[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
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          NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
                  PROBLEMS/SOLUTIONS
I
I                     PROCEEDINGS
I     FIRST ANNUAL ViRGIN ISLANDS CONFERENCE
                           on
*            NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

I                                                    H
                     October 4-5, 1993
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         DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL SOURCES
              COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
I
     TD        ST. THOMAS, UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS
I                 RoyE.
                       Adams, Commissioner
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                                ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

      The First Annual Virgin Islands Conference on Nonpoint Source
      Pollution would not have been possible without the generous support
      of the sponsors listed on the Title Page. The Planning Committee is
      grateful for the willing help from a number of persons: Lillian
      Moolenaar and Fern LaBorde for handling the registration; Edelta
      Webbe and Alma Wells for their advice on financial matters; Joan
      Harrigan-Farrelly for advice on planning and Barbara Kojis for
      editorial assistance.

                          Janice D. Hodge, Chairperson
                               Planning Committeee







                                           U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
                                           COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
                                           2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
                                          CHARLESTON, SC 29405-2413





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          I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~t   o'_ .ï¿½c ....  VLib-R@ 







                 NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
                          PROBLEMS /SOLUTIONS
                         October 4-5, 1993


                                SPONSORS

      The Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources,
   *                   ~~~~~Coastal Zone Management Program


                   The University of the Virgin Islands,
I       ~~Cooperative Extension Service and Eastern Caribbean Center


I      ~The Virgin Islands Resource Conservation & Development Council


  1               ~~~~The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


            The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
              Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management


                    The U.S. Department of Agriculture,
    I                    ~~~~~~Soil Conservation Service


   U                 ~~~~~Virgin Islands Conservation District




                        PLANNING COMMITTEE

                     Janice D. Hodge, Chair/Coordinator
                           Julie Wright, Co-Chair
                                Olasee Davis
                                Bruce Green
      I                        ~~~~~~~~Lynne MacDonald
                               Mario Morales
                               Algem Petersen
                               Marcia Taylor









                     TABLE OF CONTENTS





SECTION TITLE                                                 PAGES


PLENARY PRESENTATIONS                                         I 1-26


URBAN SOURCES OF NONPOINT POLLUTION                          II 1-36
(LAND USE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION)


URBAN SOURCES OF NONPOINT POLLUTION                         III 1-44
(STORMWATER RUNOFF AND POLLUTION PREVENTION)


ONSITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS (OSDS)                        IV 1-36


MARINAS, BOATING AND HYDROLOGIC MODIFICATION                 V 1-40


AGRICULTURE AND WETLANDS                                    VI 1-24


WINNING STUDENT ENTRIES AND CLOSING REMARKS                 VII 1-8


















The presentations in this collection were prepared camera-ready by the authors; they
have not been reviewed nor edited. This collection was compiled by Janice D. Hodge.



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I                                           I
                      PLENARY PRESENTATIONS

I
      Welcome Remarks
        Honorable Alexander A. Farrelly, Governor                       I-i

      Introduction
I         HOnorable Roy E. Adams, Commissioner . ..... ...*..... ....1-3

I       Territorial Rules andRegulations Governing Nonpoint Source
      Pollution
        Benjamin I. Nazario                                             1-5

      Federal Rules and Regulations Governing Nonpoint Source
      Pollution
        Malcolm L. Henning .......1-9

      Safeguarding Our Future Resources
I LaVerne Ragster.1-15

H i . Responsible Ecotourism Development
        Stanley Selengut..** *.*.1-23


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      *per not available at time off printing
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     I                         ~~~~~~~~WELCOMING REMARKS
                      Honorable Alexander A. Farrelly,
  I             ~~~~Governor of the United States Virgin islands

         commissioner Roy Adams, visiting guests and delegates, it is
I      ~~a pleasure for me to welcome you to our First Annual Virgin
         Islands Conference 'on Nonpoint Source Pollution. For those of
         you visiting us for the first time, I hope you can take a few
I      ~~moments from your busy schedule to enjoy what nature has
         blessed us with. For those of you who are from here, Please
         take some time to enjoy some of the beauty with our guests.
         Nonpoint Source Pollution... what is it? If you are like me,
         someone not used to the latest environmental jargon, you also
         might be wondering what Non Point Source Pollution is. Over
         the past year or so, I have heard the term mentioned numerous
         times. I have been fortunate enough to have received a brief
         description from my wife, 'the CZM Program Manager of the
         Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
         I now know that these pollutants, which are an everyday part
I      ~~of our lives affect each of us on a personal level. Rainwater,
         seems harmless enough and something we all need. However,
         rainwater picks up pollutants from our well kept lawns, from
         our streets and farms and from construction sites. It is
         carried into our wetlands and oceans as well as our ground
         water. These days, I cannot look at the rain falling and enjoy
         it, because I now think of its effects as it cascades down the
I.     ~~mountainsides and roads, wondering what is being picked up and
         where it will be deposited.

I        ~~Construction practices also contribute to the degradation of
         our coastal waters and drinking water. A degraded ocean means
         a reduction or elimination of our fish habitats, degraded
I      ~~coral reef systems, and a reduction in  plant populations.
         Cloudy polluted waters, also mean a reduction in recreational
         activities, since no one wants to swim in unsafe, unappealing
*        ~~waters.
         Today's conference, ,Non Point Source Pollution, Finding
         Solutions to Environmental Pollution", gives us all an
I      ~~opportunity to learn more about the problem. But even more
         important it enables us to come up with solutions. However, a
         two day conference can only begin to scratch the surface. I
I      ~~commend Commissioner Adams and the CZM Program for taking the
         f irst step in bringing these issues to the forefront for us to
         give them deep thought, and I hope all of us, particularly
         those in the building trades, and in agriculture, as well as
         all of our Government Departments, take heed and begin to plan
         their activities with this new awareness.










My administration has always been and continues to be
committed to ensure our waters are clean, our beaches remain
beautiful and we all enjoy a healthy environment. Through the
Department of Planning and Natural Resources, we continue to
put in place the mechanisms for managing,  enhancing,  and
protecting our natural resources and coastal areas.

Last week, the CZM Commission voted to approve 'management
plans for eighteen Areas of Particular Concern (APC's). This
was no easy feat, and I wish to commend all those involved in
this effort. The management plans and boundaries are being
reviewed  by my  office,  and will  be  forwarded  to  the
Legislature for their approval and adoption. But, because the
Senate is currently absorbed in consideration of the Fiscal
year 1994 budget of the Virgin Islands, I requested they
extend the time frame for their final approval of the 18
APC's. Deliberating over the budget is a process that is
likely to extend to December. It is my belief a date of
January 31, 1994, for APC approval is realistic and fair.

Our Land and Water Use Plan, our Territorial Park System, are
all part of a major effort in ensuring a continuation and an
enhancement of what we all call " Paradise." If we all commit
ourselves to work together for the good of our beautiful
islands, we can still preserve and protect the good we have.

Again,  I welcome you to the conference,  and I hope the
information we share here will be of practical use to us all.
Thank you.























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                                                   ,   7        ,.




                                                 -"114  A    ,










                              INTRODUCTION

                  Honorable Roy E. Adams, Commissioner
              Department of Planning and Natural Resources

         As part of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of
I      ~ ~1990, Congress enacted a new section 6217 entitled "Protecting
         our Coastal Waters.". This provision requires states with
         coastal zone management programs that have received Federal
         approval under section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act
         to develop and implement coastal nonpoint pollution programs.

         Because the coastal nonpoint pollution control program must be
         approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
         National .Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) , the
         Virgin Islands, as well as all other territories and states,
         must comply with mandates set forth by these federal agencies.
         Some of these mandates will require statutory changes in the
         VI code in order to make our program acceptable.

         A Virgin Islands Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Committee
         consisting of federal, territorial and local agencies has been
I      ~~established  to  address  nonpoint  source  pollution.  The
         Committee will review the various mandates of EPA and NOAA as
         they pertain to the virgin Islands and develop and implement
         Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control NPS pollution.
         At this point in their progress, the NPS Committee finds it
         necessary to conduct this conference so that information about
         nonpoint source pollution can be shared with the public.
         Through this conference we hope to provide the general public
I      ~~and specific groups, such as contractors, architects, farmers
         and marina operators with sufficient information so that they
         can begin to focus on the various methods by which they can
         each reduce or eliminate nonpoint source pollutants and so
         help to satisfy the requirements of the nonpoint source
         pollution control program. It is very important for us to have
         the full participation of all concerned as early in the
         development of this program as possible so that any
         amendments to the existing VI code or program recommendations
         will have the necessary cooperation of all who will be
         affected.
         We do realize that nonpoint source pollution cannot be
I      ~~eradicated within a year or two. Effective management of NPS
         pollution is essential to maintain the high water quality that
         currently exists in the virgin Islands. The major sources of
         pollutants that impair our waterbodies are erosion and
         sedimentation from site development, urban runoff, vessel
         wastes disposal, and failing septic systems.

                                  1-3








As  you  will  discover  when  you  attend  the  various
presentations,   nonpoint  source  pollution  impacts  our
environment in many ways. Loss of fishing, loss of habitat
(for some endangered species), human health risks, and loss of
tourism - our primary industry are just a few.

Because of the importance of our natural resources to our
economy,  and because we all strive for a clean healthy
environment, it is imperative that we begin to address our
environmental problems now. We in the Virgin Islands enjoy an
environment that isg far superior to many others, let us do
what we can now, while we still have a chance, to maintain it
and where possible improve it.  Keep in mind that the purpose
of this conference is to share ideas and information so that
we can work cooperatively to maximize our efforts.










                     TERRITORIAL RULES & REGULATIONS
                 GOVERNING NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

                                 Benjamin I. Nazario

                         Division of Environmental Protection
             Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources


Non-point source is defined as pollution sources which are diffuse and do not have a single
point of origin or are not introduced into a receiving stream from a specific outlet. The
pollutants are generally carried off the land by stormwater runoff. The commonly used
categories for non-point source are: agriculture, forestry, urban, mining, constructions, dams
and channels, land disposal, and saltwater intrusion.

The first opportunity and consideration in any non-point source effort is source control.
By their nature laws and regulations are normally addressed at a specific source. The Virgin
Islands laws that are affected in the control of non-point source pollution are part of Titles
12, 19 and 29 of the Virgin Islands Code and its rules and regulations and are as follows:

TITLE 12    CONSERVATION:

      CHAPTER 3 "TREES AND VEGETATION ADJACENT TO WATERCOURSES"

      Establishes policy for the cutting or injuring of certain trees within certain confines
to a watercourse and institutes a permit requirement for said activity and provides for
enforcement by DPNR Environmental Enforcement Officers. Permits are issued by the
Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR).

      CHAPTER 5 "WATER RESOURCES CONSERVATION"

      Establish policy and regulations for the protection, conservation and development of
the water resources, both surface and underground water of the U. S. Virgin Islands.
Applications and plans for groundwater use are reviewed and permits issued by the Division
of Environmental Protection (DEP) of DPNR.

      CHAPTER 7 "WATER POLLUTION"

      Establish policy and regulations to conserve the waters of the VI, to protect and
maintain, and improve the quality thereof for public water supplies, for propagation of
wildlife, fish and aquatic life, and for domestic, recreational and other legitimate beneficial
   uses; to provide that no waste be discharged into any waters of the VI without first
receiving necessary treatment or corrective action to protect the legitimate beneficial use
of such water; to provide for the prevention, abatement and control of new or existing
water pollution; to authorize the implementation of the Federal Water Pollution Control

                                        1-5










NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION CONFERENCE
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands


Territorial Rules and Regulations Governine Nonooint Source Pollution


Act (FWPCA) and other amendatory acts.

      Territorial Pollution  Discharge  Elimination System  (TPDES) - a system of
requirements to obtain permits for commencement or continuation of any discharge of
pollutants to surface waters. Applications and plans are reviewed and permits issued by
DEP.

      Water Quality Certification (WQC) - Certifications are issued by DEP.

      This chapter needs to be revised and updated to address the federal requirements
of the National Storm Water Program which complements the TPDES permit system. The
system focuses on the municipal and industrial pollution prevention to help control storm
water pollution and involves issuing permits to certain municipalities and industries to
control storm water pollution.

      CHAPTER 13 "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION"

      Earth Change plans and permits required before any real property is cleared, graded,
filled or otherwise disturbed for any purpose or use including but not limited to erection of
any building or structure, the quarrying of stone or the construction of roads and streets.
Plans are reviewed and permits issued by the Permits Division of DPNR.

      CHAPTER 17 "OIL SPILL PREVENTION & POLLUTION CONTROL"

      Establish policy to regulate the transfer, storage and transportation of pollutants and
other such products that pose threat of great damage and damage to the environment, to
owners and users of shore front property, to public and private recreation, to citizens of the
territory and other interests deriving livelihood from marine related activities and to the
beauty of the territorial shoreline. The provisions of this chapter are administered by DPNR.

      This statute and its rules and regulations need to be revised and updated to include
the requirements of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Underground Storage tank (UST) and
Above-ground Storage Tank (AST) provisions.

       CHAPTER 19 "PESTICIDE"

       Establishes policy to regulate the use and application of pesticides to control pests.
Pests are defined as any insect, rodent, nematodes, fungus weed or any other form of
terrestrial or aquatic plant or animal life or virus, bacteria, or other microorganisms (except
                                          I-6










NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION CONFERENCE
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands


Territorial Rules and Regulations Governinf  Nonvoint Source Pollution


viruses, bacteria, or other microorganism  on or in living man or the living animals) which
is declared by the Commissioner. Provision of this chapter are administered by DPNR.
Certification is issued by the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) of DPNR.
This statute and its rules and regulations need to be revised and updated.

       CHAPTER 21 "COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACT"

       The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZM) mandates by policy to protect, maintain,
 preserve and where feasible enhance and restore the overall quality of the environment; to
 provide economic development and growth; to assure orderly balanced utilization and
 conservation of resources, etc., to conserve ecologically significant resource areas, and
 preserve the function and integrity of reefs, marine meadowlands, saltponds, mangroves and
 other significant natural areas; to maintain or increase coastal water quality through control
 of erosion, sedimentation, runoff siltation and sewage discharge. Applications and plans are
 reviewed by the Permits Division of DPNR and permits are approved by the island CZM
 Committee or the Commissioner of DPNR depending on whether the application is for a
 major or minor permit.


  TITLE 19   HEALTH:

        CHAPTER 53 "SANITATION"

         Provides policy for the regulation of discharges from building or premises to existing
  sanitary sewers or public sewers; the contents of cesspools or septic tanks into public gutters;
  the collection and/or treatment of refuse deposition of materials or waste products that
  cause the surrounding air, land or water to be contaminated or polluted in such a manner
  as to injure public health; design, location and installation of sewage treatment systems.
  This statute and its rules and regulations need to be revised and updated. Applications and
   plans are reviewed and permits issued by DEP.

         CHAPTER 55 "SEWAGE DISPOSAL"

          Establishes policy to regulate design, location and installation or sewage disposal
   systems. Institutes a Sanitary Facilities Fund and promulgates the collection of fees for the
   use of the public sewer system.




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                                                                                             !

NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION CONFERENCE
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands


Territorial Rules and Reulations Governine Nonooint Source Pollution


      CHAPTER 56 "SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT"                                                I

      Establishes policy and regulation for the proper storage, transportation and disposal
of solid and hazardous waste in the Virgin Islands; to promote and facilitate, wherever
possible, resource conservatiQn and recovery; to impose the duty of contribution to public
cleanliness and appearance in order to promote public health, safety and welfare.  this
chapter provides for the proper disposal of derelict vehicles.

      This chapter is presently being revised and up dated to reflect the requirements of
the new federal landfill criteria.
                            l~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TITLE 29  PUBLIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT:

      CHAPTER 3 "VIRGIN ISLANDS ZONING AND SUBDIVISION" 

      Establishes standards and policies concerning development of land which may be
used in achieving the goals of the General Development Plan of the Virgin Islands. the
purpose is to promote health, safety, ,morals and general welfare of the community by
establishing regulations and conditions governing the erection of buildings, structure and use
of land and water.

      CHAPTER 5 "BUILDING CODE"

      Establishes policy and regulations to safeguard life and limb, property, and public
welfare, through the establishment of minimum building requirements for structural strength
and stability. Has specific provisions for flood control and protectionsanitary sewage
systems, etc. Plans are reviewed and permits issued by the Permits Division of DPNR.

All of these statutes and Rules and Regulations are of the 1970's vintage. They require
revision and updating to reflect present amendments and state of the technology. We in
DEP are present working to address some of these short comings for instance we're working
to revise the Pesticides laws, the solid waste to comply with the federal laws for landfills, the
Air pollution laws to comply with the Clean Air Act of 1990, the Oil Pollution Act 1990.

       Non-Point Source Program - DEP is presently working with the VI Soil Conservation
District on a project partially funded by EPA to study storm water and septic tank
regulations.










Federal Rules and Regulations Governing Nonpoint Pollution

                    Malcolm L. Henning

       U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region II

                    New York, New York


In 1987 when Congress amended the Clean Water Act (CWA), it
was clear that one of their goals was to establish a
national policy on the control of Nonpoint Source (NPS)
pollution and that a national Nonpoint Source pollution
control program be developed and implemented in an
expeditious manner so as to enable the goals of this Act to
be met thrpugh the control of both point and nonpoint
sources of pollution.

Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, is the national program
enacted by Congress to control nonpoint sources of water
pollution.

Section 319 required two major reports to be completed by
the States/Territories: A state/territory Assessment Report
describing the State's NPS problems and a state/territory
Management Program explaining what the state plans to do in
the next four fiscal years to address their NPS problems.
The U.S. Virgin Islands has an EPA approved Assessment
Report and Management Program.

What is Nonpoint Source Pollution?

For the purpose of implementing the NPS provisions in the
CWA, NPS pollution is defined as follows:

Nonpoint Source Pollution: NPS pollution is caused by
diffuse sources that are not regulated as point sources and
normally is associated with agricultural, silvicultural and
urban runoff, runoff from construction activities, etc.
Such pollution results in the human-made or human-induced
alteration of the chemical, physical, biological, and
radiological integrity of water. In practical terms,
nonpoint source pollution does not result from a discharge
at a specific, single location (such as a single pipe) but
generally results from land runoff, precipitation,
atmospheric deposition, or percolation. It must be kept in
mind that this definition is necessarily general; legal and
regulatory decisions have sometimes resulted in certain
sources being assigned to either the point or nonpoint
source categories because of considerations other than their
manner of discharge.  For example, irrigation return flows
are designated as "nonpoint sources" by Section 402(1) of



                           T-9










the Clean Water Act, even though the discharge is through a
discrete conveyance.

                             Examples of NPS Pollution



 1 NonDoint Sources                                70 Hvdroloalc/Habitat Modification
                                                   71: Channelization
10 Agriculture                                       72: Dredging
  11: Non-irrigated crop production                  73: Dam construction
  12: Irrigated crop production                      74: Flow regulation/
  13: Specialty crop production (e.g.,                   modification
      truck farming and orchards)                    75: Bridge construction
  14: Pasture land                                   76: Removal of riparian
  15: Range land                                         vegetation
  16: Feedlots, all types                            77: Streambank modification/
  17: Aquaculture                                        destabilization
  18: Animal holding/management areas



20 Silviculture                                    80 Other
  21: Harvesting, reforestation,                     81: Atmospheric deposition
  22: Forest management                              82: Waste storage/storage tank
  23: Road construction/maintenance                  83: Highway maintenance and
                                                      runoff
30 Construction                                       84: Spills
  31: Highway/road/bridge                            85: In-Place contaminants
  32: Land development                               86: Natural


40 Urban Runoff                                    90 Source unknown
  41: Storm sewers (source control)
  42: Combined sewers (source control)
  43: Surface runoff


50 Resource
  Extraction /Exoloration /DeveloDment
  51: Surface mining
  52: Subsurface mining
  53: Placer mining
  54: Dredge mining
  55: Petroleum activities
  56: Mill tailings
  57: Mine tailings

60 Land Disposal (Runoff/Leachate From
  Permitted Areas}
  61: Sludge
  62: Wastewater
  63: Landfills
  64: Industrial land treatment

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 65: On-site wastewater systems (septic
   tanks, etc.)
 66: Hazardous waste

Nonpoint Source Financial Provisions

The CWA of 1987 provides four new sources of funds in the
CWA, on an annual basis, to support the implementation of a
State's nonpoint source Management Program.

    (1) Section 319(h) authorize grant funds to support
    protection of both surface and ground water quality.
    These funds are not to be used as a general subsidy or
    for cost sharing to support implementation of best
    management practices by individuals, except for
    demonstration purposes.

    (2) Section 205(j)(5) provides a set-aside of 1% of
    each State's annual construction grant allocation or
    100,000, whichever is grater, to be used for the
    preparation and implementation of the State's
    management program. Section 205(j) (5) funds are now
    provided under Section 604(b) funding requirements.

    (3) In addition, nonpoint source control efforts may be
    financed thought the Governor's 20% discretionary set-
    aside of construction grant funds under amended section
    201(g) (1).

    (4) Finally, new State revolving funds established by
    Title VI may be used for loans, including loans to
    public agencies or individuals, to implement NPS
    management programs, for instance, 601 and 603 water
    pollution Control funds.

The use of each funding source is subject to certain
statutory restrictions and limitations. The flow of Federal
funds in support of State management program activities
under section 319 is conditioned based on the EPA aDDroval
of the State's Manaaement Proaram. The single exception to
this rule are funds set-aside from construction grant
allocations under Section 205(j)(5). These funds may be
used to develop the management program and then, later, to
help implement the State's management program.

The Federal share of implementing a nonpoint source
management program under Section 319(h) shall ot exceed 60%
in any fiscal year. Section 319(h) funds may not be awarded
unless the State has demonstrated satisfactory progress in
meeting the schedule set out in the approved nonpoint source
management program.

In addition to Section 319, the Clean Water Act of 1987 also
included Nonpoint Source provisions in other CWA programs.

                          I-lI










Section 314 Clean Lakes Program is to protect the quality of
the country's publicly owned freshwater lakes by controlling
sources (point or nonpoint) of pollution affecting them and
by restoring lakes which have deter/orated in quality.

Lakes are funded under three mechanisms. They are:

1. State Lake Classification Study: The state classifies
by trophic condition all its publicly owned freshwater lakes
needing restoration-and protection. Then the state lists
these lake projects in order of priority. Funding
assistance may go to $100,000 or 70% of the cost.

2. Phase I Diagnostic Feasibility Study: This study
determines the cause of the lake problems, evaluates
possible solutions, and recommends the most feasible program
to protect and restore the lake's quality. Again, the
funding assistance is 70% federal and 30% territory or
local, to a maximum of $100,000.
3. Phase II Implementation: The implementation phase put
the recommendations into operation.  The funding of phase II
is 50/50, however, the state/local share can include in-kind
services.

Section 320 National Estuary Program is to restore and
maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of
an estuary by addressing both point and nonpoint sources of
pollution.

The Governor of any state/territory may nominate to the
Administrator of EPA an estuary of national significance and
request that a management conference develop a comprehensive
management plan for the estuary.

Other Federal Rules and Regulations Governing Nonpoint
Source Pollution.

We have talked a little about the Section 319 Nonpoint
Source program and other Sections under the CWA, now I will
discuss some of the other federal laws that governs Nonpoint
Source pollution.

1. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1984: The Safe Drinking
Water Act required that national standards be-established
for drinking water. The law requires two things for all
community drinking water systems: (a) Routine monitoring
for several pollutants, and (b) Compliance with minimum
standards.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
required to set standards for 100 pollutants, including
several toxic chemicals.

2. EPA Stormwater Runoff Rules and Regulations of 1990:
This program is known as the National Pollutant Discharge

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Elimination System (NPDES) which was amended by Congress in
the CWA of 1987. The amendment required EPA to establish
phased NPDES requirements for storm water discharges. To
implement these requirements, EPA published-the initial
permit application requirements for certain categories of
storm water discharges associated with industrial activity,
and discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems
located in municipalities with a population of 100,000 or
more.

3. The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990: The pollution
Prevention Act identifies pollution prevention as EPA's
environmental management approach of choice, and requires
the incorporation of pollution prevention into EPA
activities beginning in the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 1994
State/territory grants cycle.

4. The Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendment of 1990:
This amendment was intended to strengthen the links between
Federal and State coastal zone management and water quality
programs and enhance State/Territory and local efforts to
manage land use activities that degrade coastal waters and
coastal habitat. States/Territories with approved coastal
management programs are required to develop Coastal.Nonpoint
Pollution Control Programs. The programs must be submitted
to EPA and NOAA for approval.  The coastal nonpoint
pollution control programs will be implemented through both
State coastal zone management programs and State NPS
management programs.

5. The Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991: The Federal Intermodal Surface Transporation
Efficiency Act (ISTEA), established the Surface
Transporation Program (STP). ISTEA also created a
transportation enhancement activities program as a component
of STP.  Ten percent (10%) of the' funds apportioned to a
state for the STP is only available for these enhancement
activities. Eligible transportation enhancement activities
consist of the following:

  * Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles

  * Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic
     sites

  *  Scenic or historic highway programs

  * Landscaping and other scenic beautification

  * Historic preservation

  * Rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation
     buildings, structures or facilities including historic
     railroad facilities and canals










  *  Preservation of abandoned railway corridors including
     the conversion and use thereof for pedestrain or
    bicycle trails

  *  Control and removal of outdoor-advertising

  * Archaeological planning and research

  * Mitigation.of water pollution due to highway runoff

6.  USDA 1990 Farm Bill'or the Food, Agriculutre,
Conservation and Trade Act of 1990: This farm programs law
reinforces USDA commitment to protecting the nation's
natural resources. It expands the conservation provisions
under the Food Security Act of 1985. It encourages the
reduction of soil erosion, the retention of wetlands and
protection of other environmental sensitive cropland. The
provisions include:

(a) Conservation Compliance: Discourages the production
of crops on Highly Erodible Lands (HEL) cropland unless the
land is protected from erosion under an approved
conservation plan or system. The plan or system must be
fully implemented by December 31, 1994.

(b) Sodbuster: Discourages the production of crops on HEL
lands that was not used for crop production between 1981 -
1985 unless the land is protected from erosion under an
approved plan or system. The plan or systems must be fully
implemented before crops can be planted on the HEL land.

(c) Swampbuster: Discourages the alteration of wetlands
for agricultural purposes.

(d) Conservation Reserve Program: Offers long-term rental
payments and cost-share assistance to farm owners or
operators to establish permanent vegetative cover for land
that is HEL or contributing to a serious water quality
problem.

(e)  Wetlands Reserve Program:  A voluntary USDA easement
program to restore and protect wetlands.

7. The Clean Vessel Act of 1992: Although this is not a
NPS federal law, it is a Federal law that you may want to
become familiar with. This law allows States to apply to
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for grant funds to
construct pump out stations and waste reception facilities.
A total of 12.5 million was made available during the first
open period ending on August 31, 1993.




                          1-14









                               SAFEGUARDING OUR FU7TURE RESOURCES
