00841
TELEPHONE:  (340) 773-1082

The administrative record containing background technical information is on file and may be inspected at the Division of Environmental Protection office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Arrangements to examine the administrative record may be made at the above address.  A copy of the 2008 303(d) list and the administrative record will also be available at the DPNR offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Contact Anita E. Nibbs at (340) 773-1082 for appointment arrangements.
   

V.                 

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

This notice announces the availability of the proposed list, which the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) intends to establish pursuant to Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d) for the U.S. Virgin Islands as soon as possible after the close of the public notice period.  DPNR is allowing a 30-day period for soliciting public comment on its intent to establish this list. 

Comments must be submitted in writing to DPNR at the above-mentioned address or emailed to 2008wqm-data@vidpnr-dep.org, on or before March 3, 2008.
 

VI.              

DPNR’S RESPONSE TO COMMENTS

Following the close of the 30-day comment period, a written response to comments and petitions will be developed as soon as possible.  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.