About the DEP

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection (DPNR/DEP) is responsible for environmental protection and the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations in the US Virgin Islands. The Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) receives funding and has been delegated responsibility for environmental protection by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the auspices of Region2.

The mandates of the Division of Environmental Protection are to protect and conserve the natural resources of the Government of the US Virgin Islands:

• Air, water and land upon which life depends, and

   .

• The health, comfort, and repose of the public

These mandates are codified in twelve ( 12) Virgin Islands Code (VIC) Chapters (Ch) 5 Ground Water, 7 Water Pollution Control, 9 Air Pollution Control, 17 Oil Spill Prevention, and 19 Pesticides Control. Additional mandates are codified in 19 VIC Ch. 51 Safe Drinking Water and 56 Solid & Hazardous Waste.

DEP also administers an Underground Storage Tank Program as per 40 Code of Federal Regulations.

DEP's Mission

The mission of the Division of Environmental Protection is to provide protection and conservation of the natural resources of the Territory in collaboration with other DPNR divisions and governmental agencies for the health and comfort of the public and, an improved quality of life.