                                      da Verne B. Ragster
                  Eastern Caribbean Center, University of the Virgin Islands
                              St. Thomas, US Virgin Wsands 00802

           There is a growing school of thought that says there will be poor, or no
           prospects for the future of humanity and the world's natural resources if
I        ~~individuals,  communities,  and  governments  do  not  quickly  begin  to
           recognize that conservation and development are essential parts of one
           indispensable process. This would mean the challenge implied in the title
           of this talk is the need to change (where necessary) attitudes and
I        ~ ~~behaviors of people at all levels of organization.   This change is
           necessary to realize development that concentrates in an integrated
           fashion on improving the human condition and maintaining the diversity and
           productivity of nature. Caring for the Earth (7) describes a strategy or
           guide for achieving sustainable societies and proposes this solution as
           the rational option open to humanity.

           The nine principles proposed for a sustainable society are not new to some
           cultures of the world, but they would require significant changes in the
           behavior  of people  and institutions  in most societies  today.   The
           principles are based on the need for cooperation and caring among people,
           on the acknowledgment of limits in nature, and on an ethic that recognizes
I        ~ ~nature has to be cared for in its own right, not just as a means of
           satisfying human needs.   The deliberations  that will occur at this
           conference run the risk of being self -serving to a small part of society -
            the converted speaking to the converted for reassurance. It would also
I        ~ ~~miss an opportunity to move the US Virgin Islands ahead in its quest for
           a rational future, if the principles listed below (or some other similar
           conceptual guide) are not used as benchmarks for a code of belief and
           proposed actions.
                                A world Conservation Strategy
                            Princioles of a Sustainable Society (7)
                 1.    Respect and care for the community of life.
                 2.    Improve the quality of human life.
                 3.    Conserve the Earth's vitality and diversity.
                 4.    minimize the depletion of non-renewable resources.
                 5.    Keep within the Earth's carrying capacity.
                 6.    Change personal attitudes and practices.
                 7.    Enable communities to care for their own environments.
                 S.    Provide a national framework for integrating development and
                       conservation.
                 9.    Create a global alliance.
           The aforementioned principles imply that the existence and good health of
I        ~ ~~future natural resources of the Virgin Islands require present-day efforts
           to focus on dialogs and actions which result in the Virgin Islands
           community living sustainably. Clearly, this is no small challenge for an
           urbanized, multi-cultural political dependency with a small land mass, a
           high population density, mass tourism as the main economic activity, and
           limited, vulnerable natural resources. The USVI has begun to address the
           changes necessary to view and implement development and conservation as
I        ~ ~~part of the same process, but- like most of the rest of the world, we have
           much to do to make discussions and small initiatives toward sustainable
           development grow into a way of life.
           it is useful at this point to share two versions of the definition of
           sustainable development.










Sustainable development is:
     a) improving the quality of human lif e while living within the
     carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems (7); and it also is
     b)  a process in which qualitative development is maintained and
     prolonged while quantitative growth in the scale of economy becomes
     increasingly constrained by the capacity of the ecosystem to perform
     over the long run two essential functions. to generate the raw
     material inputs and to absorb the waste outputs of the human economy
      (2) .
it follows from these definitions that a sustainable economy becomes the
product  of  sustainable  development.    Then,  it  is  logical  that  a
sustainable economy must maintain its natural resource base and continue
to develop by adapting and improving using knowledge, organization,
technical ef ficiency and wisdom. Therefore, one of the challenges to the
realization of a sustainable economy is the increasing levels of pollution
(in the world) which impact human and environmental health in a negative
manner.   in the waters surrounding the Caribbean archipelago,  wastes
produced continuously and often imperceptibly by land-based activities,
contaminate and adversely impact marine ecosystems (and the
health of marine resource users) .  The most evident sources of this
nonpoint pollution in the region include (14): agriculture and forestry;
construction works; urban run-off; atmospheric fall-out, ground water
seepage; oil and other chemical spills and disposal; solid-waste disposal
and its  leachates; sub-surface disposal of sewage and other wastes; andI

Today we live in a world where some economists argue that pollution
control involves establishing a balance between the use of the environmentI
for waste disposal and its use for all other purposes (5) . The conflicts
that often result among the different parties concerned with pollution of
an area or resource have helped to foster the development of policies and
mechanisms  (from a number of conceptual frameworks - mostly rooted inI
economic theory) for conflict resolution and prevention of pollution. The
USVI has benefited from this ongoing process. However, there is still a
need to customize mechanisms for prevention and control. Therefore, the
formulation and implementation of policy on pollution prevention andI
control appropriate for the USVI would be assisted by considering some of
the questions that pertain to 'safeguarding future resources, within the
context of achieving sustainable development in the territory.3
The determination of the types and levels of reso urces that should be
protected for the future is tied to the environmental ethic we accept and
practice. The list of natural resources (including habitats) we believe
should be protected or conserved would probably be most diverse and mostI
numerous if we agreed that all natural resources have intrinsic value. on
the other hand, if other organisms have no rights to life and their
"purposeu on the planet is to be fully exploited for human derived
benefits,  we are likely to have low numbers and kinds of resourcesI
available.
The natural resources in the USVI that are viewed as having high value, as
is the case in much of the Caribbean region, include marine ecosystems -                 I
coral reefs and seagrass beds; coastal ecosystems - mangrove forests and
lagoons and salt ponds; and terrestrial ecosystems - dry to moist
evergreen and rain forests, especially those associated with watersheds.
(Refer to Table 1.) The value of these resources as habitats, as food andI
raw materials sources, as structural protection and as contributors to the.
quality of life continues to be demonstrated and studied. The question is
whether we want to pass an some, all, or none of these resources and their
value to future generations.I
Another part of the question relates to the condition or health of the
resources that are available to future societies. Ecosystems found in the

                                    1-16




   I~~~~~~~~~~~-------



          virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands are usually connected to each
I       ~~other and surrounding human built systems through the movement of water,
          air and organisms.  (Ref er to Figure 1.)  Hence, pollutants and disease
          vectors can move with energy and materials between systems in an
          opportunistic manner, to the detriment of the physical and biological
I       ~~capacity and  diversity of the impacted areas.  This situation presents a
          major challenge to management of these areas and the control of pollution,
          especially with regard to nonpoint sources of pollution. Consequently, an
          exploration of "safeguarding of resources must address current activities
I       ~~of human societies  and their potential to influence the health and
          stability of natural resources.
          The question of who is to be responsible for the type and level of
          international attention.   An increasingly popular position is thatscea   imac on atrl esuesi oetht as eevd
          sustainable society will depend on new partnerships of local people,
          citizens,  groups,  businesses and governments.   in this case,  it is
I       ~~essential to have early substantive input by partners into development
          plans which strive to be equitable, sustainable, practical, sensitive to
          local norms and cultures, and are welcome to the people concerned. The
          implication here is that everyone has a stake and an opportunity in the
I       ~~process  of  addressing  the management  and  conservation  of  natural
          resources. Clearly, there would be a need for information on the resource
          and its current or potential uses and users, open dialog between partners,
          and new roles in research, monitoring and management for various partners.
I       ~~The skills needed to undertake the group dynamics associated with multi-
          disciplinary teams and innovative problem-solving will have to be crucial
          elements of the training of citizens, politicians, urban and rural
          managers, as well as of educators and other professionals. Therefore, the
          answer to who will safeguard our future resources should be everyone who
          could possibly help - all of us.

          Suggestions and recommendations concerning steps that should be taken to
          move Caribbean societies toward sustainable living have come from many
          individuals and groups, including many at the regional and international
          levels.  The nine principles of the World Conservation Strategy (1980)
          developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), The World
I       ~~conservation union (IUCN), and world wildlife Fund (WWF), have already
          been mentioned, and are mirrored in the outputs of the United Nations
          conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) - Agenda 21, the
          Biodiversity Convention, the Framework Convention for Climate Change, and
I       ~~the Declaration of Principles on Forests.  within the region, the Port of
          Spain Accord on the management and Conservation of the Caribbean
          Environment (1989), The Caribbean Action Plan of the Caribbean Environment
          Programme (1981) and the Report of the West Indian Commission - Time For
          Action (1992), have all presented concerns and strategies related to the
          implementation of sustainable development in the region.

          Generally, the following approaches (modified from the Port of Spain
          Accord) are included in strategies proposed as   appropriate ways to
          address present development challenges and the achievement of sustainable
          societies.
                a)    Provision of training and the development of human Resources
                to produce appropriately trained professionals and experts as well
                as an informed and active citizenry.
                b)    Collection,  management  and  dissemination  of  information
                  requredfor policy formulation and decision-making within the
                conceptual framework of sustainable development.
                c)    Formulation of policies and plans that integrate
                economic, social and environmental issues through the use of
                interdisciplinary teams at all levels.

                                         I-17









     d)    Development of legal frameworks and institutional arrangements
     which facilitate environmental management and rational development.j
     e)    Promotion of economic pursuits which acknowledge and respond
     to environmental parameters and limits.
     f)    inclusion   and   harnessing   all   available   political,
     institutional and community-based resources in the process of
     development and problem-solving for society.
Locally, the Comprehensive Water and Land Use Plan , the development of 18I
Areas of Particular Concern under the Coastal Zone Management Program, and
legislation related to endangered species and the Territorial Park System
identify and begin to shape the Virgin islands, vision of living
sustainably.   When the discussions at the local and regional  levelsI
concentrate on pollution as an issue, the specific recommendations for a
strategy include a) pollution prevention methods, b) ef fluent limitations;
c) water quality limitations; d) environmental planning; and e) the use of
best management practices (6)'.
Clearly, there are gaps and areas of weakness that must be confronted if
reality in the future is to match the vision of the territory and the
region. Three major concerns are the establishment of policies and groups
of people and/or institutions which will facilitate 1) the integration of
economic, social and environmental planning within a framework that
specifically addresses sustainability; 2) the development of mechanisms
which will more effectively incorporate various interests of Virgin
islands society into planning and management associated with development;
and 3) the formulation of education and awareness programs (formal and
informal)  that would provide everyone with the appropriate conceptualI
framework and the problem-solving and group dynamic skills needed to
individually   construct   and   implement   a  sustainable   lifestyle.
implementation  of  strategies  to address  these  concerns,  challenges
governments and institutions in the Virgin islands and the region toI
significantly adjust institutional attitudes and arrangements as well as
the way funds are currently directed.
A reminder is perhaps appropriate at this point.   we humans have a
difficult time accepting and implementing change, especially the far-
reaching type proposed in the concepts of sustainable development. The
recommendations made require all of us to re-examine our values and alter
our behavior - at the'individual and institutional levels.  Hence, anyI
negative (physical or mental) responses you may experience in reaction to
ideas mentioned concerning sustainable living may be signs of personal
discomfort with the idea of change. it is my sincere hope that over time
the dissemination of information and guidance through formal and informalI
education activities, as well as incentives from society to make changes
in how we address development, will move us to formulate and implement the
policies and systems needed for the survival of our natural resources,
ourselves and our society.I
How we handle nonpoint pollution today will be one of the determinants of
whether the next generations of Virgin islanders have thriving coral
reefs, watersheds with clean ground water, healthy versions of Magens BayI
and Trunk Bay, populated seagrass beds in the inshore waters of St. Croix
and a functional mangrove lagoon an St. Thomas to manage and enjoy. The
challenge to us concerning the safeguarding of future resources must be
confronted within the context of resolving our development and quality ofI
life issues as we strive to achieve a sustainable society.






                                 I-18










                             Figure I  -Erosive Energy Buffer Systems an Islands


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 I~~~~~~n


 I~~~~~fodbfe


    ~~~~s y~~   ~ c  ,Tcn~ c  st~~nenr~s               m su g


I~~~Sars
I~~~-nao

               I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~mao                          C

                   I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Re












          I                   ~~~~~~~~~~~1-19






















                          Table   I -Ecosystemns Present an the U.S..Mflllated Islands                                                                                      Table  1 -tomystoem   Preasent an 11%  U.S-Afftllstse  lsusd-Contnued
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Fecerstec  1Stalof M~lome

  a Areas           Pueno Alco          USI           A         AOmeeCa Seas~           Glush                   CHUIm Paeltalu                                                                      Kegree          D        ornm yoTnik
   0forest           PreseM nt           May hae" DMe            UnaIdwea Ulornta       Possibl an too of       Mourn racscanau.                        None                   None                 Present an Mnountain  Al htietim- el5        m    one                    None
                          -vuPtmm foI    arsnt lon         a      on  on ofac  TWO      Mountl L-erntu          Smoul; otherI.to is-od
                                         mou intWes i~smlns unknon                                                                        Nnit.om At                                                  aftlo fr Almcetvtosmmunt ma-o
  Mmentas  rawn       otivteri an signer None                    Mlceolievulo  nag"     None                    None                                    Nonematt                                        aiiIO  rtoi'elOiI       l  tfva e            None                    Um       as on ta
  a        t         -eownios                                    amnon satosery                                                                                                                     mtsauws                                  
                                                                 grognithP-a   oatmn                                                                                                                                           o       ~ amo    semeoghmP  t"   itar
  end rmesitoret   -:tIe remain          Nons                   Atmi*naon steso         Sceered remains of   Laws forest on nonn-              N         O"l                    Lilftt5Uw ,Peetat*ay                         rsn   otmn              See-re   oe.             ret Mne
                                                                 samas                  irnetone. eSotes-       anm Istlica  mi                                                                     en "c amessaiy un,-:etwaftod             o       tgno aeKWs

  inS"Sitandce.ic    - ?,iiefl cinte  Man*                       Lmiteo flaamunt        Present alon fryvers.   in lraines$ an smaller                  'lone                   twinfoq meets *     Al"ng Wmer    Ino Un-t OM,   Songmee.            Powresen   nlater of    Present, INtn of

                                                                 streasul               most ly in South
 too" 1C noet       - :.Is remaints      jmitec areas in        Non*                   Nonle                    None                                   Nhe'ano                                     None                      'Oftneone                                      None
           Om (of I N~~~avyeamo   e
      i~~~fl5 5ff     "nt o -fl~   tiU1 Presenht, considera-     sscNone                                        Nona                                    Nth"                                                               .11 4"0 n                 None                   Nane
      it            :'~~~-qlnuI ecosystem  bly reotaceO from

 dns and            ZZA~ensi sva    mran-  Preseant in former   p'ssent maseny         bstensiv  lire-          fotenesf    naua S                     O" Mostrlets0           Psewn       i ena i sOfy  Peset    "         $seen  ofte   rm         te   vcnnn              rsn
 aimin -so" am"  man-   sgrel"fiou luacress                     tereater as-            Cowed ar1111 esa In     tormeleimon Iln not.                   S4t Wastone                                                                                   *"in4 fdoentpmyr
                    -uDrms as Csuture                          WurAICIR                smout          a         m Istance. mai.on"
                    :'groun  cover                                                                             mania on SNOWe  and
                                                                                                                other
 0                  :.*sehi. otten as   'Ivsesnt                Preseet on cm mats,    on rocky limestone       Coastal vomlicSahme         a011  n nomlrtut                   C ~ast   egao       Present                  :n4 "mey casts Wm    Preonta so"t               Presen
                    twoonosty qroctri                          i6 Wma P   moun-.    coant aft some             room in north am                        islandSo~  ktaeP.                      towue                        ltt s 1151               degres sWM
                                                                tune Tstuila           souther  mm             lImestone coest In                       -mcoma a
                                                                                                                south                               gm 9                                   Mfg
 la15               lante Iws 5. and    Satatiere sonos to      SInne WIG toaMsto"    Simms teaml no            salweler MO fresh-                       istetrP10             Sflamh  A55m        Sho  ett5Sttt           'Skm tIef, mre            Fresft ise stons       Lold marshon
                    -stirnet amo some on"as     i osflro~   man- rwsnm saaranaIsot     res: Neo sance:t   wster mersft.ise:  "OM                       un ssafwaf& en          fa felo.            homate srwanw".         ?ami  gonsonds"se.a                              as

                    :ccur Omnin  man-                                                  esterf marsisa: Man-    Seoul am Pagan.                                                  ar
                    ; Ofte                               "M"   taste                                           brooish on Pagan                        adW Mtaa    13                   "f U s at    fpn                            ce M " I AonnYL                         315mwud
gm"n  tarsl         .5 mis scattereo    Pmestrs Only an at.    Psal Igoo               Smugal  erect pmlioc-    Unifited atoms to          lAdoweesOfaf                one      1Wamiss    OMK stioes crowa                 m         AlfseG. NW tree aong  .5 s es on mm".    155 se
                    a-ouna cent3        Thomas aBC so.          atiesceol On Tutuila   Iily Apra Hsoo t   noutiter  island vmaOS                                                nn   mu   l    es                           orsesaut.               mu some ow   to         man Po Icl0ARM
                                         Cyss                   ï¿½0Ot  5                                                        Amesssm -st  on Ptnela                                                                                                me IS     Atoas"

tibsoacit Ifores    5-sneni , some      'rsssni                 ,vicescvein. MOSCOW1    Common. includes       P'leslani some 50 of            L      a g"   maw"   or5Imwmuo5                     Patientg arffa -I11  a"hg   IsflarodC           Ono waits n oCe         On sWtSAaffmiieen
act" Pass                                                      ! osst on Posle Aeonl    some erofoMICS         :me soutnlern lssloan                   .0oons no crew           -a Desilelnow bamts                        be-g,  "soMe lby         hmn  behsoften    an" lanem Comm mus
                                                                oe S*auna IslmI-s.                                                                     'n11, asen  on          21 lyup AtOll                               etmned tiess             ren   fy tam.,u

ISiefifsiallaw      tInianom:rver "esi  Eatenaives in Dae.     .aqounls on Rose       Cocos lagoon            sptislow lagoon in-                     L"~ oftet lagoon.   .Sgoil wwml             Sam" shallow la.         Satenem  lagoonatn Shouldsa   s-                Oer 101 O m(
0411                Ito ornner otuvord  inside rest SAnO        .10t. S&ans  rItost soicrss o                                                           rpdlego  i              antdrs.se           on  insid  wSaml Mone sgra.oon  ttItnre                                  vCfans01
                     I sisish           si0ng sne~It            no IMJ Slues                                   Sistano fime                             vnishi                 4ayereIsmnAfol WM                            lune amtor  agoons      ams amo fsga"  ole      Isoofs

 "It resin          orir. --~nciAnn Riso   a Sanscner resi        Canad lamstrgely' - brnet feet veer          --ingisg rrstoom-                         inaml   f             5mV   inm            a~w cwtona             Ltseebrne                  sc,lnggree.           Mwcerel
                     Wnic 1icr sees9    and siget nont: &,so    ::-ec                                                                                  :a MOnin  Coo4sao0es0.o nsunnti-en   efec-ceai   e  by fringing rest  -toal  wooaln 0        oute atoW Ilatno        we"tit Ise ws"oeug      ,-
                    .5i Clraqses        "iningrl partner sno   ."il: Some       n       ta c.atch &mand s Inng-  aiscome                               tistem. soeaa   I  ifiil; ms  -s                                                  1fIane emee:on"w"sbngI
                                        baitch rest comeaiw.-    :stadco               'q rests  fisewneic.    eAxso-m" 0so"Stis:                                                                                                                                          15"0  swnitht.a  Strutures. 0
                                                                            es: some damaged  %&fwa darnagloo~~as..ute stam&M.?an                                                                                                   ll stanos                               stall 155MOS eotS-

,PCt I     '    es  sr  :nivnea Piicra Tovov0s0tnA-eir  ctre     v  SAllae  saa.CAcmisc
              ti. ~ ~  ~     ~ ~ . *-Stn-i-ci                                   AW-t~l A   OI    AlI'l11ai C "Il










           1993 NPS Pollution Conference
           HAVE YOU THOUGHT AB3OUT THIS? I!
           1.    WHICH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING  STATEMENTS  MOST  CLOSELY  MATCHES  YOUR
I        ~~~POSITION OR PHILOSOPHY?  Circle the letter of your choice.
                 A.    Future generations should not expect development
                 activities of today to consider their needs.
                 B.    Substitution of resources and technology will   provide the
                 answer to concerns about the loss of habitats and biodiversity to
                 future generations.
                 C.    Humans are the only organisms with a right to access and
                 exploit the Earth's resources.
 I            ~ ~~~D.    When, despite technological assistance, the capacity of
                 a natural system is overcome by waste and byproducts of human
                 society, humanity will find other resources to meet its needs.

                 E".    The loss of most resources only have a limited negative
                 impact an the planet's natural systems, and in the long-term these
                 losses will not matter to the survival of human-built systems.

                 P.    None of the Above.

            2What resources do you see as being necessary for the future of the



U         ~~~3.    Who should be responsible for efforts to sustain long-term levels
           and the health of the Virgin Islands' resources?



           4.    If your position or philosophy was not included in number I on
I        ~~~this sheet, please indicate it below in one sentence.





           S.    Which of the following is the most important  for obtaining a
           development approach that provides future generations with the highest
           number of options regarding development and quality of life.
 *              ~~~~a) Financial resources
                 b) Technology investment
                 c) Economic reform
                 d) Directed research and monitoring
                 e) Institutional reform (private and public)
                 f) Educational reform
                 g) All of the above
 *              ~~~~h) None of the above




                                         I-21












                              REFERENCES

1.   CARICOM.  1989.  The Port of Spain Accord on the Management and
     Conservation of the Caribbean Environment. Port of Spain,
     Trinidad and Tobago.

2.    Daly, H.  1989.  Sustainable Development:  Towards An Operational
      Definition. Draft paper.

3.    de Albuquerque, K. and J.L. McElroy.  1992.  Caribbean Small-
      Island Tourism Styles and Sustainable Strategies. Environmental
      Management, 16(5): 619-632.

4.    Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
      1991. Rapporteur's Report on the Round Table Meeting on Human
      Resource Development Strategies. December 2-5, 1991. Havana, Cuba.

5.    Gardner, L.  1992.  Planning and Pollution Control.  Paper
      prepared as part of M.Sc. in Rural and Regional Resource Planning
      at University of Aberdeen.

6.    Gelabert, P.A. and N. Singh.  1992.  Strategy for the Control of
      Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution in the Wider Caribbean.
      Chemisti-y and Ecology, 0: 1-4.

7.    IUCN/UNEP/WWF.  1991.  Caring for the Earth:  A Strategy for
      Sustainable Living. Gland, Switzerland.

8.    IUCN. (The World Conservation Union)  1993.  Parks and Progress.
      Ed. Valerie Barzetti.  IUCN, Washington, D.C., USA

9.    IUCN.  1993.  First Systematic Review of National Strategies
      Points to Need to .Target a Few Things and do Them Well".
      Environmental Strategy:  Newsletter of the IUCN Commission on
      Environmental Strategy and Planning, Vol. 5.

10.   Ludwig, D., R. Hilborn and C. Walters.  1993.  Uncertainty,
      Resource Exploitation, and Conservation:  Lessons from History.
      Science 260: 17 and 36.

11.   Ragster, L.  1992.  Contribution to the Meeting of Experts on
      Land-Based Sources of Pollution:  Training, Education and
     Awareness.   Veracruz, Mexico.  July 6-10, 1992. UNEP

12.   UNEP.  1989.  The Action Plan for the Caribbean Environment
      Programme:  Evaluation of its Development and Achievements.  UNEP
      Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 109. UNEP.

13.   Congress, Office of Technology Assessment.  1987.  Integrated
      Renewable Resource Management for U.S. Insular Areas, OTA-F-325.
      Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.

14.   U.S. Man and the Biosphere Program.  1989.  Puerto Rico Workshop
      on Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution in the Wider Caribbean.
      August 7-9, 1989. San Juan, Puerto Rico. U.S. MAB, U.S.
      Department of State, Washington, D.C. U.S.A.

15.   U.S. Virgin Islands Areas of Particular Concern Management Plans.
      Prepared by Island Resources Foundation for the Department of
      Planning and Natural Resources, U.S.V.I. Government.

16.   (The) West Indian Commission, 1992.  Overview of the Report of the
      west Indian Commission: Time For Action. Black Rock, Barbados.



                                        1-22











             RESPONSIBLE ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT

                      Stanley Selengut

                   MAHO BAY CAMPS, INC.


Ecotourism, a relatively new idea in the travel industry, is
an outgrowth of the increasing awareness that environmental
responsibility is a global concern.   The ecotourist seeks
destinations that reflect this widening international ethic.
The new breed of traveler tends to be well educated,
adventurous and skeptical. An ecotourism resort that offers
only environmental window-dressing will not survive the
scrutiny of such an ecologically sensitive clientele.

My experience as builder, owner and operator of Maho Bay Camps
convinces me of this.  When I first opened for business 17
years ago, the environmental movement was just beginning to
stir and the term ecotourism did not exist.   My original
intent was simply to offer an inexpensive vacation that was
close to nature but provided a degree of comfort and
convenience not found in a traditional campground.

The Maho Bay site presented a unique opportunity.   Its 14
acres are located within the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park
on St. John.   The hillside setting overlooks one of the
Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, one of the many that
scallop the island's north coastline.

Since the land I leased was an erosion-prone hillside, site
disturbance was to be avoided. With New York architect Jim
Hadley, I designed a community of three-room "tent cottages"
set on platforms cantilevered on the hillside. The 114 units
are  arranged  in  clusters.    To  further  minimize  site
disturbances, the clusters are connected by raised walkways
joined by stairs. Guests can reach virtually any part of Maho
without  ever  disturbing  the  ground  cover.    Bathhouses,
containing toilets, sinks and showers are located in various
sections of the grounds.

Construction techniques at Maho restricted the need to clear
trees and vegetation. Footings for the posts that support all
the elevated walkways and platforms were dug by hand.  When
completed the tent-cottages appeared to have been built in the
trees that grew on slopes.  Each tent-cottage is furnished
with beds, chairs, a table and bottled-gas cooking stove.
Occupants have unobstructed views of sea and distant islands
while the units are scarcely visible to boats cruising off the
beach.

The inconspicuous infrastructure of Maho was also designed for
low environmental impact. Electrical cables and water

                         1-23









pipes were attached to the undersides of the walkways,
eliminating
the need to dig trenches. Full-chain showers and low-flush
toilets  reduced  fresh water use  in  the bathhouses.    A
centrally located aluminum-can compactor increased the
ef ficiency of the our recycling program.  The profusion of
native trees,. plants and f lowers thrive on "gray water" that
is recycled  from our treatment  facility and distributedI
through an irrigation system. Birds, bats, lizards and tree
frogs f lourish under 'these conditions and keep insect
populations in check while providing entertainment f or theI
guests. Nature can be a rewarding stage, if only we keep our
props and directions from altering the original script.

Maho also has two large pavilions where guests can gather toI
see films, attend lectures by Park rangers and visiting
wildlife experts, hear live music or eat at our self-serve
restaurant which offers fresh vegetables, fish and a varietyI
of foods from a health-conscious menu.   Since eating is a
universally understood cross-cultural experience, many of
Maho's dishes are prepared from local island recipes.
Educating by example is central to the Maho concept. The more
I learn about getting the most from nature with the least
environmental cost, the more I want to expand the example. I
am currently building a research/resort adjacent to the Maho
campground.   It is called Harmony and is designed to take
ecotourism to its next logical level: a resort dedicated toI
the principles of sustainable development.   Environmental
scientists and government agencies define this concept In
varying ways.   Basically,  sustainable development is theI
practice of using natural resources no faster than they can be
regenerated. In short, Do Not Kill the Goose That Lays Golden
Eggs.
Harmony will be a small community built from recycled
materials. Wood scraps, plastic bottles, crushed glass and
ground tires are now the "raw materials" for sustainable-I
development construction products.   The living spaces are
designed to maximize comfort with the least amount of energy.
Harmony will run "of f the grid." All electricity will beI
generated by sun and wind, using solar panels, a windmill and
storage cells. Each unit will also contain a computer so that
guests can monitor and adjust their energy use according to
prevailing conditions.
Most of the planning for Harmony comes from discussions and
workshops with environmentalists, engineers and administrators
from the U.S. National Park Service and the U.S. Virgin
Islands Energ  Office.  Sandia Laboratories of Albuquerque,
N.M. is providing know how and experimental hardware, such asI
a solar powered ice machine. In a real sense, Harmony is a
proving 'ground for the latest sustainable development ideas
