The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA or Authority) held a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 4, to announce the removal of more than 6,000 gallons of used cooking oil and motor oil illegally disposed of at the Concordia residential bin site on St. Croix.
Authority officials admonished those businesses that participate in illegal dumping and reminded businesses of the Virgin Islands Code and Regulations requiring a permitted and licensed contract hauler to dispose of waste oil. Violators are subject to a fine of not less than $1,000 and/or 180 days imprisonment.
Illegal dumping of used cooking oil and motor oil in the territory is also occurring in the St. Thomas-St. John District as well as on Water Island. This practice is causing environmental damage, including clogged and blocked lines which can cause sewer spills from manholes onto roads into the environment. Repairs to sewer lines blocked by grease cost the VIWMA in excess of half a million dollars a year in line televising, cleaning and repairs.
Additional information will be issued to territorial businesses establishments regarding this subject; however, businesses are asked to immediately cease illegal dumping at bin sites and ensure that business waste is being handled in compliance with established VI Code and Regulations.
For more information, contact the Office of Communications Management at 513-4171 or email communications@viwma.org. Also, follow on Facebook, LinkedIn and/or Twitter.
