PROGRAMS: Non-Point Source Program

Non-point source pollution is the major source of surface water contamination in the US Virgin Islands and is attributable to several key causes, including but not limited to:

Failure to properly install effective silt control devices during construction.
Failure to contain storm water run-off from unpaved roads.
Failure of on-site sewage disposal systems.
Un-permitted point source discharges of storm water associated with industrial activities and construction sites.

The discharging of wastes overboard directly into the sea by boat owners and the difficulty in regulating such activity also contributes to non-point source pollution problems seen in the Virgin Islands.

The DEP's NPS Management Program aims to protect ground water and coastal waters by mitigating both land and marine non-point pollution sources. The NPS Management Program is supported by the Non-Point Source Pollution steering committee, a diverse group of individuals from the public and private sectors. Major program tasks include:

Task I - Review and Revise NPS Program

DPNR/DEP will continue to review and revise the NPS management program to ensure that the program achieves nine key program elements as described in the May 1996 Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidance For Fiscal Year 1997 and Future Years.

Task II - Education and Outreach Programs

DPNR/DEP will continue to guide the activities of the NPS Committee to address NPS issues in the Territory and participate in various educational and environmental events to promote NPS awareness within the community and schools, especially activities like Earth Day, Arbor Day, the Agricultural Fair and the Annual Nonpoint Source Conference.

Task II - Education and Outreach Programs

DPNR/DEP will continue to guide the activities of the NPS Committee to address NPS issues in the Territory and participate

Task III - Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Preparation & Oversight

Inter Agency Agreements between DPNR and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) - Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC), Cooperative Extension Service (CES), the Virgin Islands Resource Conservation and Development Council (VIRC&D) and the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) and Association of Marina OwnersVI (AMOVI) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to complete the non-point source educational, demonstration and implementation projects.

DPNR/DEP will interact with and provide oversight, as needed, to various cooperating agencies to ensure the agencies perform their tasks on schedule and provide DPNR and EPA with progress reports and output documentation.

Task IV - Mapping Potential Surface and Ground Water NPS Pollution

Continue mapping potential surface and ground water NPS pollution threats in the VI using aerial photographs with field observation/ verification and interviews. DPNR/DEP will also undertake the mapping of potential surface and ground water NPS pollution threats in the VI using aerial photographs with field observation/ verification and interviews.

Task V - Technical Assistance

Provide review and input to other DPNR programs within DEP and within other divisions of the agency.

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