and technology. Practical data, including input from guests,

                             I-24








         will be fed back to Sandia and environmental agencies. The
         resort will also function as an educational facility,
         attracting specialist and school children alike.
         The goal of Harmony is to demonstrate that an ecotourism
U       ~~facility can balance both nature and culture -- can, in fact,
         be mutually enhancing.   If my experience in the f ield has
         taught me anything, It is that we are not separate from but
I       ~~part of our ecosystem,  and with that privilege comes  the
         responsibility to nurture it.


















      I~~~~~~~~~~~~12









                                II

         URBAN SOURCES OF NONPOINT POLLUTION
        (LAND USE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION)




General
How Erosion from Construction Projects Harms the Environment
     Ralf Boulon .............................................. II-1


What You Can Do to Minimize or Prevent Erosion
     Victor Giraud .................. .......................... II-6


The Benefits of Planning Development to Fit Into the Landscape
     Keith Richards ..............................................





Technical
Vegetative Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices
    Dale Morton ............................................ II-12


Structural Erosion and Sedimentation Control Practices
    Werner Wernicke ........................................ II-15


How to Prepare an Effective Erosion and Sedimentation
Control Plan
    William F. McComb ....................................... II-25













 Paper not available at time of printing.



                  I'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ot





              EFFECTS OF EROSION ON TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

                                     Ralf H. Boulon, Jr.
           Division of Fish and Wildlife, Dept.of Planning and Natural Resources,
                    6291 Estate Nazareth 101, St. Thomas, v.1. 00802-1104

                      As most of us are very aware, the Virgin Islands are a
          beautiful and relatively healthy place to live. we have clean air, clear
          water and examples of nearly every tropical ecosystem found in the western

                      However, all is not well. Our natural systems, while still
I        ~ ~~relatively healthy and productive, are gradually losing the fight against
          man's activities. This paper will discuss our major natural ecosystems in
          terms of their value to us and to each other, what is happening to them
          due to development induced erosion in particular and what it means to us
          and our quality of life here in the Virgin Islands. Development as
          discussed in this paper can range from a single family residence to a

             majo hoel.Erosion can be defined as the disturbance or destabilization
          of soils or marine sediments which enables them to be moved' from their
          point of origin by external factors such as rain, waves or currents and
          which can result in a detrimental effect on natural living systems.
          Disturbance or destabilization results from any activity which removes
          vegetation and/or penetrates the soil or sediment surface. The steep
          slopes found in the Virgin islands greatly increase the propensity for
I        ~ ~~erosion and significant soil loss.
                      While many aspects of development have detrimental effects on
          our environment, this paper will be limited primarily to the effects of
          erosion on our natural systems. The major natural systems that will be
          discussed in this paper include terrestrial forests, saltponds, beaches,
          mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs and algal plains.
          Terrestrial forests - we have a variety of terrestrial forests here in the
I        ~ ~~VI. Many species of birds and animals live in them, they make oxygen for
          the air we breath, they provide food for us and animals, they make our
          soil, and they hold the soil where it belongs with their roots.
                      Through development, both residential and commercial, we have
          bit by bit lost considerable amounts of our terrestrial forests which has
           led to erosion and sediment washing into the ocean where it has affected
I        ~ ~~mangroves, seagrass beds and our coral reefs. This loss of topsoil has led
           to changes in the types of forest capable of being supported by our land.
          Thinner soils cannot support as large trees nor can it hold the moisture
          necessary for the growth of many of our indigenous tree species.
   I                 ~ ~~~~~Many of our guts contain rock pools that support a variety of
           freshwater fish and shrimp species. The sediment produced by erosion
           clouds the water and kills these animals. we have probably already lost
          most of this small but important ecosystem to development.
                       Through  proper  sediment  control  practices   and  rapid
          replanting,. much of this soil loss can be controlled and reduced to
p        ~~tolerable levels for our coastal and marine systems.  Another related
          problem is that of septic tank effluent and nutrient loading in our soils.
          The creation of shallow soils through erosion reduces the capacity of the
           soil to absorb the effluent. This enriches rain runoff and may cause
I        ~ ~eutrophication of our nearshore waters which affects all of our marine
           communities. Septic systems utilizing leach fields should not be allowed
          under certain soil types and conditions.











Baltponds - Saltponds provide food (crabs, shrimp) for many species of
birds. They are also the front line defense in trapping soil that escapes
from the hillsides which can smother our corals, seagrasses and fish. In
fact, most of our upland watersheds end in saltponds which trap sediment
in runoff through settling action and filtration through the berm which
separates the pond from the sea. Under natural conditions, the filling of
a saltpond with upland soils takes many thousands of years, about the same
rate as which new saltponds are formed.

            Historically, saltponds have been viewed as smelly areas good
for either filling in to build on top of or dredging for marinas. Either
scenario destroys wildlife habitat and causes many tons of sediment to
reach our ocean waters.

            As upland sources of sediment erosion have increased we are
finding that our saltponds are filling in with this sediment at a rate far
exceeding the natural one. As this happens, the salt ponds lose much of
their retention capability and more sediment ends up reaching the sea. As
the ponds  fill  in with  sediment,  conditions  become  favorable  for
successional colonization by wetland and terrestrial vegetation and the
size of the ponds is further diminished. Over time, our ponds may become
filled in before new ones are created and nearshore marine communities
will become smothered with sediments and die. We need to explore ways in
which natural sediment reduction systems can be enhanced, supplemented or
even replaced by man-made systems. This may become absolutely necessary if
we are going to save our nearshore marine ecosystems.

Beaches - Our shorelines contain a variety of beaches, from small pocket
coves to long open beaches. They serve as filters for rain runoff, nesting
habitat for turtles and some birds, and critical habitat for many species
of crabs and other invertebrates. Our economy also depends on beaches for
many of our tourism dollars.

            Development here has certainly affected many, if not all of
our beaches in one way or another. A number of beaches have been seriously
altered through sand mining activities and erosion due to coastal
modifications  such  as  rock  groins.  Increased  wave  erosion  after
destruction of the offshore protective reefs during dredging activities
has also caused beaches to all but disappear.

            Increases in terrestrial soils and organic matter from upland
erosion and runoff can lead to increased vegetative colonization of our
beaches. More soil in the sand permits more plants to grow.  As more
vegetation grows on our beaches, it reduces the available habitat for
turtles and seabirds to nest. It also leads to increased root growth and
makes it harder for turtles to dig and hatchlings to survive.

            Placing of sand on beaches as a beach creation project or
renourishment program can be devastating to nearby marine ecosystems if
the sand being placed on the beach is of a smaller grain size than what
was originally there. All beaches are in a state of natural equilibrium
with the wave and energy environment at that beach. Placing of finer sands
on the beach will result in the waves removing it from the beach and
depositing it on other nearshore marine ecosystems. Any project of this
nature must have grain size and composition analyses done prior to
selecting a source of sand for the project. Another mistake is when
someone wants to create a beach where there was no beach before. The
reason no beach was there before is that the energy environment will not
allow one to accrete there. Any attempt will be met with disaster, both
for the developer as well as for the nearby marine ecosystems.

Mangroves - Many of our deeper bays and larger watersheds end in mangrove
stands. These mangroves filter sediments and chemicals from rain runoff,
stabilize our shorelines, provide nesting habitat for many species of


                                     II-2








          birds, and provide nursery habitat for juvenile fish where they grow up in
           the submerged   roots.  Mangroves  are also a source of carbon based
          nutrients for other nearshore ecosystems.
                      Mangroves are another habitat that many feel are much better
          suited for cutting, filling and building on. But, in fact, they are a
I        ~~~habitat whose importance touches most of our lives. we estimate that we
          have lost approximately 50 percent of our mangroves here in the Virgin
           Islands to development activities during the last 40 years. most of this
          has resulted from large scale 'destruction such as Krause Lagoon on St.
           Croix or the Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas. Not as obvious, but also
          significant, the cutting of several trees here and there for such things
          as docks has eliminated much of our mangroves. And we have paid the price.
          Fishermen in St. Croix tell us that fishing declined significantly after
          Krause Lagoon was destroyed. Nearshore reefs in southwestern St. Croix
          have been overwhelmed with sediment and have all but died. Species of
          wildlife that depend on mangroves for nesting habitat where they can be
          safe from predators have to deal with less safe areas to nest in, and as
          a consequence, their populations decline.
                       The increases in upland erosion have led to changes in the
          hydrodynamics and soil conditions necessary for mangrove health and
I        ~~~survival. As more soils are deposited over mangrove areas, soil salinity
          and moisture decreases and the vegetation changes to more terrestrial
          species. species of crabs that depend on the saturated soil for refuge and
          the birds that depend on the crabs for food likewise suffer for the worse.
I        ~~~Sediments in the water clog the gills of juvenile fish and invertebrates,
          causing them to die or leave. The increase in nutrients from the soils
          causes algal blooms which reduces available habitat for fish. The result
           is the elimination of the nursery value of the mangroves and consequently,
I        ~~~the reduction of fish in nearby marine ecosystems.
                      our mangroves are now protected by law and cutting or damaging
          them is illegal. mangroves can be successfully replanted in areas where
I        ~~~they have been removed as long as environmental conditions necessary for
          their growth have been restored. However, it is very hard, if not
           impossible, to establish a viable mangrove ecosystem in an area where they
          have never been.
          Seaarass beds - many of our coastal bays are carpeted with seagrass beds,
           the marine equivalent of a lawn. Much as a lawn will keep soil from
          eroding during rain, these seagrasses stabilize the sea bottom during
           periods of high waves or strong currents. They are important foraging
          areas for turtles, conch and urchins, and are nursery habitat for many
           juvenile fish, lobsters and other animals. Calcareous algae from seagrass
          beds is the major component in beach sand here in the VI. Recovery from
          damage to a seagrass bed may take decades.
                      The major threat to seagrass beds here in the VI has been from
           dredging in the past for sand, either for construction or to fill
           saltponds on which to build developments or for channel widening or
           deepening. with very limited exceptions, dredging should no be longer
          permitted in the VI due to the serious effects it has on all marine
           ecosysytems. Replanting of seagrasses is a costly and. time intensive
          project but can be done with some success.
                       upland erosion of soils and the introduction. of these
           sedimenits into our marine waters has subtle but serious long-term
I        ~~~consequences for our seagrass beds. This sediment reduces water clarity
          which diminishes the amount of sunlight penetrating the water. Seagrasses
           require sunlight to photosynthesize and a decrease in light penetration
           causes seagrasses in deeper areas to die off. This destabilizes the seabed
           which leads to greater suspended sediment and a further decrease in water
           clarity, thus increasing the problem. This naturally then hasa


                                            11-3










trickle-down effect on all other marine ecosystems.
Coral reefs - we have considerable amounts of coral reef habitat here in
the VI, f ram nearshore f ringing reef s to of fshare bank and shelf edge
reefs. They are very important in protecting our shorelines f rom wave
erosion. And, like a tropical rainforest in their diversity, thousands of
species of f ish, plants and invertebrates live in coral reefs, many of
which are eaten by man. Coral reefs are also an important source of beach
sand and are vitally important to our tourist based economy.
           Development has taken a serious toll on our reefs. SedimentI
and nutrient runof f from land as well as past dredging activities has
caused a serious decline in health of our reefs. in fact, several noted
marine scientists have determined that Puerto Rico has lost nearly 100
percent of its nearshore coral reefs over the past 50 or 60 years due to
sedimentation from upland erosion.
           Reef s require a very narrow set of environmental conditions to
grow and maintain their health. sediment in the water smothers the coral
polyps and restricts feeding and photosynthetic activity necessary for
their survival. Without a reversal in water quality trends and increased
effort to restore the natural balance I fear that we will see a gradual
decline and eventual loss of our once productive reef areas. Establishment       
of marine reserve areas with anchoring and harvest restrictions for marine
species can provide significant protection to key examples of our marine
ecosystems. These can also potentially create areas that provide a source
of recruitment of marine organisms including fish and corals to nearbyI

Alaal Dlains - A habitat that few people are even aware of is the algal
plain. These are deep water areas with high algal diversity that cover
extensive portions of our insular shelves. They may be important juvenile
habitat for some species of fish (Queen Triggerfish) and lobster.
           To our knowledge, development has had little to no directI
affect on algal plains but, as the overall health of nearshore habitats
and water quality declines, the delicate balance of our algal plains can't
help but be threatened as well.
           Of course there are countless other ways in which erosion is
af fecting our natural systems, many. of which we are probably unaware of .

Conclusion - One very important concept that needs to be remembered is
that all of these animals, plants and ecosystems, both terrestrial and
marine, interact with each other and are interdependent on each other for
their health and their very existence. No one ecosystem or animal should
be considered all by itself. Each one depends on the others for suchI
things as energy flow, maintenance of water quality, nutrients, shelter,
etc. But this only works if the systems are in balance. Any disruption in
the interactions between animals, plants and ecosystems can throw the
whole process out of balance.
            Through effort and careful planning, we can save, protect and
enhance what we have left and possibly recover some of what we have lost.
The control of erosion and the resultant sedimentation should be one ourI
top goals. The ef fects of erosion will lead to the loss of most if not all
of our nearshore marine ecosystems. Sediment control practices must be
instituted whereever the soil is to be disturbed. These sediment control
practices must be  enforced and monitored  if they are going  to beI
effective. Replanting of disturbed soils must be done as soon as possible
to reduce the chances of soil loss. Projects requiring major soil
disturbance should also be timed to coincide with periods of least
rainfall where possible and practical.


                                  11-4I






I
       IZ~ ~~ ~We must all endeavor to learn more about and try to understand
               the problems that are facing our environment and ourselves. For the more
                we understand, the greater will be our ability to make the right decisions
                to solve those problems.










I






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       WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MINIMIZE OR PREVENT EROSION

                                   Victor Giraud

Department of Planning and Natural Resources, St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands


   A major problem faces us here in the Virgin Islands. A problem, I would dare say, is as
   serious as a heart attack. That problem is soil erosion. A heart attack is normally a final
   result of an ongoing disorder. Just as we change our diets when we have been told that
   we have a heart condition is the same reaction we need to take when we are told that our
   bad construction habits are the direct result of soil erosion. Otherwise, the final
   result will be a fatal heart attack or a damaged ecosystem whenever the problems leading
   up to destruction go unchecked.

   Soil erosion is caused by the wind, rain, surface runoff of storm waters, and by man, who
  just happens to be the greatest offender. The word erosion includes all of the processes
   by which soil or rock material is loosened and removed, and then transported.

   The energy of raindrops displaces soil particles from unprotected or non-vegetative areas.
   Water running on the surface of the ground picks up these detached soil particles and
   carries them along as it flows towards a stream system. As the volume and velocity
   increase, additional particles are picked up and added to the sediment load.

   Eroded soil being transported by water is termed sediment runoff. Excessive sediment
  runoff in the Virgin Islands is caused primarily by increased development of previously
   undeveloped lands on mostly steep slopes. Construction activity disturbs the soil by
   stripping vegetation and altering natural land forms and drainage patterns. The effects
   of sediment runoff are particularly noticeable in the bays and harbors adjacent to
   watersheds that are being developed immediately following a heavy rainfall. The greater
   the distance the water runs uncontrolled, the greater its erosive force and the greater the
   damage.

   Deposition occurs as the water slows down.  The coarsest and heaviest particles are
   transported short distances. Smaller particles stay in suspension over longer distances by
   rolling or bouncing along, or stay in suspension while water velocity is fairly high.
   Because of slow setting rates, fine silt particles remain in suspension for hours and
   contribute to water turbidit.

   Erosion in most instances is a slow but continuous removal and transportation of top soil
   by the forces of nature. When assisted by man, that process is dramatically accelerated.
   It is estimated that 5.4 billion tons of top soil are lost every year in the United States
   alone.

          In the absence of current statistical information, I would venture to say that in the
   Virgin Islands, our loss to erosion is proportionately less than that of the continental

                                              11-6









United States. However, our problem is significant enough to merit serious territory-wide
concern.


Principles Forming the Basis for an Effective Conservation Pro,,ram  in Land
Development

1.     Fit the development to the topography and soils as closely as possible. Don't cut
       more than you have to.

2.     Save trees and other natural vegetation wherever possible.  Do not clear the
       entire site.

3.     Avoid unnecessary disturbance of the soil; confine construction activities to the
       least critical areas.

4.     Install permanent storm drains and roads as early as possible to direct storm
       waters.

5.     Protect denuded  soils with mulch  or grass where permanent protection  is
       delayed.

6.     Install permanent vegetation immediately after final grades are established.

7.     Use basins to trap sediment on-site.

8.     Schedule the construction operations so as to only expose that area of land at a
       time that can be developed in a reasonable length of time.

9.      Minimize impervious areas; create lawns or gravel areas.'


The application of these principles to fit the particular type of development will result in
a practical program of environmental protection acceptable to the-industry and to the
Virgin Islands Government.






     Environmental Protection Handbook, V.I. Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs
and the Department of Public Works, 1976.





                                 11-7








      Conservation Practices

      Many conservation practices have proven effective in avoiding or lessening damage from
      sediment or runoff. These include:

       1.    Careful land. clearing and protection of desirable shade trees and other plants;

      2.     Proper land grading with maximum slopes;

      3.     Constructing retaining walls and slope stabilization structures where needed;

      4.     Rapidly  applying  permanent  vegetation  to  critical  areas  following  the
              establishment of final grades;

      5.     Mulching;

      6.     Construction of waterways, diversions, and outlets;

      7.     Construct sediment basins;

      8.     Water storage structures (Ponds and Gray water cisterns).


      Methods That are Used to Minimize Erosion 2

      Depending on the type of project, slope, and soil conditioning, a combination of one or
      more of these methods should be utilized in an effort to control erosion and sediment
      runoff.

                                                                                                              I
      Silt Fences

      A temporary sediment barrier consisting of filter fabric used to trap sediment while                     I
      allowing water to flow through.

      Brush Berms

      Temporary sediment barriers made up of uprooted trees, brush, and grass used to trap
       sediment in a similar fashion to silt fences. Brush Berms are bio-degradable.

                                                                                                              I



                                                                                                              I
     Environmental Protection Handbook, V.I. Department of Conservation and Cultural Aff
and the Department of Public Works, 1976.









               Sediment Basins (Ponds)

               A sediment basin, or pond, is created by the construction of a bamrer or damn across a
               drainage way, by excavating a basin, or by a combination of both to trap and store
               sediment and water borne debris. The trapped water is allowed to overflow through a
               filtering system - mainly gravel - onto undisturbed areas.

               Mulching 

I             ~~~~Wood chips or cut grass spread evenly over disturbed ground to prevent direct impact by
               raindrops.

I             ~~~~Level Spreader

              A level spreader is a flat depression constructed at grade across a slope to slow the
I           ~    ~~~velocity of a concentrated runoff into a level sheet flow which is likely to cause erosion.


U            ~~~~Vegetative Cover

              Planting of grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees on exposed areas to stabilize the soil and
              reduce damage from sediment and runoff to downstream areas. Generally, vegetative
              cover is used to enhance the natural beauty of the site.

              Rip Rap

I            ~~~~A permanent erosion resistant ground cover of large loose stones installed over an area
              subject to erosive conditions, e.g. stream banks and drains.
I            ~~~~Gabion Baskets

              A system of wire baskets filled with rock placed strategically against cut banks to protect
I,          ~ ~~the cut where soil conditions or water turbulence and velocity are such where soil may
               erode.

U            ~~~~Retaining Wall

               Retaining walls are walls constructed of masonry, timbers, rock, etc.. to assist in the
               stabilization of cut or fill slopes and embankments.

              To control or minimize erosion, one must implement a thorough maintenance and follow-
              up program. A site cannot be effectively controlled without thorough, periodic checks
              of erosion and sediment control practices. These practices, like the ones. mentioned



        I                                       11~~~~~~~~~~I-9








       earlier, must be maintained just as construction equipment must be maintained and                       |
       materials checked and inventoried. Two examples of applying this principle would be to
       start a routine "end of day" check to make sure all control practices are working properly
       and clean after every heavy rainfall.                             -

       In most cases, however, a combination of limited grading, limited time exposure, and a
      judicious selection of erosion control practices and sediment-trapping facilities (like the              I
       methods described earlier) will prove to be the most practical method of controlling
       erosion and the associated production and transport of sediment.  

       In other words, use a common sense approach to control erosion. Look at erosion the
       same way you would if you had a problem with your body; with your body being the
       total ecosystem with live parts.  Whenever those parts are affected, your entire body
       becomes affected - sometimes to the point of disability or even death!



                                                                                                           I

                                                                                                           I

















   3Erosion and Sediment Control on Urban Areas, Oklahoma County Conservation District and
Oklahoma Conservation Commission & Soil Conservation Service.


                                                 II-10                                                       I











                               BIBLIOGRAPHY


Checklist for Erosion and Sediment Control, Northern Virginia Soil and Water
Conservation District and Fairfax County, Department of Environmental Management,
1988.

Environmental Protection Handbook, The Virgin Islands Department of Conservation and
Cultural Affairs and the Department of Public Works, 1976.

Erosion and Sediment Control on Urban Areas, Oklahoma County Conservation District
and Oklahoma Conservation Commission & Soil Conservation Service.
          1
Proerammed Demonstration for Erosion and Sediment Control Specialists. Office of
Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C.,
'1 974.

































                                  II-L










   VEGETATIVE EROSION AMN SEDIBMNTATION CONTROL PRACTICES

                    Dale B. R. Morton
  Cooperative Extension Service, University of the Virgin
            Islands, St. Thomas, VI 00802-9990

     Soil - this is the medium in which plants grow and obtain 
most of their nutrients. The sails in the Virgin Islands are
varied in nutrient content, pH, etc. The Virgin Islands,, bein~g
hilly and small in size, easily lose soil from the land to the
sea by means of erosion.

     Soil erosion is the loss of soil from an area by theI
forces of wind and water. Sedimentation, on the other hand
refers to the transport and deposit of soil particles due to
erosion.  Since soil is formed very slowly over many decadesI
and can be lost overnight, it is imperative for us to do all
within our means to conserve and protect this limited
resource. Therefore, some type of soil conservation practice
should be implemented by all.

    However, one must be aware that erosion and soil
formation take place all the time. It is when erosion occurs
at an accelerated rate, producing large quantities of sediment
that we usually express concern.   The loss of soil from
croplands, homesites, construction areas etc. is hazardous toI
marine life and costly to those who have to pay for the
removal of sediments from public places.

    These costs and the environmental impact of soil erosion
can be greatly reduced by using vegetative control measures.
Once the vegetation is established the roots hold the soil in
place and the canopy of the plant protects the soil from theI
force of the rain and reduces the velocity of the wind. It is
very important to remember to avoid leaving soil exposed for
an extended period of time.  When it is absolutely necessaryI
to remove vegetation, make sure that the smallest possible
area is disturbed.

    There are several ways in which to use vegetation to
control soil erosion - establishment of lawns, grasslands and
pasture, contour farming, grass terraces and windbreaks. In
selecting which option is best for a particular situation,
consideration should be given to slope, soil type and
maintenance and labor.

    Many Virgin Islanders use grasses to make lawns.   In
Choosing the type of grass one has to take into consideration
the fertility of the soil, the availability of water, and theI
Slope of land. Once selection is made establishment can


                                 II-12










be by seed, sprig, plugs or sod. The latter two are not very
common here. To establish the lawn one can broadcast the seed
and mulch the area. For further guidance to the selection of
grasses for lawns, you may obtain a University of the Virgin
Islands Extension Service Booklet entitled " Virgin Islands
Home Lawns".

     Ground covers such as Ground Orchid or Air Plant Catopsis
morreniana, Oyster Plant Rhoeo bicolor, Wandering Jew Zebrina
pendula, Wedelia Wedelia trilobata, are sometimes used in
those areas where the slopes are too steep for the
establishment of lawns.      Ground covers also have to be
selected based on the soil condition, the effect desired, and
the availability of water.   For those persons living on or
near coastalareas, the Beach Morninf Glory Ipomoea pes-caprae
is an excellent choice to control erosion.   All of these
ground covers have to be dense in order to provide the best
erosion and sediment control. Therefore, close planting and
fertilization are recommended to hasten the thickening and to
prevent the formation of gullies.

     The practice of planting vegetation on the contour of
hills is a practice that should be encouraged.   Another
vegetative practice is grass terracing. The grass Khus Khus
Vetiveria zizanioides is planted on the contour in strips.  As
a result, the flow of water is reduced; the sediments become
trapped behind it. The areas in between are then cultivated
and have the advantage of better water infiltration and
percolation.  These practices are not commonly implemented
here, but I think it is one to be advocated in agricultural
areas; it would be less labor intensive compared with the rock
terraces which are more commonly used in the V.I.

     Another vegetative means of erosion and sedimentation
control  is  the practice  of  using windbreaks.    In many
Caribbean islands along the coastal area there are plantings
of Australian Pine Casuarina equisetifolia, as wind breaks.
These reduce the force of the wind, thereby reducing erosion.
These particular pine trees also drop needles and cones which
cover the soil and protect it from further erosion. Hedges of
Tan Tan Leucaena qlauca can also be used to make windbreaks in
areas further inland.

    Finally, the best and easiest means to control soil
erosion is by allowing areas to remain established in their
natural, vegetation. These plants are usually well adapted to
the area and generally thrive. They maintain a good level of
erosion control by the canopy and leaf litter protecting the
soil from the impact of the rain and reducing the velocity of
the wind.




                        II-13





                                    ---------------I


For further information on vegetative means of controlling
soil erosion contact any of the following local offices - USDA
soil   Conservation   Service,   Agricultural   Stabilization
Conservation Service, V.I. Department of Planning -and Natural
Resources, U.V.I Cooperative Extension Service.




















                                           11-14~~~~~~









 STRUCTURAL SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL METHODS

                    Werner Wernicke

       Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority


A. OVERVIEW

Soil erosion is a natural process which takes place over
geologic time. It has shaped the land masses. Over millenniums
it wears down mountains and interacts in slow equilibrium with
other  natural  forces.  It  is  a  natural  resource  which
rejuvenates the fertility of the land, rivers and oceans.

Man made erosion takes place at a vastly accelerated pace
counted in years, months and days. It is a resource displaced
thereby becoming a pollutant. Natural ecosystems are unable to
respond to the rapid change imposed on it. Man made erosion
becomes highly destructive and costly both to natural and man
made environments.

Erosion  strips  land of is  fertile soil layer,  it ruts
roadways, natural and man made channels are filled with
sediment, near shore marine environments are destroys and
marine facilities are shoaled to name only a few effects.

A balance needs to exist between development and the health of
our environments as well as save guarding the value of our man
made facilities, our property andquality of-life. Most if not
all of us have witnessed the destruction brought by the floods
over the past two decades here in the islands. Much of that
damage was due to erosion and sediment damage.

B. APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM

Soil erosion and sediment deposition in this region is largely
the result of the action of rainfall and subsequent runoff.
The tools we possess to control erosion and sediment are
numerous and other presenters have covered important facets.
The basic goal is to minimize soil erosion from occurring and
to stabilize sediment which is generated. Structural methods,
the topic of this paper, is utilized in concert with other
approaches. The spectrum of erosion and sediment control is
briefly listed below:      --

     1. Design and plan a project with soil erosion and
     sediment control as a design objective - do not view it
     as a quick fix just to -get-permits.- In all cases design
     a project with the minimum area of disturbance.










2. For  larger  projects  or those  situated  in  sensitiveI
    environmental areas, phasing of site work and exposure to
    seasonal weather patterns can be critical. The site's
    degree of exposure to erosion-bbith in area and time needs
    to be minimized.
    3. Rapid stabilization of disturbed areas is necessary to
    limit the exposure risk of erosion. Here structuralI
    methods begin to   - interact with vegetative methods in
