St. John’s strong environmental values are apparent in prior and current attempts to address stormwater and wastewater issues. Steep terrain, combined with construction, creates stormwater issues; rapid property development, haphazard road and subdivision approvals, and a lack of regulations and enforcement all contribute to diversion of water from natural ghuts and from groundwater recharge systems. Stormwater related drainage issues lead to road washouts, landslides and flash flooding, with many of the island’s roads severely undermined due to poor drainage.

Necessary funding for long-term solutions is historically lacking. Also of concern is St. John’s sole wastewater treatment plant, and sewage piping transport system, in need of updates and regular maintenance. The Department of Public Works has addressed some related issues on an as-needed basis; longer-term stormwater project planning and implementation is needed if this critical environmental problem is to be effectively addressed. Coral Bay Community Council (CBCC) has taken a leadership role in stormwater management, applying for, receiving and administering various grants to address specific drainage issues, largely in the Coral Bay watershed, and providing grant application support and advice for all of St. John. Sewage leaked from the Cruz Bay wastewater treatment plant for months after the storms. Some sewage pump stations failed to work. Repairs, which were needed prior to the storms, are now much more imperative. Seek and obtain substantial funding to resolve the stormwater management problems and wastewater piping problems, through various federal resources. Assure that hydrological & hydraulic studies are done and the information derived is used to underlie all new development. Encourage retrofits so that drainage patterns become as safe as possible. Address wastewater management issues including repairs to the Cruz Bay wastewater treatment plant, and target workforce development for needed expertise.

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS: 1. Conduct hydrology study for all watersheds on St. John 2. Develop a hydrological & hydraulic model that: 3. Create a watershed management plans for all of the watersheds on St. John 4. Evaluate the concept of Watershed Utility Districts to provide funding for upkeep and maintenance 5. Provide education to the construction industry and the public 6. ls across agencies and community groups to make use of available data and information 7. Update wastewater treatment plant 8. Seek out opportunities for workforce development related to jobs in these specialties.

Key Players: Dept. of Public Works; Coral Bay Community Council, St. John Community Foundation Alignment: IS, NCR, CPCB RSFs, USDA Cost: > 1 Million Timeline: < Three Years