EPA Visits USVI

M.A. Dworkin

In what could amount to one of the most important relationships the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) will establish with the new Trump Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Regional Administrator Michael Martucci visited the USVI recently to engage with government officials, meet the EPA’s local team (EPA Region 2) working on the ground, and discuss strategies for tackling the Territory’s most pressing environmental challenges and infrastructure priorities.

During Mr. Martucci’s visit, he met with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and key government officials to discuss collaborative efforts to further environmental protection while promoting a strong local economy; and addressing landfill management issues, water quality and industrial oversight.  

“Supporting the U.S. Virgin Islands starts with strong partnerships, clear regulations, and smart investments that protect public health while supporting economic growth,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “EPA is committed to working alongside US Virgin Islands leaders to ensure cleaner air, water, and land for the communities we serve, without stifling economic prosperity.”

As part of the visit, the Regional Administrator toured the Anguilla Landfill and Anguilla Wastewater Treatment Plant, where he engaged with local officials on strategies to improve waste management, reduce pollution, and strengthen environmental compliance. Additionally, meetings with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) and Waste Management Authority (WMA) focused on developing long-term solutions for solid waste disposal and wastewater treatment. The Regional Administrator was also briefed by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) on ongoing work to replace aging drinking water infrastructure in the Clifton Hill area of St. Croix. During the visit, WAPA officials demonstrated new meter boxes and valves being installed to improve water service reliability for local residents. 

Mr. Martucci also spent a considerable amount of time discussing the EPA’s oversight of major industrial sites, including a visit to Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation (PHRT) and Ocean Point Terminals (OPT), where he emphasized EPA’s role in ensuring compliance, mitigating environmental risks, and supporting economic development in the Territory. 

This portion of Mr. Martucci’s visit was certainly in accordance with the Bryan Administration’s efforts to bring oil refining back to St. Croix in an environmentally safe manner. 

As part of the EPA’s broader commitment to economic and environmental resilience, the Regional Administrator reaffirmed the EPA’s support for USVI’s efforts to modernize infrastructure, strengthen environmental compliance, and advance sustainable development. Moving forward, the EPA states it will continue working with USVI government agencies, utilities, and local stakeholders to implement solutions that improve the Territory’s waste management, protect its water resources, and ensure a cleaner, more resilient U.S. Virgin Islands.

Given the Trump Administration’s recent focus on the Caribbean as a strategic outpost in a rapidly changing geo-political world, spurred on by China’s attempts to gain advantage in the region, it only stands to reason that the importance of the U.S. owned Territories, particularly Puerto Rico and the USVI will continue to play an increasing role in the current Administration’s short and long-term global plans.             

For more information on EPA’s work in the USVI visit the: EPA in the U.S. Virgin Islands website.