    stabilizing and protecting soil-from water erosion.

Structural methods are an integral part of the comprehensiveI
soil erosion and sediment control program. The three
overriding principles of erosion and sediment control are:

     1. Minimize the soil erosion process from occurring at
the construction site an area which must be disturbed. This is
accomplished by protecting exposed soil from rainfall impactI
and controlling water run off.

    2. Sediment control is a backup for erosion control
measures, it is a second line of defence to capture soil whichI
could not be successfully retained by erosion control methods.

     3. The coordination of erosion and sediment control withI
water f low/storm water management both on site and leaving the
site to obtain a comprehensive and well managed program.

A number of specific structural methods are discussed below
which is followed by graphic examples'after the text and cut
sheets from manufacturers. Illustrations are taken from the
Urban Land Institute publication Residential Erosion and
Sediment Control, 1978. The cut sheets are referenced in the
text by their manufacturers name which however does not
endorse the product. Other manufactures not listed produceI
similar products.

C. STRUCTURAL METHODS

Structural methods are presented in --three categories: 1.
Erosion control, 2. Sediment control and 3. Disposal
structures. All methods are not applicable at every site and
careful planing and design is crucial for the steep terrain
encountered oh many Caribbean islands.

C.I. EROSION CONTROL

After site planning and design to minimize soil erosion, the
treatment of areas which are disturbed by earth moving
activities through erosion control methods is necessary. These
fall into two basic and interrelated methods, vegetative and


                               II-16I







         structural.
I        ~~Structural erosion control has a basic objective-
              Prevent or minimize rain f all run of f from dislodging
 I          ~~~soil particles either from direct rail drop impact and
              from the scouring action of running water, over vulnerable
              soil.
I        ~~Shielding  of exposed  soil  is accomplished by vegetative
         measures, which is the topic of other papers presented at this
         conference, and by artificial or structural means. Literature
I      ~~on some commercial soil protective coverings are included at
         the end of this pater. A variety of several artificial soil
*       ~~coverings are listed below:
              1. Straw mulch of chopped straw will protect soil
              surfaces from direct rain fall impact and keep moisture
              to foster vegetative growth. It is available commercially
              in rolls and reinforced with either natural or artificial
              webbing or mesh to hold the straw in place. It requires
              pinning to the ground. It is easily applied and is
 I          ~~~~limited to areas which are not subjected to large volumes
              of concentrated water flow. Various thickness and mesh
              strengths, including shredded coconut fiber, can be
 I          ~~~applied as soil stabilization liners in small ditches.
              (American Excelsior Co.,North American Green, Enka)
              2. Hydro mulch is a liquid suspension sprayed from a
 I          ~~~pressure sprayer. A mix of paper strips or straw chips,
              water, grass seeds 'and a binder is projected from a
              sprayer over exposed soil surfaces. It is a quick and
 I.         ~~~efficient method of protecting exposed soil surfaces. It
              is limited to areas where protection from rain drop
              impact is needed and is not applicable for swales or
 I          ~~~drainage ways subjected to concentrated water flow. Due
              to the expense of mobilizing this equipment it is limited
              to larger construction jobs. It had been used for the St.
              Thomas Hospital renovation several years ago. Prices
              range from $0.10 to $0.40 per square foot.
              3. Other proprietary fibrous applications of woven jute
 I          ~~~mesh,  stranded  fiberglass  applied  by  air  pressure,
              shredded wood held together with paper net and similar
              material combinations are available as commercial
 I          ~~~products.  For island applications,  shipping cost and
              local availability are critical factors, especially for
              small construction works.
I       ~~The other critical consideration in erosion control is to
         prevent water run of f from reaching exposed soil areas or to
*       ~~prevent the accumulation of run of f which can seriouslIy damage



                                                                    NIKK




exposed soil areas. This is accomplished by a variety of water
divers ion structures which drain water towards stable areas or
existing water ways. Detailed design criteria can be found in
the V.I. Environmental Protection Handbook, manufacturer's
literature as well as text books on the subject. Structural
erosion control methods can be described as follows:
     1. Diversion berms and or ditches constructed at the top
    of exposed slopes to intercept and divert water flowI
    towards stable receiving areas. These structures can
    either be temporary for the duration of critical soil
    exposure or permanent to provide long term erosion
    protection. It is constructed along the contour with a
    slight slope in the range of 2 to 5 percent, to prevent
    erosion in the ditch. inspection after storm event is
    necessary to spot and repair weak areas.
     2. Temporary filter berms are stepped down a cleared
     slope to shorten the vertical runoff flow distance. They
    are'similar in function to diversion berms in that they
     intercept runoff. The are constructed on the contour or
     at a slight grade to channel runoff onto stable receiving
     areas.  Temporary  filter  -berms  have  found  broad
     application in the islands where mechanical brush
     clearing is done. A mixture of a soil and brush is
     scraped into berms parallel to contours at interval of 50I
    to 100 feet. The soil/brush berms retain sediment as well
     as filter runoff to some extent. Such temporary
     structures are reasonable effective for average stormI
     events.   A f ield study performed an St. Croix on a
     cleared 13.4 acre site protected with temporary filter
    berms, with a land slope of 25 percent, showed erosion
     production of 0.018 tons per acre. This sediment yield
     was low compared to other study sites. If sensitive areas
     lie down slope of such cleared zones then additional
     protection will be needed. More permanent variations ofI
     the same concept are farm terraces found in mountainous
     area such as the north slopes on St. Thomas.
     3. Wattling is a special manual method of stabilizing
     steep slopes. Closely spaced (I to 3 foot spacing) hand
     dug furrows are constructed parallel to contours. Tied
     bundles of green brush, such as Tan Tan, are placed into
     the furrows and staked into the ground making a
     continuous row of bundles. Earth is back filled into the
     brush bundles leaving them as ridges along the contour.I
     the green brush cuttings will soon sprout adding to the
     structural stability of the slope. This method is labor
     intensive and is limited to steep slopes where machineryI
     cannot operated and other erosion control methods may not
     work. Locally available resources are used for this
     method. Such application was successfully used to








        stabilize steep slopes in the Bordeaux housing development on
        St. Thomas. ( ASCE, 1980)
             4. Diversion dikes are constructed across graded roads or
             minor drainage ways to intercept runoff and direct it to
 I          ~~~stable  receiving  areas  or towards  sediment  control
             structures. They require frequent inspection and
             maintenance due to damage from Vehicular traffic. They
             are intended as temporary measures until disturbed areas
             are stabilized. or in case of roads, paved. A note of
             caution, never attempt to interfere with or disturb the
             steep natural water ways or guts found in the mountainous
              areas of the islands. Only well engineered and
             constructed structures will withstand the flash flooding.

 I           ~~~5. Road Bed Paving. Dirt road ways, in land subdivision
             and other developments, particularly in steep terrain,
             are A major soil erosion sources. Usually roads are steep
              and act as water interceptor structures from uphill
             drainage areas thereby accumulating large runoff
             quantities. Paving of road ways, stabilizing of ditches
             and installation of drainage structures are important
 I          ~~~structural erosion control measures. It is probably safe
             to say that on islands of steep terrain, dirt road ways
             without well designed drainage facilities are major
 I          ~~~~sediment contributes. A soil erosion investigation on St.
             Thomas/St. Croix showed that steep dirt roads generate 10
             times the quality of sediment compared to a housing
              construction site. Sediment produced by a freshly graded
             road generated 197 tons per acre, an old (not fresh
             graded) dirt road produced 25 tons per acre while a
             housing construction site produced 19 tons per acre.
              (DCCA, 1986).
        Variations of erosion control methods is only limited by
I      ~~inventiveness. New products are coming on the market which
        make erosion control efforts more effective and lower cost.
        But as with any new product, the manufactures claims must be
        tried in actual-field conditions. Careful evaluation of such
        products that they live up to their claims is always
        warranted.
I       ~~C.2. SEDIMENT CONTROL
        Erosion control attempts to, protect existing disturbed soil
         areas from erosion. This is frequently not entirely effective
         and backup sediment control, structures must be employed.
        Although such structures are generally thought of as applying
         to larger projects, they are also effective for small
        developments even house lot construction.
        The basic mechanism of sediment structures is to slow down the



       U                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~11-19








water f low allowing sediment to settle. Larger 'particles
settle more quickly than smaller ones due to their greater
mass. Very small particles like clay will stay in suspension
due to electrostatic charges f or time spans much longer than
can be practically achieved with sediment structures. Sediment
control is also achieved by filtration through fabrics. AI
listing of basic sediment control methods is given below, and
here again is not an exhaustive list as many variation are
possible both in choice of material and design.
     1. Inlet Barriers. Gravel or straw bales are placed in
     front of storm drain inlets in order to trap sediments
     and prevent their passage into the drainage system.
    Reinforcement of gravel barriers with hallow concrete
    block will improve the stability and prevent gravel from
     being washed into the drains particularly if large waterI
     flows can be expected. Straw bales are an option and must
    be staked to the ground. Embedding of the bales a f ew
     inches into the ground will prevent piping of water and
     sediment below bales. Both measure are temporary, must be
     inspected after storm events and be removed when soil
     areas are stabilized.
     2. Rock Check Dams. Usually temporary installations
    placed in road side ditches or other small ditches to
     slow the velocity of water flow thereby reducing itsI
     scouring capacity and providing some sediment retention.
    Rocks  range  in size  from 4 to  12 inches -diameter
     preferable well graded with placement intervals at 50I
     feet or less. Maintenance checks and repairs are
     necessary after storm events and due to vehicle damage as
    well as cleaning out accumulated sediment. Check dams are
     particularly useful as temporary erosion/sediment controlI
     on dirt roads until paving stabilized the road bed.

     3. Straw Bale Sediment Barriers. These are temporaryI
     installations which retain sediment by retarding runoff
     and f iltration. They can be used in combination with
     gravel f ilter outlets and are useful as a perimeterI
     enclosure for disturbed areas where erosion control is
     not possible. Bales are firmly pinned to the ground, and
     a shallow trench into which bales are placed will prevent
     piping of runof f below bales. Use of untreated woodI
     stakes for fastening the bales to the ground will
     eliminate the need and cost of removal, both bales and
     stakes  will  deteriorate  and  be  merge  into  theI
     environment. Frequent inspection is necessary to ensure
     their effectiveness. Straw bales are inexpensive and
     available in agricultural regions and hence not readilyI
     available for areas like St. Thomas. They are usually
     shipped into the islands with other materials f or larger
     jobs.


                              TI-20I











4. Silt Fences. Preconstructed or job fabricated silt
fences have come into common use in this area. They are
compact when stored and do not degrade like straw bales.
Their function is similar to straw bales except removal
is necessary after use. Various fabrics are in use to
retain sediment and filter runoff. Most manufactures
provide installation instructions. Key elements are
sturdy supporting stakes and burial of the bottom edge in
the ground. The failure to provide the latter is
frequently observed and it allows escape of sediment
runoff below the fence, making the entire effort a futile
gesture. Silt fences can also act as water diversion
structures to channel runoff to specific areas.(Geofab,
Moore & Assoc, Amoco)

5. Sediment Traps. Traps are pits of various sized dug
into the ground at strategic locations to trap sediment
from runoff. With excavation equipment they are easy to
construct and several on one site can substitute for a
larger, more expensive sediment basin. Sediment must be
periodically removed to maintain efficiency of the
structure. When sixty percent of the original volume is
filled, the structure needs to be cleaned out. Although
their most effective use is on relatively gentle sloped
sites where rock is not present to impede excavation,
they also have a place on steeper sites, where smaller
well  placed  pits  can  effectively  trap  the  coarser
gradation of sediments and prevent their discharge off
site. The VI Environmental Protection Handbook recommends
a minimum sediment storage volume of 0.5 inches over the
drainage area. If external runoff is diverted from the
site with diversion berms or ditches and runoff from a
site is limited to the disturbed area, then a 1/4 acre
construction site will need a trap of 17 cubic yard
minimum volume. This is a pit 3 feet deep, 10 feet wide
and 15 feet long.

6. Sediment Basins. These are fairly large and specially
designed  structures  primarily  limited  to  larger
construction sites. In some cases they also function as
flood mitigation structures. Specific design criteria are
found in the V.I. Environmental Protection Handbook. Some
of the major design criteria are:

     Drainage area from 20 to 200 acres
     design storm frequency to 25 years
     Dam height maximum of 20 feet
     Emergency spillways
     Minimum storage capacity of 0.5 inch of drainage
     area








         Larger basins have a pipe spillway which drain
         basin dry whereby limited flood storage is also
         achieved.
C.3. RUNOFF DISPOSAL STRUCTURES
Runoff must always be routed either through the site of from
the site. Temporary and'permanent water- ways, channels and
ditches can serve this function without erosion if adequatelyI
protected. Permanent structures are intended to outlast the
construction phase of a project or are installed -to solve a
particular soil erosion problem. The protective liner ofI
permanent structures depend on the volume and velocity of
water expected to be carried.   This protection is either by
vegetation of artificial means or a combination thereof.

    1. Vegetative liners are usually limited to slope ranges
    from 0.25 % to 2%. Maximum water velocities range from 3
    to 7 feet per second depending on the erodability of theI
    soil which can be found in the Soil Survey for the Virgin
    Islands. These limiting parameters make vegetative liners
    suitable only for flat flood plains on the mostly steepI
    islands of St. Thomas and St. John and for large gentle
    sloped areas of St. Croix. Detailed design tables and
    procedures are found In the V.I. Environmental Protection
    Handbook and other literature sources. For steep sloped
    channels, liners must be of man made materials designed
    to resist the scouring velocity of fast flowing
    runoff.(American Excelsior Co., North American Green,I
    Enkamat, Greens treak)

    2.  Artificial  liners  are  produced  to  supplementI
    vegetative covering or entirely made of man made
    materials. The latter include concrete, asphalt, metal,-
    stones, gabions (rock f illed wire baskets), plastics and
    similar durable material. The cost are higher than other
    coverings and their application is limited to sites where
    less durable liners would fail. Frequently combinations
    are possible to reduce cost. A channel with it lowerI
    portion of concrete and upper side slopes vegetated will
    cost less than paving the entire channel. Hydraulic
    evaluation is needed to determine the level to whichI
    paving must be used.
    Between the soft natural vegetative liners and the hard
    man made ones, there is available a variety of soil
    reinforcing fabrics and coverings which will tolerate
    greater water depths and velocities. These are briefly
    listed below and copies of manufacture catalog cuts areI
    attached at the end of this paper:



                            11-22I








                  Erosion control matting is produced both from
  I               ~~~~~manufactured materials such as nylon fabric fibers

        or similar materials or from processed - natural sources
        including paper, straw, jute, wood excelsior and other
        biodegradable materials. Netting is commonly. used to hold the
U *- ~fibers in a blanket which is rolled over the soil," Embedding
        of edges' and staking a intervals is necessary to hold the
        matting in place. Proper installation is. critical to
        satisfactory performance of the materials. According to
        information presented by manufacturers, maximum water
        velocities of 17 feet per second and water depths of 2.5 feet
I      ~~can be sustained by the  nylon matting  (Enkamat). These
        materials are light weight, although bulky, and are easily
        applied. Some manufactures produce matting with embedded grass
I      ~~seed. (American Excelsior Co., North American Green, Enkamat,
        Greenstreak)

                  'Geoweblis a trade name of a cellular confinement
  I              ~~~~structure made of a plastic. Attached cells with
                  open top and bottom are filled with soil or gravel
                  to provide a erosion resistant blanket. Experience
                  with this product is limited but it may have
                  potential applications. (Presto Products Co.)

*       ~~A variety of structural erosion control and sediment control
        methods have been presented. Where soil must be disturbed for
        construction or other activities, erosion needs to be
        minimized from taking place and that which does occur be
        retained with sediment control structures. The objective is to
        keep erosion rates to natural levels. Accelerated soil erosion
        is detrimental and costly to natural environments and man made
        facilities.











                         REFERENCES

1. The Urban Land Institute, ASCE,- NAHB. Res-idential Erosion
and  Sediment  Control  - Objectives,  Principles  & Design
Considerations, July 1976.

2. Virgin Islands Conservation District, VI Dept. of
Conservation and Cu-ltural Affairs, VI Dept. of Public Works.
Environmental Protection Handbook, Third Ed. 1976.

3. Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs. Sediment
Study in St. Thomas, St. Croix Areas on the United States
Virgin Islands. June 1986.

4. U S Environmental Protection Agency. Erosion and Sediment
Control, Surface Mining in the Eastern U.S., Planning and
Design. EPA Technology Transfer Seminar Publication. October
1976.

5. Virgina Soil and Water Conservation District. Comprehensive
Erosion and Sediment Control Program for Engineers, Architects
and Planners. March 1976.

Civil Engineering Magazine - ASCE. Combined Vegetative -
Structural Slope Stabilization, January 1980.













                                                         i,         I










                                            .... ."  a.        . "



                          II-24'








HOW TO PREPARE AN EFFECTIVE EROSION & SEDIMENTATION CONTROL PLAN

                     William F. McComb, P.E.

W. F. McComb Engineering, P.C., 129 Sub Base - Chinnery Building,
                        St. Thomas, USVI

The preparation of an effective erosion and sedimentation control
plan  (ESCP)  is not only based on engineering and  scientific
principles  but also on the experience  and  knowledge  of  the
designer.  There can be several approaches to and designs of a good
ESCP, all of which will be acceptable and achieve the desired
results. Thus the evaluation of any ESCP must be done with an open
mind and no pre-conceived ideas.

One thing that you must remember is that an ESCP is just part of
the Earth Change Permit Application.  The ESCP deals only with the
control of erosion and sediments. It does not dictate the extent
of earthmoving, site disturbance, building location, etc.. These
aspects are within the realm of the Designer. It is hoped that the
designer will take erosion and sediment runoff into consideration,
but there is no guarantees.   In big projects it is likely that
someone other than the designer will do the ESCP and that person is
not apt to have much control on site design.  For smaller projects
it is likely that the same person will do both and this should be
reflected in the impacts that the site plan will have on the ESCP.
The Govt.  review of  the Earth Change  Permit  Application  is
important in that the reviewer can assess the impacts of the site
design on erosion and sediment generation and suggest to the
designer changes that will lessen this before it is approved.

All ESCP's want to:

     a.   Reduce erosion to a minimum and minimize the time period
          for this to occur.
     b.   Control the direction and if possible the flow and
          velocity of runoff.
     c.   Keep sediment runoff from the site to a minimum.
     d.   Control stormwater runoff through the site and its
          effects on downstream properties.

In order to give some guidelines on how an effective ESCP can be
prepared, I will use a Subdivision that I am designing now as an
example.  The parcel is 3.40 acres in size, zoned R-2 and located
in Estate Wintberg.   It has been -subdivided into 11 parcels.
Figure 1.

The low point on the property is in the middle of the north
boundary.  The total drainage area to this point, including the
parcel itself, is approximately 7.17 acres.  Using the SCS TR-55
method to estimate the stormwater runoff in small watersheds, the
peak discharge when the site is fully developed for 50 yr. storm is
124 cfs.  Figure 2.  I will not review this Method as it will be
described in detail later on this afternoon.  These figures are
important in order to size any drainage structures needed.

                              11-25








'Jo~~ ~~~L MOA -r  ROA 0





          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~IS
       11490~~~~~~~~ 




              J10~~~~~~~~~~~~



                XOL)-~~~~~~~~~~~











                    Figure 1.

                    11-26I





                Proiect : IXI. ETATE WINTRERG clUser: -
                Colin Coun  ST. THIOMAS          State: VT       Checked:
                          SUBDIVIST.P34,C  02'TSGN

                  Data: Drainaqe Area             7.17 *. Acres
                        Runoff Curve Number      83 *
                        Time of Concentration:  0.02 *: Hours
                        Rainfall Type            II
                        Pond and Swamp Area      NONE

                 Storm Number              1
                --'--------------1---I----- --- ---
                 Frequency  (Yrs)         25  :  50

                 24-Hr Raijnia)J (in).    9.0  1.0.4

                 Ia/P Ratio              0.05   0.04

                            Used         0.3:  0.30

                 Runott (in)           1 6.94   8.29

                 'Uniit P'eak Di scbarce  ?.OA3 :2.083
                    (cts/acre/in)

                 Pond and Swamp  Pactorl i..(O : 1.00I
                    0.0% Ponds Used
                --- ------------a------------
                 Peak Discharqe (cts)  104 :  324

              ~ - Value(s) provided trom TR-55 system routines














I
.I








I








         I                            11~~~~~~~~~I-27














Erosion and sedimentation control are two different items. Erosion
is the effect of stormwater runoff eating away at exposed surfaces.
Sediments are. the materials which are eroded from the soil and
carried away by stormwater.   Both of which are controlled in
similar and different ways.

EROSION CONTROL

One of the main means of controlling erosion is to divert runoff
from the exposed soil, particularly during construction.   After
construction, the best way to control erosion is to have re-
vegetated the exposed soil. For the example given, I looked at the
possibility of diverting the runoff from the construction (cutting
of the subdivision's road).  To do this a diversion ditch would
have to be constructed uphill of the road.  Because of the slopes,
the extreme difficulty in digging this ditch and the construction
impacts, it was decided that this would not be done. What was done
was to slope the road into the high side of the site, figure 3
(Section A-A), and allow this to become a controlled runoff ditch,
both during construction and afterwards.   This also kept storm
runoff from running down the filled sides of the road which is more
susceptible to erosion than the cut side.   Section B-B shows a
situation where the road is completely on fill and a berm was used
to create the ditch.  Figure 4.

Another means used to controlled erosion is that all filled slopes
and cut slopes with soil (not rock) would be stabilized with a open
web geofabric and planted with ground cover.  The geofabr\ic will
reduce erosion and provide time and a stable soil surface for the
vegetation to grow.  See Figures 3 & 4.

The design of the road cross slope and size of the ditch is based
on good engineering design principles for roadways and on the
amount of stormwater that has to be carried. The determination of
the carrying capacity of drainage ditches, channels, pipes, etc.,
can be done using the Manning Equation:

          Q = A 1l49 R2/3 S1/2


          in which:
               Q = Discharge in cfs
               R = Hydraulic radius (cross section area of flow
                   divided by wetted perimeter)
               S = Slope in f t/ft
               n = Manning roughness coefficient

               Velocity (V) = Q



                                  I.28I









 -  - -      -     -      -     -        -      -              -        -     -      -      -       -    law,







                                                    3O.00 ~ ~ ~   ~    ~    ~ ~ &f ROWf

                                                ?8.0  pawgwn   ~-   00  ()p2





         I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3~~~~3W
                                                                                       RkP"   Omw mc* Ai to be

                                                    &S W1.4 xx60~  /1.4

 FIN.Ip" to deowe
    GM. amb asf-t and -i~
WM il   d~f cre     gmund ow
                                   SECTION A -A
                                       sol:Ham:  I'm 1
                                           *VW 1,










                   3(XOO* ROW






6.500 -00 ---M g60   o~wen-~




   -~~~~~~4. 14SO2.00.--%





              ft6 W1.4  1.







       SEC TION B -B
          Soai. Hoe.   - 10'
             Vabt I' - 










                                 SEC77ON C  ~   ~,- c
I~~~~~~~~~~~sa G ' 0
 I~~~~~~~~~~~W   










    I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~13












Based on this equation the carrying capacity of the ditch at
Section B-B is 12 cfs and the capacity of the ditch and roadway is
132 cfs which is greater than a 50 yr. storm.  If the carrying
capacity was less than the 50 yr. storm, the ditch design and/or
the roadway cross slope would have to be changed. The comparison
of  the capacity  against  the  design  storm peak  discharge  is
extremely conservative &s the calculated storm discharge was for
all 7.17 acres which is only true for the low point in the site.
The actual discharge at Section B-B is less as the area is smaller
                                                                        I
than the 7.17 acres. The capacity of the ditch at Section C - C is
124 cfs, which is okay.

The rate of the velocity of the runoff will also determine what
materials will be required for the construction of the drainage
structures. For ditches/channels with velocity less than 5.0 fps,
vegetated ditches are acceptable.  For higher flows, concrete or
other durable materials are required.  For Sections B - B & C - C,
the velocities are 18 fps and 21 fps respectively. For the ditch
at Section C - C velocity blocks are recommended.   These can
consist of concrete blocks set halfway in the concrete, at random,
about six feet apart.

                                                                        I
SEDIMENTATION CONTROL

Some methods of sedimentation control has already been mentioned,
i. e., use of geofabric and velocity reduction.  In this example
case, a sedimentation trap will be used at low point of the site,
see figure 1.  A trap of 2,200 cu. ft. will be dug (50'x 15'x 3')           I
and left in place until the subdivision is completed. It will have
sideslopes of 2 horz. to 1 vert. and the downhill slopes of the
spillway with be covered with nylon matting such as Enkamat. There
will be two diversions ditches, see figure 5, directing storm water
into the sedimentation trap. Upon completion of all construction,
the diversions ditches and sed. trap will be removed.   By that             I
time, vegetation will have re-established itself.

The diversion ditch, figure 5, combines the use of a ditch to
direct runoff to a specific area and the use of a Silt Fence,
figure 6, to control sediments in case the ditch is overtop.  For
any project, the installation of silt fences is the minimum control
that should be used.  In areas of large flows and/or steep slopes,
it is recommended that the silt fence be supported.  In figure 6,
we used metal post and 6x6 WWF for backing of the fabric itself.

The principles used in this example can be applied to all other
projects including residential construction. The use of diversion
ditches, silt fences, planting, sedimentation traps, etc. can
easily be done.  While they have a cost, it must be budgeted for as
we can not continue to pollute our waters.

                              II-32












                               ENVIROFENCE OF EQUAL.

COM4PACTED SOIM WM~                                      /aJ  IlEi






I~~ OQ








       RUNOFF SEDIMENTATION DITCH








rhe Envirofence Package                                               Optional Procedures: 
s designed  for easy                      *. .The Envirofence fabric and netting can be ea
                                                              cut with a knife or scissors to accommodate P
,ield installation:                                                     need for shorter sections. The fabric and net
                                                              should be cut approximately five inches frorn
3uggested Installation Procedures:                                      last pole. The pole should be rolled to tuck ink
 Remove the system from the protective                                5" overlap and to gather two wraps of fabric/n
 polyethylene bag.                                                      around the pole before inserting into the grow
 Unroll tepcaeby sections-pole to pole.                                 A metal coupler is supplied with each syste
                                                              join the end poles of adjacent sections. The in
  Dig a 6" x 6" trench around the perimeter of the                      pole of the section to be attached should b
 construction area.            *serted immediately adjacent to and in front 
  Place the sedimentation control fabric side of the                    end poles of the other section, so that they intE
 fence in the direction of the anticipated sediment                     lock. The coupler is then placed over and ar
 flow (net side of the system away from the flow)                       the two poles. 
 and position the poles against the back wall of
 the trench.                       WIRE  A C                                              POLES

                                   FILTER FA13RIC
         6 xG WIRE FABRIC                   FI.                         ii
 M4ETAL suPPCATNET                 S~~E ECTION  6
               ~~~~~~~~~~~~.POLES

         U FILTER FABRIC

                                                                  SECTION A
                              ,IE  v V- 1 t   t                                                   ~~TOP VIEW

                 PO ..AWE SOIL                                       COUPLER








                                                                      '"'"~"' ~            SECTION A

        PLACEMENT OF ENVIROFENCESETOA
             INTO TOE-IN TRENCH
   Use a 5# sledge hammer or similar device to                                         
   drive the poles into the ground unfti the bottom
   of the industrial netting is approximately 2"1 into
   the trench.                                                                                        FROTV4.
   Lay the b       ottom 6  of sedimentation control fabric  
                       , 78/ ff~~~~~tï¿½ .~- COUPINGF-(AJCN








   into the trench. (The same principle may be                                  CULN    FTOAJCN
   employed sirriply by laying the excess fabric on                                EN RFNC SYTM
   the ground and pilirng fill at the base.)U


                                                 FXigre 6.
                ï¿½#~ ~ ~~           ~~~ T .. :.''      T A/
                  A,..,.;^. I'.>...:,.} , &~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.

   :,.~  ;;....,  s ;-,- ï¿½    '..
    :'.C:.. A' -; i.' ....

                                         .~~~~~~~ SECTION A. 
        PLACEMENT OF ENVIROI :ENCE i
             INTO TOE-IN TRENCH -                                                            -      ', =-. 7
   Use a 5# sledge hammer or similar device to3.--5 
   drive tHe poles into the ground until the bottom                         j .      _     ..~..:. , :  ,,;, .;      jj
   of the industrial nettng is approximately 2' into -                                                FOTVE

   Lay the bottom 6"t of sedimentation control fabric -;:CULN    FTOAJ ET

   employed simply by laying the excess fabric on                                  ENVIROFENCE SYSTEMS 
   the ground and piling fill at .the base.)                                                                      =.
   Backfill the trench with native soil and compact,
   making sure the fabric toe is in p'ace.|
                                                 Figare 6.          ._
                                                 TT--q/,











S    ~REFERENCES

     1.   Virgin Islands Conservation District, VI Dept. of Conservation
           and Cultural Aft fairs,, VI Dept of Public Works. Environmental
           Protection Handbook,, Third Edition, 1976.
      2.   US Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.  TR 55-

           Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds, 1986.




















       I~~~~~~~~~~~~13









         URRAN SOURCES OF NONPOINT POLLUTION
   (STORMWATER RUNOFF AND POLLUTION PREVENTION)



General
Pollutants in Stormwater Runoff and Their Effects on
Water Quality
  Marcia Taylor .............................................  III-1


