Dear SEA Member,

VI Conservation Society (VICS) joins VI ratepayers in petitioning the VI Public Services Commission (PSC) to reconsider its approval of WAPA/ Alpine Energy Group Power Purchase Agreements.
LINK TO PETITION TO PSC FOR RECONSIDERATION


Learn more about Ocean Acidfication.

This link is a document prepared by EPOCA (European Project on Ocean Acidfication). 32,000 copies are going to be distributed in Copenhagen and to the US Congress.
LINK TO EPOCA-PROJECT


October 5 - 6, Paul Chakroff testified before the VI Public Services Commission on VI WAPA request for PSC approval of Power Purchase Agreements signed with Alpine Energy Group.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify before the Public Services Commission (PSC) on the VI Water and Power Authority (WAPA) request for PSC approval of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed with Alpine Energy Group through its subsidiaries AEG Anguilla Power LLC and AEG Bovoni Power, LLC.
LINK TO SEA's FULL TESTIMONY
LINK TO VICS FULL TESTIMONY



The National Park Service (NPS) is currently engaged in the Castle Nugent Farms Special Resource Study of the suitability and feasibility of a new park on St. Croix. The process has been underway for a couple years and is nearing completion. NPS has determined the site meets the requirements of suitability and feasibility and has outlined four alternative management plans NPS is currently seeking public input regarding four alternatives for the site. The public has until August 1, 2009 to comment.

Castle Nugent Farm and the surrounding lands contain remnants of former cotton, indigo, and cattle plantation estates in exceptional condition. This estate still has viable cultural and historical resources dating back to the French colonial era and the Danish cotton plantation era. It is also one of the last working cattle ranches on St. Croix, and one of the ranches instrumental in the development and exportation of Senapol cattle throughout the Caribbean and the world. Other archaeological resources date back to pre-Columbian occupation of various locations within the site.

Ecologically, the site includes wetlands vital to migrating and resident birds, one of the largest salt ponds in the territory, the most substantial stand of black mangroves in the Virgin Islands, and one of the largest and most healthy fringing reefs in the territory.
LINK TO FULL ARTICLE



June 17, Paul Chakroff testified before the VI Senate Committee on Planning and Environmental Protection on air pollutant emissions from the WAPA facility at Estate Richmond.

Paul's presentation addressed issues regarding WAPA's PSD Permit, WAPA's Title V Permit, and public health hazards of regulated and unregulated pollutants in WAPA air emissions.
Although WAPA's PSD permit appears to be current, WAPA is not compliant with the regulations on continuous emission monitoring and stack testing for Nitrous Oxides.
WAPA's Clean Air Act Part 70 Operating (Title V) Permit expired Dec 31st, 2008. WAPA is currently working on a permit renewal, but is reported to be not in current compliance with Title V conditions, and has not been in continuous compliance during the evaluation period.
Public Health hazards of regulated pollutants in WAPA air emissions: The St Croix population potentially affected by Nitrous Oxide is significant, as over 82% of St Croix's inhabitants are downwind of WAPA for the majority of the year.
Of even greater concern are the unmonitored emissions, such as soot: impure carbon particles resulting from the incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon. According to the US Department of Energy, soot accounts for 71% of the cancer risk from toxic air pollution.
LINK TO FULL TESTIMONY

Known locally as SEA, we are a 500+ member organization committed to protecting and conserving our beautiful island environment. St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands and is surrounded by turquoise waters and some of the most colorful coral reefs in the Caribbean.

SEA was formed as a grass roots organization in 1986. By creating innovative environmental education programs for children and adults, sponsoring engaging activities and remaining vigilant in seeking compliance with local and federal environmental regulations, the St. Croix Environmental Association continues to provide leadership for a healthy and sustainable environment.

SEA is member of the Virgin Island Conservation Society (VICS) which in turn is an affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

Read more about our programs. Sign up for the SEA newsletter. Participate in engaging events. Plan a visit to the Southgate Coastal Reserve. Become a SEA member!