PROGRAMS: Water Quality Management

The United States Virgin Islands' (USVI’s) most valuable natural resources are its pristine waters and its distinctive marine and wildlife habitats. Protection of these unique features in the face of increasing population size and economic development has become increasingly difficult. If the mandate of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requiring anti-degradation of the quality of the marine waters of the territory is to be realized, and local water quality standards are to be enforced, proper Water Quality Management Program (WQMP) for preservation of the marine ambient waters of the USVI is absolutely imperative.

Under the WQMP Grant (pursuant to CWA §604(b)), the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) is entrusted with the task of planning and implementing Water Quality Management Projects to ensure the protection of the marine waters of the USVI.

To assist in the ongoing development and delivery of Water Quality Management Program projects, each fiscal year funds are awarded to the Water Quality Management Program Program under the 604(b), in an amount determined by Section 205(j) of the Clean Water Act. WQMP activities funded under 604(b) have included:

• Ambient monitoring

• Development, revision and review of water quality standards

• Establishment and support of TMDL projects

• Preparation of water quality inventories; and

• Ongoing WQMP planning processes and other activities that support water quality program planning and development

604(b) funds are awarded to the Water Quality Management Program Program each fiscal year in an amount determined by Section 205(j) of the Clean Water Act to carry out Water Quality Management Program projects. DEP uses funds from this program to conduct ambient monitoring; develop, revise and review water quality standards; develop and support TMDL projects; develop continuing planning processes; prepare water quality inventories; and support water quality program planning and development.

The primary focus of current and future WQMP projects funded under 604(b) relate to TMDL issues.

For additional information visit our Publications page.

Last Revised: Monday August 08, 2005