Good Housekeeping Practices to Minimize Pollution
  Timothy Cunningham ........................................  III-6


How You Can Reduce Stormwater Runoff and Pollution
  Leonard Reed .......................................    III-11





Technical
How to Estimate Stormwater Runoff in Small Watersheds
  Mario Morales .........................13...............


Structural Practices to Control Stormwater Runoff
  Warner Irizarry .......................................... III-23


















* Paper not available at time of printing.
 I~~~~~   








POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER RUNOFF AND THEIR EFFECTS ON WATER
                          QUALITY

                      Marcia G. Taylor

University of the Virgin Islands, Eastern Caribbean Center,
Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service,  RR #2, P.O.  Box
10,000, Kingshill, St. Croix, VI 00850

Stormwater runoff is the water which flows over land during
and  immediately  following  a  rainstorm.    The  types  of
pollutants that are carried with stormwater runoff is of
course dependent on the use of the land over which the rain
travels.  Rainwater flowing over agricultural land will have
different pollutants than that which flows over driveways and
roads.   Naturally,  the types of pollutants in stormwater
runoff vary widely.   Below I describe the major types of
pollutants found in stormwater runoff, their sources, and
their effect on the marine environment. I also describe how
the pollutant is regulated in the VI, the water quality
parameters which measures it, and discuss local monitoring
data relevant to the pollutant.

1)   Solids or Sediment (suspended and deposited)

This pollutant is the most significant and the most damaging
type of water pollutant in the VI.  The most common source  is
from soil laid bare by clearing and grading. When rainwater
falls on the soil stripped of its vegetation it picks up large
amounts dirt which is carried to the sea.

Many are surprised to learn that naturally occurring "clean
soil",  or non-toxic particles are pollutants.   However,
especially in tropical waters, the amount of solids suspended
in the water is an important water quality characteristic. In
contrast to northern waters, the amount of suspended solids in
tropical waters is very low, making water clarity good. As a
result, tropical organisms have evolved in and require, clear
water.

Sediment in surface waters is measured in several ways, most
commonly by measuring total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity,
light  penetration  or  secchi  depth.    Most  states  and
territories have water quality standards f or one or all of
these parameters.   In the VI there is a water quality
standards for turbidity, measured in Nephelometric Turbidity
Units (NTUs), and secchi depth.

Solids affect marine  life in many ways.   Dirt and silt
particles that enter the marine environment eventually settle
to the bottom and can smother marine life.   Corals are
especially  sensitive  to  this  type  of  nonpoint  source
pollution.   Corals have the ability to. clean particles off
their surface by secreting a mucous which sticks to the solids











and sloughs of f. However, this requires the expenditure of a
considerable amount of energy which could have been used for
growth and reproduction.   Corals can survive some sediment
stress, but the constant inundation from frequent exposure to
sediment~-laden water is fatal.

Particulates suspended in the water can also clog fish gills 
and filter systems-*in filter-feeding animals and reduce prey
capture for sight feeding predators.'

shading is another way sediment affects marine life. Solids
suspended in the water reduce water clarity and therefore the
amount of light available to marine plants. The discharge of
sediment  is usually associated with increased nutrients,I
discussed below.

The effect of introducing solids to the marine environment is
not just a short-term threat. Although solids suspended in
the water settle and the water becomes clearer, these solids
can easily remobilize when disturbed, causing additional
impact to the marine biota.
The amount of solids in coastal waters has increased
significantly over the last decade. After heavy rains many ofI
the bays have a muddy color which persist for hours or even
days.  Much of our nearshore coral has been hurt from the
increased solid loads which enter our waters.

2). Nutrients and organic Xaterials

When organic material is introduced into surface waters theyI
increase the amount of nutrients, or nitrogen and phosphorus
in the water. This occurs when rain water runs over failed
septic leach systems or other areas where there are nutrients
or organic wastes such as livestock areas, and fertilized
areas. Although marine plants and animals like other living
things need nutrients, an excess can be harmful.   Tropical
marine life has evolved'to live in nutrient-deficient waters
where even small increases in nutrients can be harmful.

The additional nutrients can drastically upset the water'sI
chemical balance which can result in blooms of fast-growing
species such as algae. The growth of these species can impair
growth and reproduction of the naturally occurring speciesI
such as coral, which competes with algae for space.

The addition of nutrient and organic material can also affect
marine life by decreasing the amount of oxygen available.I
During the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms,
oxygen is used, making it less available to fish and other
organisms who need it. Dissolved oxygen levels can be reduced









I        ~~~to levels lethal to marine life causing massive kills of fish
          and other species.
*         ~~Nutrients  in the water can be measured by several water'
          quality parameters such as nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, and
          phosphorus. Most states have standards for at least one of
          these parameters. In the VI there is a water quality standard
          for phosphorous.
          Excessive nutrients are a problem in many of our bays, however
          there is little water quality data which shows this. Standard
          methods of measuring nutrients are not always sensitive enough
          to show the increases in nutrients in our waters.   More
          sensitive methods should be employed when analyzing tropical
          waters for nutrients.
          3)   Heavy Metals
          Heavy metals are often introduced 'into through stormwater
          runoff.  The heavy metals having the highest concentration in
          urban runoff are copper, lead, and zinc, with cadmium beinga
          distant fourth. In industrial areas and areas where sanitary
          and storm water get mixed, other metals such as chromium,
          mercury, nickel and selenium, arsenic can be commonly found.
          Heavy metals are of concern because of their toxic affect on
          many marine organisms, and those who eat them, including man.
I        ~~They can affect the reproduction of fish, and accumulate in
          their tissues.

          Metals are not routinely monitored in the VI largely due to
          the  cost.    The VI does not have numeric water  quality
          standards for heavy metals, unlike all other states and
          territories. However, the US EPA has monitored the water and
I        ~~~sediment in the VI and identified several areas where levels
          are high. Bays with marinas often have high levels of copper,
          zinc and lead. Industrial areas also tend to have elevated
I        ~~~levels of many of these metals.   In many cases the levels
          found in these areas exceed National guidelines.
          4)   Hydrocarbons (oil and grease)
          Hydrocarbons, such as oil and grease, are picked up when
          stormwater runs over parking, lots, roadways, and industrial
I        ~~sites.   it can -also be introduced when there is illegal
          dumping of waste oil. These substances are often toxic to
*         ~~many organisms in low concentrations,  and other organisms
*         ~~assimilate  it into their tissues,  tainting  it for human
-         ~~consumption.  Floating oil decreases the amount of light to
          benthic organisms and cuts down the amount of oxygen transfer
*         ~~across the air-water interface.


                                   III-3











Oil and grease are measured in a laboratory in milligrams per
liter (mg/1). Although the VI, does not have a numeric water
quality standard for hydrocarbons, at many of the industrial
facilities  their  discharge  permit  requires  that  their
stormwater cannot exceed 15 mg/I.

Although hydrocarbons entering the sea through stormwater have
not been shown to caused significant destruction of our marine
resources, in several areas it is a problem. Oil sheens are
commonly evident around industrial areas after heavy rains.
Some are obvious by the rainbow colored sheen, although some
hydrocarbons do no leave a sheen.

5)   Pathogens (Coliform bacteria and virus)

Pathogens can be introduced into the surface waters when
stormwater runs across failing septic systems or land with
animal wastes. ,Or there can be leakage from sewer lines which
can be washed to sea.

To detect the presence of bacterial contamination we test for
the indicator organism fecal coliform. To determine if the
source of the contamination is from human or animal waste, we
test for both fecal streptococcus and fecal coliform.  To
protect public health, the VI has a water quality standard for
fecal coliform.

Increased levels of pathogens can pose a health risk and close
or restrict use of shellfish beds. We have seen an increase
in bacterial contamination as more and more land is being
developed.  It is not uncommon for coastal waters to exceed
bacterial levels for swimming after heavy rains. This occur:-
commonly in many bay around the Territory.

6)   Toxic Organics

Toxic organics such as pesticides and polychlorinated
biphenyls  (PCBs)  can  be  extremely  damaging  to  marine
organisms. In addition, they can accumulate in tissues and
cause it to be unfit for human consumption.

The VI does not have numeric water quality standards for these
substances, nor do they routinely monitor for them. Federal
monitoring studies have not identified these pollutants as
causing significant degradation in the VI.

In general the effect of pollutants on the marine environment
depends  on  many  things  such  as  their  toxicity,  the
concentration, and where they are discharged. -Because of our
tropical environment, local plants and animals tend to be more
sensitive to some types of pollutants than plants and animals
in colder areas.

                          111-4












Planning is necessary in order to protect water quality from
the  pollutants  in  stormwater  runoff.    The  waterbody's
watershed must be carefully studied, identifying drainage
ways, flow patterns, and geologic features such as permeable
soils,  and bedrock.   The sources of pollutants  and the
resources affected by runoff must be identified. Once this is
done, Best Management Practices (BMPs) which are appropriate
for the conditions - and concerns should be identified and
installed. Monitoring of stormwater and ambient water quality
should be implemented to check the effectiveness  of the
methods.










     GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES TO MINITISE POLLUTION

                   Timothy J. Cunningham

   Office of -the Governori Virgin Islands Energy Office
           at. Croix, -U.S. Virgin Islands 00820

We cannot wait for an emergency to act on our management of
what we consider to be nwaste." Waste is defined by Webster's
dictionary as "to fail to take proper advantage of.'"

There are many inexpensive and proven methods by which we can
manage our "resources" in a responsible and advantageous
manner. The methods by which we discard our resources are
placing our land, our sea, our tourism and our health in
jeopardy.   By irresponsibly discarding that which can be
reused or ,recycled, we are increasing the size of our dumps,
contributing methane (greenhouse gas) to our atmosphere, and
contaminating our groundwater.

In the Virgin Islands, we have the opportunity to use proven
methods from around the world to recover our resources and
prevent pollution.   Basically, we need to re-think how we
define sustainability.  We can promote jobs and awareness of
our wasteful habits hand-in-hand.

The Virgin Islands Energy Office Resource Recovery Program
provides  technical  support  to  the  private  sector  and
government  agencies  on  reusability,  recyclability,  and
financial opportunities. Working closely with local agencies,
federal agencies, the private sector, and non-profit groups
information  is obtained  and disseminated  throughout  tI
territory.

I am going to provide you with current "waste management
problems and their solutions being addressed by the Virgin
Islands Energy Office in conjunction with other agencies.  In
addition to the government solutions, you will be provided
with techniques that can be applied at home and work to
minimize pollution.

One such government project involves Energy Office financial
and technical assistance to the Department of Public Works
Environmental Services Division in establishing composting
demonstration sites at nurseries and providing a limited
number of homeowners with composters throughout the territory.

In addition, VIEO has identified FEMA matching funds that will
assist DPW in acquiring equipment for a large scale composting
facility proposed for the Anguilla Dump. These projects will
demonstrate the feasibility of recycling food, yard, wood, and
paper wastes as a means of conserving water, fertilizer, and


                         III-6









         valuable landfill space. Ani estimated 23,000 tons of paper
         waste; 15,000 tons of food waste; 5,000 tons of yard waste;
         3, 000 tons of wood waste; and 2,200 tons -of miscellaneous
         organics is generated on St. Thomas annually. An estimated
I       ~~2,000 tons of paper waste; 350 tons of food waste; 114 tons of
         yard waste; So tons of wood waste; and 26 tons of
         miscellaneous organics is generated an St. John annually.
I       ~~At home and work the problem can be addressed by composting
         our food, paper, yard, and wood wastes. In April, the Energy
         Off ice hosted a series of composting workshops in both
I       ~~districts.  The workshops defined the methods, benefits, and
           imortance of composting as an integrated waste management
         strategy. Workshop packets are available free of charge. The
         widespread use of compostiflg as a means of minimizing
N.       ~~pollution can be facilitated by enacting a ban on yard and
         wood wastd disposal at the dumps, and by amending the VI Clean
         Air Act to ban the practice of openly burning wastes as
         permitted by the VI Fire Service.
         The Used Oil Interagency and Ad Hoc Committee has been meeting
I       ~~monthly since February to establish a permanent Territorial
         used oil management plan. The improper storage and disposal
         of used oil poses a threat to our soil, groundwater and sea.
         By dumping oil on the ground we reduce soil productivity and
         threaten groundwater. One gallon of oil can contaminate one
         million  gallons  of  water.    The  Energy office  will  be
         establishing two demonstration sites on each island for a
I       ~~total of six sites that will demonstrate the reusability of 
         used oil as a fuel extender.   A portable machine will be
         placed at each site that will filter used crankcase oil and
I      ~~blend it at a ratio of 5 percent with diesel fuel to be burned
         within the engine. in addition to using used oil as a fuel
         extender, it can,' be used as boiler fuel for power generation
         and as an additive in asphalt paving..
         At home and work we can address the problem of crankcase oil
         by changing our oil in a responsible manner. Avoid spilling
I      ~~oil or mixing it with any other liquids or dirt.  Pour oil
         into a clean, sealable container, preferably metal. Do not
         allow anything else besides crankcase oil to be mixed with the
         oil.   Store in a cool place away from direct sunshine and
U       ~~heat.  If oil is accidentally spilled, do not wash off ground
         with water, it will only compound the problem. Soak-up the
         oil with either kitty litter or another material on the
         market. To obtain information on how you can participate in
         the Used Oil Program contact Department of Planning and
         Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection, Laura
         Hassell.
         Aluminum cans are the most widely recycled item throughout the
         territory. An estimated 1,000 tons and 50 tons of aluminum

                                      III-7                                   .









cans are generated annually on St. Thomas and St. John
respectively.I
The Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission should be
commended on their work in promoting aluminum can recycling
and for their perseverance during difficult financial times.
At home and work, a separate bin can be placed f or the storage
of aluminum cans for redemption.  By recycling one aluminumI
can, you eliminate 90 percent of the energy it would-take to
manufacture a can from virgin materials.

The incredible amount of energy expended on aluminumI
manufacturing, and the waste generated during manufacturing,
is typif ied by visiting the Virgin Islands. Alumina
Corporation.  Fortunately, there are many things that can beI
done with bauxite tailings (red mud). Since May,, VIEO has
been working closely with Terra Technology to expose them to
the US Ei~reau of Mines, US Small Business Administration
Pollution Control Loan Program, the Industrial Development
Commission, and the National Institute of Standards and
Technology.   Terra Technology is a company that has been
researching the potential of manufacturing ceramics, floorI
tiles, roofing tiles, and cement bricks from VIALCO's waste
stream. Terra Technology was pleased to discover, through
VIEO, that bauxite tailings have been used for many years inI
ceramics, as a concrete pigment, PVC strengthening agent, road
bed surface, as f iltration for septic systems, construction of
wastewater ponds,. and in the construction of low income
housing as is being done in Jamaica.
The photocopier toner cartridge is receiving increasing
attention as. a recyclable  item because of its need f orI
periodic  replacement.    The  photocopier  toner  cartridge
recharging market has greatly expanded throughout the United
States and Puerto Rica.  Most people consider the cartridgesI
as disposable and discard them.   Toner cartridges can be
recharged at locations on all three islands. Recharging the
cartridge costs half as much as a new cartridge and .eliminates
the bulky plastic cartridges from ending up in the dump.
Our dependence on batteries poses another type of problem. An
estimated 76 tons and 4 tons of batteries are generated on St.I
Thomas and St. John respectively. If not recycled, batteries
can be a source of potential groundwater pollution.
Disposable batteries can be replaced with solar powered itemsI
that do not require a replaceable battery.   If you 'must
purchase batteries, rechargeable Nickel Cadmium and a new
generation of environmentally benign batteries are readily
available.   They have a much longer life than disposableI
batteries and save the user money in the long run.  X-Mart
Department Stores are accepting used 6 Volt and 12 Volt
batteries to be shipped off-island for recycling.









         Purchasing water in refillable three or five gallon bottles,
         or better yet purchasing a water filter will alleviate plastic
         waste disposal. it will save you money and eliminate the one
         gallon jugs from going to the dump. If you choose to purchase
I      ~~water in a one gallon jug, ref ill it at a water dispensing
         machine,.or reuse the jug for used oil storage.
I      ~~This leads me to the concept of waste reduction through
         selective purchasing.   If consumers are educated on the
         benef its of purchasing products manufactured from recycled
         materials versus virgin materials, consumers prefer to
         purchase products made from recycled materials.   Assume a
         basic supply and demand principle: the more we demand,- the
         more..products will be available. This will allow competition
I      ~~to drive the prices down to be competitive with products made
         from virgin materials. Re-refined motor oil, recycled paper
         .products,   factory  reconditioned  items,   and  retreaded
         automobile tires are just a few examples of products that both
U        ~~the Department of Property and Procurement and the private
            sectr ca besupplying to stimulate the recycled products
*        ~~market.
         In keeping with the presentation title,  I will mention
         techniques  to  minimize  water-borne  pollution.      Faucet
I      ~~aerators, flow restrictors, low-flow shower heads, low-flush
         or composting toilets, grey water systems, and on-site sewage
         treatment are just a few examples. A publication for those
I       ~~interested in minimizing pollution is entitled, "Nontoxic,
         Natural, and Earthwisell by Debra Lynn Dadd. It contains the
         most comprehensive listing of healthful products available and
*        ~~uses  a  rating  system  that  indicates  both  safety  and
         environmental impact.  It evaluates air and water filters,
         biodegradable cleaners, pest controls, gardening supplies, and
         more. Another publication entitled "Clean and Green" by Annie
         Berthold Bond is an encyclopedic source of solutions to 485
         household-problems.

         The Virgin Islands is fortunate enough to have two financing
         mechanisms that encourage the private sector to establish
         waste  management/recycling  businesses.    The  U.S.  Small
         Business Administration Pollution Control Loan Program
         provides financial assistance to small businesses for the
         planning, design or installation of a pollution control
         facility. Another opportunity to lure private companies into
I       ~~the Territory is under section 936 of the United States
         Internal Revenue Code. U.S. corporations receive federal tax
         exemption on their profits generated in the Territory for
         operating sewage, solid waste and water treatment facilities.
         It is an important first step in addressing our nonpoint
         source pollution problems by attending and establishing
         contacts at a conference such as this.   I would like to

                                 111-9 









express my sincere thanks to Joan Harrigan-Parrelly and Janice
Hodge for inviting me to be. a presenter at this conference.
On behalf of Claudette Young-Hinds,, Director of the Virgin
Islands Energy Office, I extend an invitation to everyone to
attend the Florida Solar Energy Center workshops on Oct". 22,,
23, 28 and 29, and the First Caribbean Energy Conference and
Trade Exposition to be held at Sugar Bay Plantation from Oct.
25 -28.



















                                                                    Ia
                                     TTI- 01~~~ ~ ~











               HOW YOU CAN REDUCE STORMWATER RUNOFF AND POLLUTION

                                   Leonard Reed

    Division of Environmental Protection, Department of Planning and Natural
            Resources, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands 00802

INTRODUCTION
Stormwater runoff occurs as a result of rain events.  The runoff of stormwater
causes soil erosion and water pollution.  Soil erosion and water pollution quite
often  go  hand  in hand.    Water pollution  is manageable  through, design  and
conservation practices.

SOURCES OF RUNOFF AND POLLUTION
The sources of runoff and pollution are varied and numerous. They include the
following:

o Construction and Development Activities
        land clearing
        erosion and gullying due to improper changes in drainage patterns
      - increase in 'runoff due to additional impermeable surfaces
      -changes in peak runoff volumes                                                        [
      -widespread encraochment into gut areas
      - filling and development of of flood plains and wetlands
      - denuding hillsides for "weed control" and cleanliness

o Agricultual Activities
        nutrient loading from fertilizer use
      - pesticide runoff

o Roads, Parking Lots and other impermeable surfaces
      - changes in peak runoff volumes
      - oil, transmission fluids, radiator coolant, brake fluids and other products
        from vehicles dripping on to the ground

o Wastewater Treatment
      - storm waters that are being routed into sewer systems
      - storm water intrusion into sewer systems
      - direct discharges of treated wastes from treatment plants into water courses

o Solid Wastes/Dumps
      -lack of liners and deposition of dump material below water table

CONTROL OF RUNOFF AND POLLUTION
The control of stormwater runoff and the resulting pollution is well within man's
reach. The pollution from stormwater runoff occurs because it requires thinking and
money.  The following is a list of some of the things that we can 'do tO control
stormwater and the pollution it may cause:

o Construction and Development Activities
      - The practice of clearing a whole site should be discouraged, only those
        portions of land that are needed for development should be allowed to be
        cleared.

      -Clearing should not be permitted during the rainy season. The rainy season
        increases the probability of soil erosion and pollution of the waters of the
        Virgin Islands.

      -Currently Earth Change field inspections are performed only prior to land
        clearance. A second Earth Change inspection is needed after land clearance
        and prior to any construction activities.

        A third inspection should be performed at the completion of construction
        with a final inspection one year after occupancy to determine compliance
        with the Earth Change Plan and the Earth Change Permit.
                                                                                           I
                                                   M-11 ~ ~ ~  ~    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ h












      - Those areas that are disturbed during land clearing should be immediately
        mulched and seeded.

      - The proper use of silt fencing, diversions such as swales, retention and
        detention basins should be mandatory in order to preserve the resources of
        the Virgin Islands.

      - Those established or natural drainage patterns should be maintained where
        at all possible in order not to cause additional soil loss and pollution.

      - When and where practicable, the maintenance of the maximum flow of
        stormwater off site prior to land clearing and development should be
        maintained during the life of the development.

o Roads, Parking Lots and other impermeable surfaces
      - Permeable pavers, green areas for absorbtion, level spreaders should be used
        to minimize the volume of water that will flow off site during and after a
        storm. Retention and Detention structures should be the standard for large
        impermeable sites such as parking lots.

      - Regulating restrictive encroachments into our guts appears to be urgently
        needed as' less natural areas are available. to detain stormwater runoff.

      . Oil Water Separators should be used prior to the discharge of stormwater
        from impermeable surfaces such as parking lots that can accomodate 50 or
        more vehicles.

      - The need to limit development of flood plains and wetlands is equally
        important. Flood plains and wetlands naturally lend themselves to retention
        and detention of stormwater.

o Agricultural Activities
      - The use of fertilizers that will be absorbed readily by the leaves of the
        plants or applied below the surface of the soil should be encouraged. We
        may limit the use of fertilizers by rotating our crops.

      - We may also limit the use of pesticide by crop rotation, the use of pest
        resistant plants and other natural controls such as predatory insects and
        repellent plants.

o Wastewater Treatment
      - we need to modernize our sewer systems. Our sewer systems allow stormwater
        to intrude thereby causing water pollution as they over-flow. The
        intentional routing of stormwater into the sewer systems should be
        discouraged. The construction of the Mangrove Logoon treatment pl.ant shoild
        be accelerated. This single plant will eliminate 5 sewage treatment plants.

o Solid Wastes/Dumps
      - The hardest stormwater related problem to solve is that of the solid wastes
        facilities in our islands. The damage has been done and therefore use of
        liners and stopping the practice of placing dump material below water table
        is not practical for existing facilities. All future permit for solid waste
        sites will require liners and design to control stormwater.

In conclusion, stormwater and the its resulting pollution are controlable. We must
therefore dedicate ourselves to improve our environment by all means of pollution
prevention.











                                       III-12                                                I











         HOW TO ESTIMATE STORMWATER RUNOFF IN SMALL WATERSHEDS


                            MARIO A. MORALES


                United States Department of Agriculture
                       Soil Conservation Service
                  Resource Conservation & Development                           '
               United States Virgin Islands Field Office
                        St. Croix, USVI 00851



    Precipitation is the potential source of stormwater runoff in all
watersheds.   But precipitation alone does not determine the amount of
stormwater.runoff that may occur. Other factors important to estimating
stormwater runoff include: peak discharge, size of the watershed, soils,
hydrologic conditions and topography.  Each plays a very important part
in stormwater runoff and if'we are to estimate the amount of stormwater
runoff that may occur,  all factors must be considered.   Most of the
information that I will be presenting today is available in Chapter Two
of the USDA Soil Conservation Service Engineering Field Manual.
     First, we probably need to understand why we need to know how to
estimate the amount of stormwater runoff. Estimating stormwater runoff
is required information before any type of soil and water conservation
practice or stormwater runoff control measure is implemented.  The need
to determine the adequate size a structure is required, before a
detention pond, a diversion, a drop structure or any other stormwater              -
runoff controlling structure is designed and constructed.   Stormwater
runoff estimates provide us with a starting point for structural design.
       Let us look at the, above mentioned, factors individually.  Peak
discharge is the peak rate of runoff from a particular drainage area for
a given rainfall. Peak discharge is usually caused by intense rainfall.
This information is available in a synthesized form (Figures I & 2).
Rather then having to use different rainfall intensities for each
drainage area, 24-hour storm charts have been developed.         There are
four different types of 24-hour storm distributions.   The 24-hour storm
charts  were  developed  by  the  Soil  Conservation  Service  from  U.S.
National Weather Service data for typical storms. The developed storm
charts are associated to climatic regions.   This information includes
short-duration intensities with those of'longer duration. In the Virgin
Islands, our storms are classified as Type II storms.  The Type II storm
is the most intense short duration rainfall classification.
    The size of the watershed is important because it provides us with a
potential idea of the amount of runoff.  The larger the watershed, the
larger the potential for greater amounts of stormwater runoff and higher
peak  discharges.     Determining  the  size  of  a  watershed  can  be
accomplished by actual measurement. But, normally it is measured off of
a map, after the watershed has been plotted.   The easiest method to
determine the area is by planimeter. What a planimeter does is measure
the  square  inches of the plotted watershed.   That figure is then
multiplied by the coefficient for that scale of map.  Other methods may
be used, but measurement by planimeter is the most common.

                                111-13                                          [












    Soils are also important in estimating stormwater runoff (Figure 3).
Soil texture and inclusions are relevant to the permeability and
infiltration rates, as well as surface intake rates.   Soils have been
classified into four Hydrologic Soil Groups (A, 8, C and D).  Group A
consists of soils with high infiltration rates, even when wet.  Please
notice that there are no soils in the Virgin Islands that are in Group
A. (Figure 4) Group B consists of soils that have moderate infiltration
rates when wet.  Group C consists of soils with low infiltration rates
when wet.  Group D consists of soils with very slow infiltration rates
when wet.
    Hydrologic conditions on most sites affect the volume of runoff more
then any other single factor.  Hydrologic conditions are a combination
of vegetative cover and conservation practice influences (Figure 5).
Any soil disturbance can significantly affect infiltration rates.
Urbanization (Figure 6) effects runoff rates because impervious surfaces
increase runoff rates, very little to no infiltration occurs.
     Curve Numbers have been developed by examining rainfall runoff.
This Curve Number index is of runoff potential depending on specific
conditions.
    Vegetative cover is important in estimating runoff. Vegetation and
"litter" maintain soil infiltration potential by limiting the impact of
raindrops on the soil surface.  Vegetation also slows the rate at which
runoff travels across the land and allows additional time of
concentration.   Vegetation also reduces peak discharge.
    Established conservation practices are also important in estimating
runoff and peak discharge. Mechanical practices such as contour farming
and terracing and/or management practices such as crop rotations and no
or reduced tillage allow for additional soil infiltration potential. By
slowing the rate at which runoff travels and increasing the time of
concentration  stormwater  runoff  maybe  reduced.       Cultivated  land,
although easier to be dislodged, also increases the soil infiltration
potential.
    Topography affects stormwater runoff and peak discharge. The slopes
of a watershed have a major impact on runoff velocity and time of
concentration, thus affecting soil infiltration rates. Additionally, we
all know that in most cases the steeper the slopes, the shallower the
soil profile, which affects soil water holding capacity.
     stormwater runoff is expressed in inches.  Or rather in  average
depth of water that would cover the entire watershed.   The volume of
runoff is computed by converting the depth over the entire watershed to
volume and is usually expressed in acre-feet. When the Curve Number and
rainfall have been determined for the watershed,  runoff can then be
determined by using Figure 8.
    As we have seen, many factors affect stormwater runoff.  By taking
these factors into account and using the technical knowledge that is
available, we can estimate stormwater runoff in small watersheds.   By
using this information and applying it at the design stage of a
development, we could minimize the effects of stormwater runoff. Proper
planning, design, and construction is much more cost effective when done
correctly the first time.  The costs of correcting a poor plan, design
and/or construction can be enormous.   Estimating stormwater  runoff is
essential to proper planning, design, and construction.



                             III-14








       References:  USDA Sail Conservation Service - Technical
                   Bulletin 551 Urban Hydrology for Small
                   Watersheds.  June 1986. 
                   USDA Sail Conservation Service - Agriculture 
                   Handbook Number 590, Ponds-Planning, Design,
                   Construction. June 1982.

                   USDA Soil Conservation Service - Engineering
I                  ~ ~~~~~Field Manual Chapter 2: Estimating runoff and
                   peak discharges. Revised.
























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                          C~~~~ A



                     III-16~~~~~












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                                                   ccwsfo tmi U.S. Virgin 7.1  so-" l5.s Z-bmw cwa~nf (zinch")











