During a weekly Government House press briefing on Monday, Richard Motta Jr., Government House director of communications, expressed optimism about President Joe Biden’s approval of a federal disaster declaration. The approval authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate relief efforts in collaboration with USVI officials, and the additional resources will aid in the USVI’s ongoing efforts to address lead discovered in St. Croix’s water supply.
Biden’s approval of a federal State of Emergency paves the way for access to additional resources over the following 90 days to tackle the lead problem in portions of St. Croix’s water supply system. Meanwhile, vouchers for access to clean drinking water have been distributed to at least 1,288 residents in the community, and pediatric blood testing continues in order to confirm preliminary positive test results for exposure to lead among several children.
As of Monday, 390 children have been tested on St. Croix, with zero confirmed cases of lead exposure, according to the V.I. Health Department. However, eight initial positive results are still pending confirmation via further bloodwork, it said.
Distribution of Water Vouchers for Clean Water
Motta revealed that as of Monday afternoon, 1,288 vouchers for clean water had been distributed to Water and Power Authority customers, allowing individuals to purchase clean water at several locations across St. Croix.
More information regarding vouchers for clean water is available here.
“The governor understands the importance of access to clean water, and this distribution is one of the immediate responses, but not the last, to provide relief to those in the affected areas,” said Motta. “These free vouchers, exclusive to eligible customers of WAPA, can be redeemed to purchase water at five convenient locations on St. Croix,” he added.
Motta reassured the public that while vouchers may provide immediate access to clean water, long-term plans are being made to fix the water troubles across the island. Replacing water pipes across St. Croix is an eventual goal.
“Our commitment to addressing this issue extends beyond immediate relief. WAPA is actively working with FEMA on a comprehensive plan to replace deteriorating piping throughout St. Croix’s water system. The total project cost has been estimated at $1.2 billion, and those plans have been undergoing review by FEMA since August of this year,” said Motta.
“In the meantime, as we await the comprehensive overhaul of the system, WAPA and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources are collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency to identify a safe and effective corrosion control inhibitor that will reduce corrosion in the metallic components of the water system,” Motta continued.
“We are also procuring filters and water pitchers that can filter out lead and copper,” he added.
“We are optimistic that the Federal Emergency Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Bryan and approved by President Biden will expedite these plans. The government of the Virgin Islands is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all its residents,” he stated.
VITEMA Will Collaborate with Multiple Federal Agencies
Daryl Jaschen, director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, praised the success of the distribution of water vouchers and said that there will be more initiatives and activities that will take place as a part of the emergency response and to benefit citizens, including plans for providing water filters and water testing kits. Residents are encouraged to sign up for updates and alerts from VITEMA.
Multiple federal government agencies, including FEMA Region Two, will be arriving in the USVI to offer assistance throughout the disaster declaration period, which lasts for 90 days. (FEMA Region Two partners with federal emergency management for eight Tribal Nations and four states/territories, including the USVI.)
Jaschen acknowledged that managing the water woes on St. Croix will be a complex process throughout the disaster declaration due to the numerous federal agencies involved. Still, he expressed VITEMA’s commitment to collaborating with all parties to resolve the troubles.
“We always want to demonstrate our own capabilities [for resolving problems in the USVI], and once we become overwhelmed, that’s where FEMA comes in for a short period of time to assist, with direct federal assistance and technical assistance, as well as [sending] individuals to assist for a short duration,” Jaschen explained.
Pediatric Lead Testing Continues
Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist with the Virgin Islands Health Department, provided an update regarding ongoing blood tests for school-aged children to check for signs of lead exposure. Ellis noted that children ages 0 to 6 may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of lead poisoning.
Ellis described the difference between an initial “finger prick” test, which can lead to false positive results, and a “venous blood draw,” a more thorough and accurate test in which blood is drawn directly from a vein in the arm. Ellis stated that 390 children had been tested for lead contamination as of Monday, and fifteen samples were referred for additional testing. She stressed that there have currently been zero confirmed positive blood test results.
“Of the 15 [initial finger prick results], the DOH has received the results of seven [venous blood] tests, which were all returned negative, or below the level of concern for lead,” Ellis explained. “To reiterate, there have been zero positive lead blood to date.” (The remaining eight test results are still pending.)
“Children under the age of six are still developing rapidly, and lead exposure can adversely affect their brains, nervous systems, growth, development, and overall behavior,” Ellis warned.
The DOH recommends that parents have their children tested as a precautionary measure, and information about testing is available on the department’s website. Additionally, individuals with concerns related to lead exposure can contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. For information regarding testing, the V.I. Health Department hotlines can be reached Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 340-712-6299 and 340-776-1519.
Abandoned and Derelict Buildings
In separate news, the public has been invited to share comments about the V.I. government’s plans for abandoned and derelict buildings. Friday is the last day to submit comments and concerns.
“The Virgin Islands Abandoned and Derelict Real Property Conservatorship Act provides a means by which derelict and abandoned properties can be rehabilitated or developed without a change of property ownership,” according to the official website of the V.I. Government.
“Your voice matters in how we tackle these issues. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or support to express, now is the time to make your opinion heard. Engaging in this process helps ensure that the final legislation reflects the needs and perspectives of our community,” Motta said.
Thanksgiving and A Note of Gratitude
Finally, Motta stated that government offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday of this week in observance of Thanksgiving. Motta also read a message of gratitude and hope from Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.
“I am especially grateful for the opportunity to serve you and to work every day toward a brighter future for the Virgin Islands. Our journey is ongoing, and together, we will continue to overcome any challenge that comes our way. This Thanksgiving, let’s cherish what we have, lend a hand to those who need it, and look forward to the future with hope and determination,” Bryan said in a written statement.