~~~~~~~~~~~~III1













                              EIDRsonOI  8     GROUPS
                         PaMO RICO - V.IM 3 I3A1S                                       3

                              Revised March 1972               Figure 3
     A                                        C

Aguadilla         Aceituias              Ad~juntas
Arenales          Aguilita               Aibonito           Bagjura
Cataiio           .Alonso                Anones             Caguabo
Cuyon.            Amelia                 Cabo Rojo          Camagney
Espinal           Bayamon                Caflabo            Cartagena
Jaucas            Bejucos                Candelero          Ciales
Meros             Caribe                 Cayagua            Cintrona
Reilly            Catalina              C0idral             Coloso
Rio Lajas         Colinas                Coama              Constancia
                  Comerio               Cocega             Cramer
                  Con~sumo              Corozal            Cuchillas
                  Carnhill              Cotito             Descalabrado
                  Cortada               Coto               Diamond
                   Delicias              Daguao             Fe
                  Dique,                Daguey             Fortuna
                  Ensenada               fDorothea         Fraternidad
                  Guamana               Fajardo            Guanica
                  Guanibana 'Fredensbora                   Guayabota
                  Guayabo               G3vnn              Guayama
                  Humnacao              Guanajibo          GuraboI
                   Jacaguas              Guei-ere           Hesselberr,
                   Jagueyes              Ingenio            Igualdad
                   Juana Diaz            Isaac             1acana
                   Lavallee              Jobos              Junaos
                   Liman.                Juncal             Mab.
                  Limones                Junquitos         Machuelo
                   Lirios                Lares              Maguayo
                   Maqrens                Llancs            Malaya
                   Maleza                 Los Guineas       Ma unab o
                  Maraguez               Machete           Maca'
                  Maresua                Mani              )4ontegrande
                   Maricao               Mariana            Miicara
                   Matanzas              Morado             Pandura
                   Mayo                  Naranjito          Parcelas
                   Nipe                  Naranjo            Paso Seca
                   Parasol               Palmaredo          Perchas
                   Patillas              Picacho            ifiiones
                   Pellejas              Quebrada           Poncea
                   Plata         Rosario                    Reparada
                   Pozo Blanco           Santa Clara        Rio Arriba
                   Rio Piedras           Santa Marta        Sabana
                   Sao Ant6n             Humatas




                                    111-18I








Hydrologic soft groups
Soils have been classified into four hydrologic soil groups
as shown in table 2-1. The four groups are defined by
SCS soil scientists as follows:

  Group A soils have low runoff potential and high infiltra-
  tion rates even when thoroughly wetted. They consist
  chiefly of sands and gravels that are deep, well drained
   to excessively drained, and have a high rate of water
   transmission (greater than 0.30 inthr).

   Group B soils have moderate infiltration rates when
   thoroughly wetted and consist chiefly of soils that are
   modetately deep to deep, moderately well drained to
   well drained, and have moderately fine to moderately
   coarse textures. These soils have a moderate rate of
   water transmission (0.15 to 0.30 inlhr).

   Group C soils have low infiltration rates when thorough-
   ly wetted and consist chiefly of soils having a layer that
   impedes downward movement of water and soils of
   moderately fine to fine texture. These soils have a slow
   rate of water transmission (0.05 to 0.15 in/hr).

   Group D soils have high runoff potential. They have
   very low infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted and
   consist chiefly of clay soils with a high swelling poten-
   tial, soils with a permanent high water table, soils with
   a claypan or clay layer at or near the surface, and shal-
   low soils over nearly impervious materiai. These soils
   have a very low rate of water transmission (0 to 0.05
   in/hr).
                       Figure 4




















                                            Figure 5
                                     -4-Rinofr curve numbers for other agricultural lands,3
                                                                                    Curve numbers for
                              Cover description             hydrologic                             3agop

                 Cover type                  HyroogditnABc

   Pasture, grassland, or rante-contnuous                          Poor              68         79         86I
    forage for grazing.g2                                         Fair              49         69          79
                                                            Good              39         61         74
       Meaow-oninuusgrass, protected fron                                           30         55         71I
    grazing and generally mowed for hay.
   Brush--brush-weed-rass mixture with brush                       Poor              48         67          4
    the major element.3                                           Fair              35         56          70I
                                                            GINA             '30         48         65

   Woods-grams combination (orchard                                Poor        S T              7-1         82
    or tree farm).5                                                Fair              43         65         746 
                                                            Good              32         58         72-

   Woods.4                                                         poor              45         66           -
                                                             Fair             36          60         73I
                                                             Good             '30         55          7 0

   F~n steads-buildingz. lanes. driveways.                          -50                         -14         S2
     and surrounding lots.I
    lAver~ge rnowff conditon. and   0.2StL.
    Vaw-  <50% an7Z  rwd  Cover or fxnot bly g  razedWMm   u'. 
       50 to 750% ground   MVeror=h~ivgA zd wihnotb%9   muk ii.
*    G~ud:  >75% ground ewver and lightly ur only uccwiunally gr=&J.
        I44M  -rO%. ground Miller.
        Ftu    0 to MI% ground cover.I
     Actual mine muadier is gem than 30. ww 04 m 30(4w ruzwr comuta~uI=ni.
     CN'sAu aba n-ere cm"Putedl rar amraif wit rmzvlsa andl Sin grze a"ua (wurer. ouw ther Lvmbinawuum of u( unditlgui., rna~ iorvi.
     NMt thte CX'V G (ur Vqww  nlpAtU*.rN.
        f~rFureiut iUttr. munial u.y jansd brush msv de.-troyrId by he. vr granrn or rv*tukar bumin.sw
     "lets- Womjgj are stmad but naw burned, mid seeay (or~t letter cuvers the ,.AI.
        ,.a:Wow&b asv Iwansete froim gr~ng. and Uitter ami bru~.A U141ateiv Mle- ler the u-a.01I






                                                          TII-20I











                                                                           Figure  6                                          1
                   3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~U numbeflrsi~f for
                                          Covier descriptifl                                      hydrologic aol group-
                                                                       Average percent
3            ~~~~Cover type and hydrologic condition              impervous area                       A    a            C       0

            FUllY developed Affbn areas (Yogetbato estabfished)
3            ~~~~Open space (lawns. parks. gaff courses cemeteres. etc.)':-
              Poor condition (grass cowe  < 50%)                           ...                              ...      ...     ...G 79  86  89
              Fair condition (gramscovew  0% to 75%)                         ...                            ...      ....49  69  79  8.4
              Good condition (grass cower> 75%)                            ...                              ...      ...     ...39  61  74  8
3            ~~~~Impervious  earea.9                                                                           9         8      9
             Paved parking lots, roofs, driveways aet. (excluding right-of-

             Streets and roads:
 3           ~     ~~~Paved; curs and storm sewers (aexuding right-of-way)           ....98   go                    go         S s  
              Paved; open dithes (intcluding right-of-ov..........                                  83       89      92       93
              Gravel (Wncuding rdghtof-,way) ...............76 as  89  91
              Dirt (hncludn righ-of-way) .................72  82  67  89
 3         ~     ~~Western deser urbart areas:
             Natural desert landscaping (pervious areas onl)'A...                                           ... 63  77   as    as
             Artifical desertladscaping (Impervious weed barrer, desr
               shrub with 1- to 2-inch sand or gravl mulch aNW basin bord-
  U~~~~~CI..........................96 96 96 96
               Ubndistrictsc
             Commercial and business..8.                                                           .............. as89  92  94  95
             Inousrilal.........................72 SI as  91 93
            Residential dsrcsby average lot size.
  U             1/8 weie = or less (tow" houses) ..6.............   77  85  90  92
              ll4 aim..... ....................38  61 75 83 87
              113 ame........................30  57 72 SI  86
              il2 acre........................25-  54 70 80O 85
               Ilacre............................20   5 1 68 79 84
              2 acres.........................12  46 65 77 82
            Dveuvecing (rate areas
            Newly graded areas (pervious areas only. no vegemtion),      .    . . . . . 7                    86       9 1     94
             Idle lands (CN's are determined'using cover types simnilar' to those
               in talbte 2-2a).
   I           *~~~Avcage runoff condtalft.
             11This average pe-vre - knpqvtous area shown was used %aode-

                NS setmoisae  have a CH alW 9e ad     .1 stm eame  ca'  n.-
              doted e4uamvim lo *Pen space in ged hyI Ai-A ai cormdhian.
             3CtWs am"v we easivalewa i doease Pare. Cawpaosi Cm's


             -cowigx -    2 OK ~asnium      sI        shoul be eamed r l'Qth
              degresedc @1 evmwiwtnipervn" mm g~mi~g m1 9*a mpn
              wa's C  W   PWM meme~  Cmd aenru    numdeW Ml
    *~~~~a " n"aMy"w  i .1
                                         scomoos"  ewe so am Jor  so  de~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I
    I~ ~~us  e"a X"*"sodb nUda"V
                           degr" &   'I  map nvervid"   a   r      e    a     1










                                                        Figure 7






                    -       ~~~~~~Cun'em on this Mshet are fot,                            .     /             r       r0 "O    rjr
                             the casel =O .2S. so that                            of /         /     ,#    d'    Ar        jr
                                       IP-OI2SP                                /4 /         9                  04r      *



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                                                                             00,  101,   o ~ ~     ~r  o                            r 
                                                                          A'   AT                     Ar ~~1'r                    A

                                                              /~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4 ,   rAA    i1 A41    -4 0rAr4

                   S                            ~~~~~~~~~~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~                             ~~~~~~A of   A'0 A'- - A0P#   

H                       In                         3~         PI    c A0    Ar'               Ar e1r           Ar'                      At 1,
  W,~                                    /  OF'  2r  I    Ar          Cd      A' '4r           Ar    tp,          . 



           2                      -1 A' J r. r -                     A             A       A 
                                     j  r  ~~~  A'  Ar  -~#4   Ar    r  A A             rA
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                        'Jr   Arr'      r.Ar  ,   Ar Op-                                 -
                          /  ,,~~~~~~~~~~~~~0 rrOF~  o'  r   al       W.r 


              Po   ;dssfliiEu s...m

                 0    1        ~~         ~~        ~    ~ ~~~2  3  4  587                    8911112

                                                                 Rainfall (P), Inches















STRUCTURAL PRACTICES TO CONTROL STORMWATER RUNOFF




 I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I
             Warner A. Irizarry, PE



     United State Department of Agriculture 
           Soil Conservation Service
                 Caribbean Area 
                P.O. Box 364868
        San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-4868








                                                           L
















                    III-23





                                                                               Root Runoff Managemet 558-1

Roof Runoff Management (No.)                            quency, 5-minute rainfall shall be used to design
                                                      such facilities for exclusion of roof runoff from waste     I
                                                      treatment lagoons, waste storage ponds, or similar
                                                       practices. Rainfall from figures 1 and 2 or reliable
                                                       local records may be used for design.

                                                       Materials. Roof gutters and downspouts  may  be
                                                       made  of aluminum,  galvanized  steel, wood,  or
                                                       plastic. Aluminum gutters and downspouts shall
                                                       have a nominal thickness of at least 0.07 and 0.05 cm,
                                                       (0027 and 0020 in), respectively. Galvanized steel
                                                       gutters and downspouts shall be at least 28 gage.
                                                       Wood shall be clear and free of knots. A water-
Definition                                              repellent preservative shall be applied to the flow
                                                       area of wood other than redwood, cedar, or cypress.
A facility for collecting, controlling, and disposing of    Plastics  shall  contain  ultraviolet  stabilizers.
runoff water from roofs.                                Dissimilar metals shall not be in contact with each
                                                       other.

Scope                                                   Supports. Gutter  supports  shall  have  sufficient
                                                       strength to withstand anticipated water, snow, and ice
This standard establishes the minimally acceptable    loads. They shall have a maximum spacing of 120 cm
requirements for design, construction, and operation    (48 in) for galvanized steel and 81 crn  (32 in)
of roof management facilities. Such facilities Include    foraluminumrn or plastic. Wood  gutters -shall  be
but are not limited to erosion-resistant channels or    mounted on fascia boards using furring blocks that
subsurface drains with rock-filled trenches along    are a maximum of 61 cm (24 in) apart. Downspouts
building foundations  below eaves, roof gutters,    shall be securely fastened at the top and bottom with
downspouts, and appurtenances.                          intermediate supports that are a maximum of 3 m
                                                       (10 ft) apart.

Purpose                                                 Outlets. The water from roof runoff management
                                                       facilities may empty into surface drains or under-
To prevent roof runoff water from flowing across con-    ground outlets, or onto the ground surface. When
centrated waste areas, barnyards, roads and alleys,    downspouts empty onto the ground surface, there
and to reduce pollution and erosion, improve water    shall be an elbow to direct water away from the build-
quality, prevent flooding, improve drainage, and pro-    ing and splash blocks or other protection shall be
tect the environment.                                   provided to prevent erosion.

                                                       Protection. Roof runoff management facilities and
Conditions where practice applies                       outlets shall be protected from damage by livestock
                                                       and equipment. Where appropriate, snow and ice
This practice applies where: (1) a roof runoff manage-    guards may be installed on roofs to protect gutters
ment facility is included in an overall plan for a waste    and reduce the hazard to humans and animals below.
management system; (2) roof runoff water may come       Gutters may be installed below the projection of the
in contact with wastes or cause soil erosion; and (3)    roof line to further reduce gutter damage from snow
barnyard flood protection or improved drainage is    and ice.
needed.

                                                       Plans and specifications
Design criteria
                                                       Plans and specifications for installing roof runoff
Capacity. Design of roof runoff management facili-    management facilities shall be in keeping with this
ties shall be based on the runoff from a 10-year fre-    standard and shall describe the requirements for ap-
quency, 5-minute rainfall except that a 25-year fre-    plying the practice to achieve its intended purpose.




                                                                                            SCS, June 1984




                                            III-24



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I                                                   111-25                                                   Ij








      to-S. MARTLIET' OF AMMTUREFIGURE I OB-3b                                         SOIL CONSERVATM SeRVIC
                     10-YEAR 6-MINUTE RAINFALL (INCHES)

                 a  4 44a0wa s                                      4w      a    4


                         ATLANTIC  O CEIA N

                                                       ~~~~~~~~~I




















             ~~6i00  4745k   ~~~4S20    30  5'        45OjW4W  fm
                                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3I-'!












                          64 3V   w   44 4w       '64   4~~~~~~~~~~450' 64 3    043*.



                           ~~~~ST. CROIXA ISLANDS. ONILD

                           ...~~~~~~_ .1"



                                                                  W~~~~~~ I





           *4455       6410'           445'           .4 40'         44 55*630 



   mw Numn   L     a    ~     -                       ."       *'fim   "
CONSRUC   MAMMOLr- CAK.Mow'itr 
           ccwrm FM WON r.YAS 199'..                                                             Apm 1291 10.I5-11







v                                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~111-26 





                                                                                               Dea.on 382-1

Dlversion (Ft)                                         minimum the 2-year, 24-hour-duration storm. Diver-
                                                       sions that protect agricultural land and those that are
                                                       part of a pollution abatement system must have the
                                                       capacity to carry the peak runoff from a 10-year-
                                                       frequency, 24-hour-duration storm as a minimum.
                                                         Diversions designed to protect areas such as ur-
                                                       ban areas, buildings, and roads, shall have enough
                                                       capacity to. carry the peak runoff expected from a
                                                       storm frequency consistent with the hazard Involved
                                                        but not less than a 25-year-frequency, 24-hour-
                                                       duration storm with a freeboard not less than 0.3 ft.

                                                        Cross section. The channel may be parabolic, V-
                                                        shaped, or trapezoidal. The diversion shall be
                                                        designed to have stable side slopes. The ridge
Definition                                             height shall Include an adequate settlement factor.
                                                        The ridge shall have a minimum top width of 4 ft at
A channel constructed across the slope with a sup-     the design elevation. The minimum cross section
porting ridge on the lower side.                       shall meet the specified dimensions. The top of the
                                                        constructed ridge shall not be lower at any point
                                                        than the design elevation plus the specified overfill
Scope                                                  for settlement.

This standard applies to the Installation of all diver-  Grade and velocity. Channel grades may be
sions except floodwater diversions (400) and diver-    uniform or variable. Channel velocity shall not ex-
sion dams (348).                                       ceed that considered nonerosive for the soil and
                                                        planned vegetation or lining.

Purpose                                                Location. The location of the diversion shall be
                                                        determined by outlet conditions, topography, land
To divert excess water from one area for use or safe    use, cultural operations, and soil type. A diversion in
disposal in other areas.                               a cultivated field must be aligned to permit use of
                                                        modem farming equipment.

Conditions where practice applies                      Protection against sedimentation. Diversions
                                                         should not be used below high-sediment-producing
This practice applies to sites where:                  areas unless land treatment practices or structural
                                                         measures, designed to prevent damaging accumula-
1. Runoff damages cropland, pastureland, farm-         tions of sediment In the channels, are Installed with
steads, feedlots, or conservation practices such as    or before the diversions. If movement of sediment in-
terraces or stripcropping.                             to the channel is a significant problem, a vegetated
2. Surface flow and shallow subsurface flow caused     filter strip shall be used where soil or climate does
by seepage are damaging sloping upland.                not preclude its use. Then, the design shall include
3. Runoff is in excess and available for use on near-    extra capacity for sediment and be supported by
by sites.                                              supplemental structures, cultural or tillage practices,
4. A diversion is required as part of a pollution      or special maintenance measures.
abatement system.
5. A diversion is required to control erosion and       Outlets. Each diversion must have a safe and stable
runoff on urban or developing areas and construction    outlet with adequate capacity. The outlet may be a
or mining stes.                                         grassed waterway, a vegetated or paved area, a
                                                         grade stabilization structure, an underground outlet,
                                                         a stable watercourse, or a combination of these
 Design criteria                                        practices. The outlet must convey runoff to a point
                                                         where outflow will not cause damage. Vegetative
 Capacity. Diversions as temporary measures, with a     outlets shall be installed before diversion contsruc-
 life span of less than 2 years, shall carry as a       tion to insure establishment of vegetative cover in


                                                                                            SCS, October 195




                                            III-27








                     DI VERSION













I NN I    -


     Z:





            TARAPEOIDA CROSS-SECTION









USDA-Soil Conservation Service.






                             DIVERSION DIKE

                               Definition

A temporary ridge of compacted soil immediately above cut or fill slopes
and constructed with sufficient grade to provide drainage.

                                 Purpose


upland areas and divert it from exposed slopes to an acceptable outlet.

                     Conditions Where Practice Applies

The diversion dike is used for the period of construction at the top of
newly constructed slopes to prevent excessive erosion until permanent
drainage features are installed and/or slopes are stabilized.


                               DIVERSION DIKE


                      18" min.                 w8 min.                                     l

                                           .,,"~7  -    Stone stabilization,
                                       /  \    min.-   if required
                                             /:1 slope or flatter
        Cut or fill slope-sting 
                                   /  Existing ground

                                CUESS SECTION

                                        Positive drainage. (Grade
                                        sufficient to drain)

           I AA         A  A        A A         AA          AX   I
           IV Y         Y  Y        Y              Y Y      Y  Y    I

           Iï¿½ V  Vï¿½.    V v
                                       Cut or fill slope


                                      11I-29 









USDA-Soil Conservation Service







                              INTEEPTOR DIKE


                                 Definition

A temporary ridge of compacted soil, located across disturbed areas or
rights-of-way.

                                   Purpose

The purpose of an interceptor dike is to shorten the length of exposed
slopes, thereby reducing the potential for erosion, by intercepting storm
runoff and diverting it to a stabilized outlet or sediment trapping device.

                      Conditions Where Practice Applies

Interceptor dikes are constructed across disturbed rights-of-way such as for
pipe lines and streets or disturbed areas such as graded parking lots or land-
fills. The dikes shall remain in place until the disturbed areas are
permanently stabilized.



                               INTERCEPTOR DIKE*
                               (not to scale)
                                   2' 

                                         l8\  * 1B- mi~n.  | Flow

                               z ~        ~  2 \Existing orI
                                L~    /   [     "Graded Rght-of-Way
           2:1 slope       s or   flatter                    t-of-way

                                CROSS SECTION



                                       Y/.2' min.


                      _Right_   _  Aft~~~~          -          -- hFlow

              of

                      Way                                         Flow
                                           lope Toe
      Property Line or               kOutlet onto stabilized area or into
    Limits if Right-of-way              sediment trapping device, as required.
                                  PLAN VIEW


                                   III-30






      usA-soil conservation service.


                                'S=MNAIM MM SPCWMICATTONS

         I.,                              ~~~~~~~~~FOR

                                      PE2RINETR DIKE


                                        Definition
U    ~A temporarY ridge 'Of compacted. soil located along the perimeter of the site
      *or disturbed areas.                                      e

        I                                   _~~~~~~~~~~ups

      The purpose of a perimeter dike is to prevent of fsite storm runoff from
      ante-ring the disturbed area and to prevent sediment laden storm runoff from
      leaving the construction site or disturbed area.

                            conditions lWhere Practice Applies

     The perimeter dike is used for the period of construction at the perimeter of
     the disturbed area to transport-sediment laden water to a sediment trapping
     device such as a sediment trap or sediment basin. This dike shall remain in
     place until the disturbed area i~s permanently stabilizedl. The storm runoff
 I   prevented from entering the disturbed area by the perimeter dike shall be
     adequately handled to prevent damage due. to flooding or erosion to, adjacent
     property-.



                                     PERIMETER DIKE
                                      (not to scale)


                                           2'




           3                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~2:1 slope or flatter

                                      CROSS SECTION


                                            Positive drainage. (Sufficient
         I          Iupslope                ~~~~~~grade to dri.
                       ~~~IA   A  Al                               Al


         *~~~~~~~~~~ IVI 













                               INTECEPTOR SWALE


                                  Definition

A temporary excavated drainageway located across disturbed areas or rights-
of-way.

                                    Purpose

The purpose of an interceptor swale is to shorten the length of exposed
slopes, thereby reducing the potential for erosion, by intercepting storm
runoff and diverting it to a stabilized outlet or sediment trapping device.

                       Conditions Where Practice Applies

Interceptor swales are constructed across disturbed rights-of-way such as
for pipe lines and streets or disturbed-areas such as graded parking lots or
land fills. The swale shall remain in place until the disturbed areas are
permanently stabilized.


                              INTERCEPTOR SWALE
                               (not to scale)
                                 2:1 or flatter

                                            --   - - H-      Graded Right-
                                 ' min.            L         of-Way

                                     7|ain.         Level
                               I                                    Imin.

                                 CROSS-SECTION  /
              _____ .                           ./    7__in.
       Right                   - .                      Flow
              --of        -- ~_                                    --ï¿½

                        __  Way

                                                  Outlet onto stabilized area















                                     III-32










                               PERIMETER SWALE


                                 Definition

A temporary excavated drainageway located along the perimeter of the site or
-disturbed areas.

                                   Purpose

The purpose of a perimeter swale is to prevent offsite storm runoff from
entering the disturbed area and to prevent sediment laden storm runoff from
leaving the construction site or disturbed area.

                      Conditions Where Practice Applies

The perimeter swale is used for the period of construction at the perimeter
of the disturbed area to transport sediment laden water to a sediment trapping
device such as a sediment trap or sediment basin. This swale shall remain in
place until the disturbed area is permaaently stabilized. The perimeter
swale also is used to prevent storm runoff-from entering the disturbed area.
This runoff shall be adequately handled to prevent damage due to flooding
or erosion to adjacent property.


                             PERIMETER SWALE*
                              (not to scale)
                               2:1 or flatter   _

                                                   _-, Existing ground


                              |V  7' min.
                                 I    level 

                 Flow          CROSSSECTION                       Flow
                   ]    AS orsteeper, dependent on topography  ' 
         V   Y   *          Vt T.   Y   1   Y    V   Y    f  -Y EYI

     IcI  A I L              A A  I  L i  A  A
 Outlet as required.              PLAN VIEW
 See item 6, below.      Construction Specifications









         m!    ~~~~~~~III-33
           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~IlI









  3                                  111~~~~~~~~~~I-33L






                                                                                          Grassed Watergy 412-1
 Grassed Waterway (Acre)                                   chodg, straw or hay bale dikes. or other diversion
                                                           methods are wanranted at this crtical period. Sup
                                                           plemntm  Iingaton may also be warranted. The
                                                           egetaton should be well establshed before large
                                                           flows are pemnited In the channel.


                                                           DeOign criteria

                                                           Capaty. The minimum capacity shall be that re-
                                                          quired to convey the peak runoff expected from a
                                                          storm of 10-year frequency, 24-hour duration. When
                                                          slope is less than 1 percent, out-of-bank flow may be
                                                          permitted if such flow will not cause excessive ero-
                                                          sion. The minimum in such cases shall be the
 Definition                                                capacity required to remove the water before crops
                                                          are damaged.
 A natural or constructed channel that is shaped or
 graded to required dimensions and established In          Velocity. Design velocities shall not exceed those
 suitable vegetation for the stable conveyance of          obtained by using the procedures, "n" values, and
 runoff.                                                   recommendations in the Engineering Field Manual or
                                                          SCS-TP-61, Handbook of Channel Design for Soil
                                                          and Water Conservation.
Scope
                                                          Width. The bottom width of trapezoidal waterways
This standard applies to natural or constructed chan-    shall not exceed 100 ft unless multiple or divided
nets that are to be established to vegetation and         waterways or other means are provided to control
used for water disposal. Grassed waterways with           meandering of low flows.
stone centers are also included.
                                                          Side slopes. Side slopes shall not be steeper than a
                                                          ratio of two horizontal to one vertical. They should
Purpose                                                   be designed to accommodate the land user's
                                                          equipment.
To convey runoff from terraces, diversions, or other
water concentrations without causing erosion or           Depth. The minimum depth of a waterway that
flooding and to improve water quality.                    receives water from terraces, diversions, or other
                                                          tributary channels shall be that required to keep the
                                                          design water surface elevation at, or below, the
Conditions where practice applies                         design water surface elevation in the terrace, diver-
                                                          sion, or other tributary channel at their junction when
All sites where added capacity, vegetative protection,    both are flowing at design depth.
or both are required to control erosion resulting from
concentrated runoff and where such control can be         Drainage. Subsurface drains (606), underground
achieved by using this practice alone or combined         outlets (620), stone center waterways, or other
with other conservation practices. This practice is not    suitable measures shall be provided for in the design
applicable where its construction would destroy im-       for sites having prolonged flows, a high water table,
portant woody wildlife cover and the present water-       or seepage problems. Water-tolerant vegetation such
course is not seriously eroding.                          as reed canarygrass may be an alternative on some
                                                         wet sites.
Planning considerations                                   Outlets. All grassed waterways shall have a stable
                                                         outlet with adequate capacity to prevent pending or
The most critical time in successfully installing         flooding damages. The outlet can be another
grassed waterways is when vegetation is being             vegetated channel, an earth ditch, a grade stabiliza-
established. Special protection such as mulch an-         tion structure, or other suitable outlets.




                                                                                             SCS, October 1985




                                                 III-34





- - - m - - ----------- - -







                                 GRASSED WATERWAY




                        -                             -'S.--.-
                                                           *-
                                                                -
                      I -     I


                                 ___                  z- J'

                        Z L                              I

                           I              b

                              TRAPEZOIDAL CROSS-SECTION


rn-I
'-4
I-0

'-ft

                                                       VI-'


                                             -
       .* 4A-
                                         -'S.---
                -I        i.   -




                                  L
                              D/4t      T/2       I


                          I               T

                               PARABOLIC CROSS-SECTION








                                   I  -,      .                               <4









USDA-Soil Conservation Service

                          STAMDARD AND SPECIFICATICS

                                       FOR

                                 LEVEL SPREADER



                                  Definition

An outlet constructed at zero percent grade across the slope whereby concen-
trated runoff may be discharged at non-erosive velocities onto undisturbed
areas stabilized by existing vegetation.

                                     Purpose


The purpose of the level spreader is to convert a concentrated flow of sedi-
ment-free runoff (e.g. diversion outlets) into sheet flow and to outlet it
onto areas stabilized by existing vegetation without causing erosion.

                       Conditions Where Practice Applies

The level spreader is used only in those situations where the spreader can be
*constructed on undisturbed soil, where the area directly below the level lip
is stabilized by existing vegetation, where the drainage area above the
spreader is stabilized by existing vegetation, and where the water will not
be reconcentrated immediately below the point of discharge.


                                 LEVEL SPREADER
          Last 20' of             (not to scale)  _ -
          diversion not elo
          exceed 15 grade  ,   ..-   ,  "     ' -       -

                    Diversion V4 {g _t r Level Spreader
                                         I/   --- 
    Diversion     :                    --



        .  ? -~   ~ "        -'~*~----  ~    .:-.  '  -
            ~--*  ~;:~ -  -'-,    '   v-                  Stabilized slope

       -    _ ~ ,fI.? 4   11                       Channel grade 0O


         -^ Aiwtl i- ; tj# 6z~g ^u t*_*ir
     _-             U...~ '- -  a  -    --   .. -

     --   I--'-
    Undisturbed outlet       -       -          -,,     -    . -



                                         Both strips of protective
                                         material over erosion stop
                                     /  4" in.
                            6' min. 
  First strip of                -   Second strip |_ 
  protective mate:ra   $ l   /   For staple requirements see
                                                  / -  -  Standard & Specifications
                                         ~- 76' min /   for Protective Materials

       of spreader
                                   Fiberglass matting erosion stop
                                   CROSS-SECTION















                                                                              I
                          STONE OUTLET STRUCTUR~E


                               Definition

A. temporary crushed stone dike installed in conjunction with and as a part
of a diversion dike, interceptor dike, or perimeter dike.

                                Purpose                                             :

The purpose of the stone outlet structure is to provide a protected outlet 
for a diversion dike, interceptor dike, or perimeter dike, to provide for
diffusion of concentrated flow, and to allow the area behind the dike to
dewater.

                     Conditions Where Practice Applies

Stone outlet structures apply to any point of discharge where there is need 
to dispose of runoff at a protected outlet or to diffuse concentrated flow 
for the duration of the period of construction. When the entire drainage
area to the structure is not stabilized, a sediment trap must be. provided in
conjunction with the stone outlet structure (See Standard and Specifications 
for Sediment Trap).



                          STONE OUTLET STRUCTURE*
                           (not to scale) 
              Flow  min.t',.min.                                                     [.



Earth dike   .:.   :. .
                                                            Flow





                  ;>(as shown on pI ).                        m     in.  I

            f121 nin.                                   .....,  . 2.'m







Stone emeded'PRF.Eround line
                     nun,4    . .O- ....',I- ,
                                  ï¿½ *ttlII t I3,
     I                                                                                L~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i/







              Level~~~~~~II3 [rs 





                          GRKDE 5TAqXJLIZATIO0N STIWCTURE                        .

                            (PAVED CHUTE OR FZAME)





A temporary channel lined with bituminous concrete, portland cement concrete,I
or comparable non-erodible smaterial. placed to extend from. the top of a slope
to the bottom of a slope.


                                    Purpose

The purpose of the paved chute or flume is 'to convey surface runoff safelyI
down slopes without causing erosion.

                       Conditions Where Practice Applies

A paved chute or flume is to be used where concentrated flow of surface runoff
must be conveyed down a slope in order to prevent erosion. The max~imum allow-
able drainage area shall be .36 acres.
               .' Top of erth dikceA   PAVED CHUJTE.O(R    .D*Sze rou










                                staee3plaer th and:S-IL          S,       6





                       for dra inaoie un-der outlet -is shown
                       for full width~of stnxxture
                                                      Riprap 1s; 91 lay~er of
                                                      6M min. rock or rubbleI







                   per ft




                             A A A A, ~~~~~~~~~~~~I          2   1

                                                                             7~~~






               I                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SECTIONV 8-6.

                                    III-38






                                 GRADE STA~BILIZATIONI STRUCTURE


                                       (PIPE SLOPE DRAIN)


                                          Definition

       A flexible tubing and/or rigid pipe with prefabricated entrance section tem-
       porarily placed to extend from the top of a slope to the bottom of a slope.

                                            purpose

I    ~The purpose of the pipe slope drain is to convey surface runoff safely down
       slopes without causing erosion.


     I                      ~ ~~~~~~~Conditions Where Practice Applies

       Pipe slope drains are. to be used where concentrated flow of surface runoff
       must be conveyed down a slope in order, to prevent erosion. The maxi'u
       allowable drainage area shall be 5 acres.



                                      PIPE SLOPE DRAIN (RIGIO)*
                 Discharge it 
                   stailied atercourse,
  I             ~~~~~sediment t~rappirng device,                       Ctvyue
                 or onto stabilized area.      toshwine



               H  ::~~~~~.   ~~~~7:2~~~~~'                         - ~~~Earth Dike










                     L~ength as necessarx1 to go   Standard Flared 
                     thru di"kftr ectio










                                            o~~~~imtr Stnepacd sahpwn



                           less than 1%  slope    ~Depth of apron shall equal the
                                                      pipe diameter and riprap shall
                                                      be a minimum of 122 in thickt-
                                                      ness.
        ?AorX: Size designation is: PS-PiPs WiM.
        (ex., pSD,-l2-pipe Slope Drain wid h 12- diainete ;dffe)  RIPP.RP APMF.~ PLAYE 


                                               TTT 'AO







                       GRADE STRELIMMM19N STRUCTJRE 

                             (PIPE SLOPE DRAIN)U


                                Definition

A flexible tubing and/or rigid pipe with prefabricated entrance sectiLon teia-
POraTJ-lY placed to extend from the top of a slope to the bottom of a slope.


                                  Purpose

The Purpose of the pipe slope drain is to convey Surface runoff safely downI
sloPes without causing erosion.

                     Conditions Where Practice AppliesI

Pipe slope drains are to be used where concentrated flow Of surface runoff
must be conveyed clown a sl-ope in Order to Prevent erosion.* The maximum

allowable drainage area shall be 5 acres.



                        PIPE SLOPE DRAIN (FLEXIBLE)*
Discharge into a                 (not to scale)
stabilized watercourse,
sediment trapping devfe                         NOTE: Size design~ation is.
                             -~.                   S-PIPe Diam. (ex., PSD-18m
or onto a stabilized"=a                               Pipe Slope Drain with 18'


                                     *1~ ~~~daee pipe)~



                              *' *~~~    **.**~~ ~~S*.*   *Ea th..* k











        Leghas Asmexyaz 
      to go thru dike odfee

                                    FTEntrance sectionU



  2 2-pipeRirvsalcnitf6


      i~~~~~~~aRFLEdaeterstneplce a


            pipe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~riprap shall conis of mnmu

                                                  of 12" in thickness.
                           Construction Specifications  ArRA   APO PLAN

                                 TTT-40










 U                                ~~~~~~~~~~SEDIMENT TRAP



 I                                ~~~~~~~~~~Definition

A small temporary basin formed by excavation and/or an embankment to inter-
cept sediment laden runoff and to tray and retain the sediment.





The purpose of a sediment trap is to intercept sediment laden runoff and
trap the sediment in order to protect drainagewaYst properties, and rights- 

of-way below the sediment trap from sedimentation.

                        conditions Where Practice Applies

A sedimnent trap is usually installed in a drainagevay, at a storm drainr
Wnet~, or at other points of discharge from a disturbed area.



                             EARTH4 OUTLET SEDIMENT TRWP

                                                z~efvate It ulssary, for Aterage


 S        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Flow~'                   





                            ) ,~~~.           4' Torp width.   ,.







   Dike If required to divert water to trap
                                  _                         ~~~~~~~~~~or flaster


                 *~~~~~V 91- ~-                            widh (ft.) -

                                                     r Drainage Area (Ac.)

      EXCAVATED EARTH OUTLET SEDIMENT          ENRANIKNENT EARTH OUTLET SEDIMENT
                 TRAP                                     TRAP










    1                                   111~~~~~~~~~~I-41









                           PIPE OUTL.ET SEDIMENT TRAP-           -















 Earth Embankment      .       ..* .- 


      cutlet Protecton






     All slopes 2:1
    o~r flatter                                              1-0At]


                            -          5' max.                    PerforaItedI







                        ENBANIGEEN? SECTIGN MU RISER                                                       I



                      ST(WE OUJTLFT SEDIMENT TRAP*
     Excavate, if necessary~, tar           -      N.
     storage                            -


Earth Ema~nhwnnt. -    Flow~f                        .












     cutaw~ay to. show srw.        ~      ~     - 
     bale core                          I~  ~ 










                          I    Len(Ith (ft.)     4
             / *..ï¿½.    J6 x Drainage Area (Ac.)i

                 "(_7_                                
                                    .... .~~~~~~~

    ear~~ e.m*an.-e.









                I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 







                                    STORM INLET SEDIMENT TRAP*
                                                                BlokC inlet with plywOod
                                                                and sandbags, as necessary,.
                                                                to Prevent water from entering.


                               I   Plo"  -,- .-iar


         '-.T.~~~~~- ~'                                                                                            t .V  









                                                      pemove bc    z 
I                                                 ~    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~blod*sf~Ot~ 
                                                                       rrap may be placed behind Or
                   As Nequized                                       ~~~~~~~~~~at and of Inlet-
       ks re~iedj7~ 2.1 or flatter                                    2:1 or flatter
     ,ï¿½=- ~      ~         7  ;/A                          
                                     Adn










                                                                         Uc -sCr(lSECf 1011  A-A

                                                                          CURB DRAIN
                  YARD DRAIN                            mOTE: fber curb IS In Place, Provide
                                                                a I ft. wide qpIng In th. curbe
                                                                or a   a asa"g dm to 1o0r
                                                                vat.r over the curb to the trap-












                                                 III-43


1                                               111I-43                                                            Li
















                             SEDIMENT BASIN

                               Definition

A temporary barrier or dam constructed across a waterway or at other suitable
locations to intercept sediment-laden runoff and to trap and retain the sedi-
ment.


                                 Purpose

The purpose of a Sediment Basin is to intercept sediment-laden runoff and
reduce the amount of sediment leaving the disturbed area in order to protect
drainage ways, properties, and rights-of-way below the sediment basin from
sedimentation.

                     Conditions Where Practice Applies

A sediment basin applies where physical site conditions or land ownership
restrictions preclude the installation of erosion control measures to adequa-
tely control runoff, erosion, and sedimentation.  It may be used below con-
struction operations which expose critical areas to soil erosion. It remains
in effect until the disturbed area is protected against erosion by permanent
stabilization.



                                 PIPE SPILLWAY DESIGN



             Anti-vortex Device (see page A-19.17 for detail)

               ater surface (design)               Emergency Spillway Crest


                                  Anti-seep collars                Outlet

                               r  r V    Pipe conduit or barre                 H


                                    DJV

                                             1-44L 








                                       IV
              ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS (OSDS)




        General
        Operation and Maintenance of Standard Septic Systems
          Julie Wright .......................................                IV-1


        Alternatives to Standard Septic Systems
          Tom Linnio ................................................. IV-5



        Technical
        Standard Septic System Siting and Design For the
        Virgin Islands
          Barry W. Kimball                         .V-11
          Barry W. Kimball ........................................    IV-1


        Alternative Septic System Design
          Douglas White ..............................................*




          PpenoaaialattMofPIntIng1
Iï¿½l















*. * Paper not available attime of printing.
: X!00?:      fI -0..:;0 fC !.  








             SEPTIC SYSTEM OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

                                  Julie A. Wright

         Cooperative Extension Service, University of the Virgin Islands,
                               St. Thomas, VI 00802


Introduction

A large portion of the habitable land in the Virgin Islands is zoned for residential use.
Many of the buildings on this land are not connected to a public sewage treatment
system; instead they have individual septic systems. Standard (State-side type) septic
systems currently in use in the Virgin Islands have problems properly treating wastewater
due to both environmental and demographic constraints.  This is because our soils are
either too thin (there is not enough soil overlying the bedrock or alluvial aquifers that can
filter pollutants) or too impermeable (the soils do not allow wastewater to filter through
rapidly enough, causing waste to seep to the soil surface).  Similarly, development
density contributes to septic system failure by siting systems too close to one another, so
close that there is not enough soil per septic system to properly treat the wastewater.

Public Health officials on St. Thomas and
St. Croix have reported that over 400
septic systems  fail per year on  each .
island.    Failing  septic  systems  can                     IO' from   5' to property line
                                                        [ -foundation-...    --
contaminate  both  ground  and  surface        I     o.:    .
waters with harmful bacteria and viruses          H o.us  Septic L4         -
                                                    I  I  I  I tank l
as well as nitrate (a nutrient).  In areas         L.....ï¿½                  -
where  septic  systems  are  located  in           04-I100 to private-. -_
fractured bedrock, bacteria and viruses                      well I       t
can  be  transported  very  rapidly  and
contaminate wells, cisterns, and coastal
waters.    These  organisms  can  cause  Figure 1. Example of septic system layout.
human health problems--illnesses such as
gastrointestinal infections, typhoid fever, and infectious hepatitis have been linked to
sewage contamination of drinking waters. Therefore it is very important to make sure
cisterns and well casings are properly sealed and separated from the septic system area.
Figure 1 presents an example layout of a septic system.

Other chemicals commonly used by homeowners such as pesticides, paints, varnishes,
thinners, and caustic cleaners can also contaminate waters if they seep out of septic
systems. Chemical contamination is especially dangerous since some chemicals. even
in small amounts, are almost impossible to remove from groundwater.

Failing septic systems can also reduce the value of your property and be expensive to
repair. Be aware of the following warning signs that signal septic system failure:


                                    IV-1










     *Sewage surfacing over the drainfield (especially after storms);*I
     *Sewage back-ups in your home;
     *Lush, green growth over your seepage pit or drain field;
       Slow-draining toilets or drains; and/orI


There are some signs that can tell you if contaminants are reaching surface or groundI
waters. Look for the following symptoms of sewage contamination:

     *Excessive weed or algae growth in the water along shorelines;I
     *An increase in infections (like staph infections) or illnesses associated with
      swimming in the area;
     *An increase in infections (such as gastroenteritis) or illnesses associated with
      drinking contaminated water; or
     *Unpleasant odors, soggy soil in the area of the septic system, or liquid waste flow
      over the land surface.

What You Can Do

There are many things that homeowners can do to prevent septic system failure and to
ensure that their septic systems work as well as they possibly can. In order to properly
care for your septic system, you first need to know where it is located. Unfortunately,
manholes and/or inspection ports are often buried in the yard somewhere. To locate your
tank, find where, and in what direction, the sewer pipe goes out through the wall in yourI
home and check for manholes just under the surface of the yard in that direction.

Septic system operation and maintenance practices fall under three general categories:I
septic (or holding) tank monitoring and maintenance; absorption field (seepage pit or
drain field) monitoring and maintenance; and system input.

Septic Tanks

Septic systems should be inspected at least once every three years to determine if yourI
septic tank needs to be pumped. (Figure 2 shows a typical septic tank.) While your tank
is being inspected, ask the contractor to examine the inlet and outlet baffles (or tees).
If either is broken, have repairs done immediately. The inlet should also be checked to
see if wastewater is continuously flowing into the tank from-previously undetected
plumbing leaks.

Your septic tank should be designed to have enough space for solids to accumulate for
at least three years. However, how often you need to pump your septic tank depends oil:

* The size or capacity of the tank;
*  Wastewater flow (which depends on the amount of water used); andI
* The volume of solids in the wastewater (for example, a garbage disposal can increase
   the amount of solids in wastewater by up to 50%).

                                      IV-2







             The contractor hired to inspect your
             septic        takshould  use  the  large
              manhole when pumping the tank.  If                        Inspection ports
             the inspection port is used to pumpMahl
             septage the b affles in the septic tank
             could  be  damaged.    The  use  of
             biological or chemical septic additives Su
             will not eliminate the need for
             pumping  your  septic tank.   Some           InletUte
             chemical additives can actually harm
             your septic system by killing the
             bacteria that break down (digest) the
             solids in the septic tank.

             It is very important to ensure that Figur 2. Cross section of a septic (or holding) tank.
             there are no cracks or leaks in your
             septic tank. Septic tank water-tightness is critical to efficient reduction of solids. Leaky
I           ~ ~~~tanks allow water to seep in, causing less efficient solids reduction and, therefore, the
             need for more frequent pumping. Leaking septic tanks also have less storage volume for
             surface scum (oils, grease and other materials that float on top of the wastewater in the
I           ~ ~~~septic tank) and sludge (solids that settle to the bottom of the septic tank). This disrupts
             the normal solids sedimentation and separation of fats, oils and greases from the
             wastewater. It also causes loss of bacteria that biologically break down and reduce the
             volume of solids in the septic tank.
             Septic tanks are usually constructed of pre-cast concrete. However, fiberglass and
             polyethylene tanks are also available. Fiberglass and polyethylene resist erosion and
             decay and are lighter and easier to transport than pre-cast concrete, but are also more
             expensive. Whatever material is used for your septic tank, you should make sure tahit
             your tank is properly sealed. A well-designed tank should last at least 50 years.

             Absorption Fields

             The absorption field of your septic system (the area where the seepage pit or distribution
             lines are buried) should be routinely checked for sogginess or flooding. These conditions
             usually indicate:

                  * Improper drainage;
                  * A clogged system, and/or
  *              *  ~~~~Excess water use.

             The following is a list of some fairly common-sense do's and don'ts that will help your
             absorption field have a longer life span.

                  *Don't drive over your absorption field with cars, trucks, or other heavy
                    equipment.


                                                  IVI-3










   *  Don't plant trees or shrubs in your absorption field-plant only grasses or other
       shallow-rooted plants (such as banana trees).
   *  Don't cover your absorption field with pavement, concrete or any other
       impervious surface.
   ï¿½ Do divert stormwater runoff away from your absorption field so that it will not
       flood.

System  Input

What you put into your septic system will directly affect the system's health and
durability. Many common household chemicals and items can harm your septic system:

   * Do not dump toxic or hazardous chemicals in the toilet or down the drain.
       Even small amounts of paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oil,..photo chemicals,
       and pesticides can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic system that treat
       wastewater through biological processes. Caustic cleaners and drain openers (like
       Draino) can also harm your septic system. Instead, use boiling water or vinegar
       and baking soda to keep your drains unclogged, and use biodegradable cleaners.
       (A mixture of 'A cup white vinegar, 'h cup ammonia, 'A cup baking soda, and
       %'/ gallon water is a cheap, effective and non-harmful cleaner.)

   *  Do not throw cat litter, plastics, cigarette butts, sanitary napkins, disposable
       diapers, paper towels, or tissue in the toilet or down the drain. These
       products do not readily degrade and can block septic tanks and clog pipes.

   ï¿½ Do not dump grease, fats or oils down your kitchen drain. These products
       will also clog pipes and block your septic system.

Another way to increase the life-span of your septic system is to conserve water. Repair
dripping faucets and leaking toilets; avoid long showers; do not run water in sinks and
showers while soaping up, shaving or brushing teeth; use water-saving devices like
aerators in faucets and showerheads; install water-saving devices (like a brick or
weighted plastic bottle) in toilet tanks; and don't flush toilets unnecessarily.  The less
amount of water that flows through your system, the less work your septic system has
to do. These practices will also help you save money on your water bill!

In summary, failing septic systems can cause a serious'health threat to your family and
neighbors and can degrade both surface and ground waters. However, there are some
simple, easy, and low-cost practices that individual home owners can adopt to minimize
the risk of septic system failure. Prevention of septic system failure is ALWAYS less
expensive than replacing a failed septic system!

For more information on the septic systems it? the Virgin Islands and ways to prevent water pollution.
please contact the your local Extension office (St. Thonmas-St. John: 774-0210; St. Croix: 778-0246): the
Department of Planning and Natural Resources (St. Thotnas: 774-3320; St. Croix: 773-0565); or tilhe
Department of Health (St. Thomas-St. John: 774-6880; St. Croix: 773-0565).


                                    IV-4







  I                 ~~~~~ALTERNATIVES TO STANDARD SEPTIC SYSTEMS

                                 Tom H.Linnio
                Department of Planning and Natural Resources,
                       St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands

         On site treatment of domestic and commercial wastewaters has
         been and is today a major topic involving the health and
I       ~~environmental well being of the community  The United States
         Virgin Islands has tremendous contribution to non-point source
         pollution from the current treatment or lack of adequate
         treatment of domestic and commercial waste water. Of
         particular concern for the Virgin Islands is the excessive
         nutrient loading from phosphates and nitrates of the costal
         waters resulting in the death of reef systems due to algal
         growth.
         The de facto "standard septic system" in the United States
I       ~~Virgin islands is a septic tank with a minimal if not totally
         unacceptable leach pit. Leach fields are very rarely used, to
         the point of being almost unheard of. The dominant soils of
         the Virgin islands are clays or soils with a high clay
         content, often with moderate to steep slopes. Although the
         Virgin Island Rules and Regulations has a section on
         Percolation tests, specifically T.19, Section 1404-91,
I       ~~percolation tests are rarely if ever performed.  This lack of
         performance of percolation tests results in improper
         evaluation, design, sizing, and placement of on site
I       ~~wastewater treatment.    One could say with a fair degree of
         confidence that the majority of the "standard septic systems"
         in the Virgin Islands are not functioning properly, if
         functioning at all, as far as treatment of waste waters are
         concerned. With the majority of soils in the Territory being
         thin with very poor adsorption qualities and moderate to steep
         slopes, no development involving proposed on site wastewater
I       ~~treatment should be permitted without'verifiable percolation
         test, proper design and siting of wastewater' treatment
         structures.    The  need  for percolation  tests  and proper
I       ~~wastewater treatment design, sizing and placement based on the
         test can not be over stated.
         Another factor that compounds the wide. spread -improper use of
I       ~~leach pits is the lack of maintenance of the -septic tanks.-
         The normal maintenance of a septic tank requires periodic
         cleaning to remove solids. This is not a standard practice in
I       ~~the Territory. When solids move into the leach pit, the pit
         becomes clogged and stops functioning as an absorption
         structure and becomes a cess pool. This results in an increase
U       ~~in down slope nutrient loading, contamination of ground water
         and a potential major health risk.



                                   IV-5









This problem 3is not limited to leach pits alone. Generally all
systems with septic tanks and absorption structures must haveI
the tanks maintained and cleaned to avoid movement of solids
to the absorption structures. Failure to properly clean out
septic tanks will cause clogging and plugging of the
absorption structure which are then ruined and must be
replaced, often at a great expense.
There are no maintenance free wastewater treatment systems.

Having so far discussed some aspects of the "standard septic
systems" current in the Territory, I shall now discuss briefly
some alternatives. I must begin by stating the obvious that
the best alternative is a well run and maintained system of
sewers  and  treatment  plants.    But  since  that  is  not
foreseeable, I will focus on some on site alternatives. A
review  of  existing  resource  materials  available  in  theI
territories was to say the least, rather disappointing.
Luckily there is the EPA Small Flows Clearinghouse. The Small
Flows Clearinghouse was established in 1977 by legislationI
under the Clean Waters Act as a national information center
for   (among  other  related  topics)   alternative  sewage
technologies. You can find in the back of this presentation a
current listing and order form for Small flows products. Also
in the back you will find a short glossary of terms often used
in septic wastewater treatment.
Serial Distribution for sloping ground.
This is a modified tile field system, where based on
percolation test results a series of absorption f ields areU
laid laterally with slope contours and tied together witha
series of distribution drop boxes. This system has the
advantage of being able to adjust to site conditions,  the3
leach lines can be of varying lengths. The trench increase
absorption areas versus a leach pit. This system can be seen
as a demand system since the various absorption trenches come
in to play as a function of the load on the system. In the dryI
season only the upper trenches may be in use, where as in the
wet season the whole system might cam into play. This allows
at least part of the system some resting periods. The systemI
is easily expandable by the addition of drop boxes and
trenches. The system is fail-safe. If the septic tank is not
properly clean only the first trenches will plug and fail, the3
whole system will not be ruined. I feel this system has great
potential in the Territory, if properly des~igned to. the soil
condition on site.3


Wisconsin mound or Transvap Soil Absorption System

This system is a modified tile field system that is placed
above existing grade. This system might be of use where soil
and or site conditions restrict use of sub-surface absorption
systems.
     The system relies on selected sand and soil fill to treat

                             IV-6I







         septic tank effluent.  Basically a tile field is laid in a
         sand and soil bed above original grade. The amount and depth
         of bed area required depends on site soil conditions and
         depth, depth of water table and or bedrock, quality of the
         fill material, waste water volume (loading), and other site
         and use related factors. The bed or mound should be long and
         narrow. This system may have the disadvantage of needed a sump
         pump, if the septic tank is below the mound or bed elevation.
         This system may have some positive limited use in the
         Territory for some very difficult sites.

         Sand Filtration

         The use of sand filters may be adapted for many types of
         systems such as surface, subsurface, intermittent, and demand
         flow. All system must have properly selected sand beds of 24
         to 30 inches deep to filter, oxidize and degrade the secondary
I       ~~treated sewage.  Surface sand filters generally are a system
         that irrigate the secondary treated sewage (grey water) over
         a sand bed. Subsurface filters are generally a tile field over
I       ~~the sand bed, this system  may have a separate lower tile
         field under the upper tile field and sand filter leading to a
         separate leaching field or even to a sewer. Intermittent sand
         filter feed the sand bed in controlled doses, by timed
         pumping, dose buckets, siphons or other methods. Intermittent
         system can be either surface or subsurface type. Sand filter
         can be very useful in soils where percolation tests show
I       ~~restrictions.  The sizing and siting of the sand filter will
         be determined by the site soil characteristics, depth to water
         table, use,  and loading among other factors.   The proper
I       ~~selection of sand in size and type is critical as in the use
         of filtration matting to avoid clogging by particles from
         surrounding Soils. The use of sand filter has high potential
         in the Territory.

         Composting Toilets

         The composting toilet system is a self 'contained system which
         is usually dry with some models using a foam flush.   The
         wastes is collected inside the composting unit, or goes to an
I       ~~outside composting tank. Some units with outdoor composting
         tanks are designed so as to be solar driven. In either system
         the composting tank is vented to minimize odor. With the use
         of selected microbes, the waste is degraded to a humus. This
         system has been successfully used in the Territory,
         particularly on St John. one draw back seems to be a problem
         with cockroaches, therefore I would recommend if the system is
         to be used that the outside composting tank type with a good
         seal between outside and inside be used.

         Aerobic Dicrester

         Aerobic digester are generally special subsurface
         secondary treatment tanks into which ambient air is

                                  IV-7








pumped or compressed to supply respiratory oxygen for ae~robic
bacteria.  The function of the aerobic bacteria is to degrade
the secondary wastewater. The systems can be as simple as
just an air pump and an emitter, or can have rotation
biological contact drums, paddles, impellers, which are
powered by the air pump or compressor before the air goes toI
the emitters. Aerobic digester can be very useful in
decreasing the biological oxygen demand (SOD) before the
wastewater goes to-1he leach field or pit.  This can allow, ifI
properly designed and sized a smaller leach field than might
be otherwise required.   Aerobic digesters also can be used
increase the useful life of a leach field. Many of these
digester come as pre-made packages, often made of fiber glass
for ease of installation. They do require a power source to
run the air pumps or compressors. Some unit use solar panels
and batteries to supply the power to the pump or compressor.I
This type of technology has good potential for use in the
Virgin Islands.
Anaerobic Dicresters
Anaerobic digesters relay on anaerobic bacteria to degrade the
wastewater.    Anaerobic  bacteria  generally must  have  an
environment lacking in "free" of molecular oxygen. This type
of digester often is a below ground treatment tank which is
packed with a contact medium, often red wood bark. AnaerobicI
digester can also be above ground, indeed this type of
digester is common used in marine service on boat, ships, off
shore drilling platforms'etc.  One advantage for costal orI
marine use in the anaerobic bacteria are capable of
denitrif action, the is to say they can degrade common nitrogen
compounds. Nitrogen compound such as nitrates and nitrites
are very harmful sources of nutrient loading, killing reefs byI
causing algal blooms. Aerobic bacteria are not known for
denitrifaction where as anaerobic bacteria are. This system
is not uncommon in the Territory though one can not say it isI
widely used. Some years ago the Government did use this system
for facilities near the coast and off the sewer lines. rt had
good initial success, but failed in the end from lack of
proper maintenance. This system has great potential in the
Territory for areas with clay soils, coastal area, areas with
high water tables, and small lots. This type of system does
require some more ongoing maintenance than some other systems.

Subsurface Emitters with TreesI
This system uses a modified leaching and irrigation system
where emitters packed with red wood bark are place and a
    tree  is  planted  above.  This  system  works  with  the
    evapotranspiration increase that the planted trees supplies.
    The redwood bark packing from reports not only increases the
    biological contact area, but also appears to prevent the treeI
    roots from growing into the emitter and clogging the system.

                             IV-8I








             This is a fairly new system with good results so far.
             This system may be a good alternative to the current
             practice, particularly of hotels, of using sprinkler for
             irrigation of gray water.
             Wetlands Systems

             This is another fairly new technology that has been
             tested and proven on both large and small scale. This is
I           ~~~a secondary treatment where the primarily treated waste
             water is feed into an artificial wetland system. For
             residential or small scale commercial uses a two cell
             wetland with liners is currently used for treatment. The
             cells have specialized distribution, gravel or gravel and
             sand bed and use reeds and other wetland plants. Another
             cell which is not lined can be used for leach or the
I           ~~~treated water may go to a leach field,  or even be
             discharged in to a waterway if permitted. This system is
             solar driven, that is to say the sun supplies the energy
I           ~~~to run this system  This system works with biological
             degradation, biological uptake, evapotranspiration and if
             properly maintained should decrease nitrogen and
             phosphate compounds. If the system is properly designed,
             sized and maintained there is no ponding, so mosquitos
             should not be a problem  This system is currently under
             study by EPA and the Tennessee Valley Authority and has
             been successfully used in many areas..   I f eel this
             system has great potential for use in the Territory.

*            ~~~Green House Ecosystems

             This system can be viewed as a combination of a marsh or
             wetlands with aquiculture and is another solar drive
             system which also uses pumped or compressed air. In this
             system wastewater is f irst equalized, then clarif ied and
             oxygenated. The wastewater is then pumped to a series of
I           ~~~~solar silos, then to marsh cells -from which the water is
             treated by ultra violet lights and finally discharged.
             The plants are run in parallel in case of failure due to
I           ~~~~poisoning from improper chemical that might be place into
             the waste water. With a parallel system if one leg is
             knock out the other leg can supply the end microorganism,
             organism and plants. This system uses biodegradation,
             biological uptake evapotranspiration and should be able
             to treat nitrogen and phosphate compound if properly run.
             This system has been proven on both fairly large and
I           ~~~small  scales  and may have  good application  in  the
             Territory.   It is not though a system for the average
             single homeowner.

             incineration

             Incineration of toilet waste product has some
I           ~~~~limited application, in this system toilet wastes

                                TV-9




                                                                           I


are incinerated using LP gas, propane or electricity.  It is
not meant to deal with other bathroom or kitchen waste water.
Most often used in summer camps and similar applications, this
system invented in the 1930's has never been widely used.
There are some other types systems such as recirculating                     I
toilets, electrolysis, water hyacinth basins which are used
sometimes. I mention these here in passing. The systems that
I have presented I feel have better chances of application in
the Territory.

                                                                           I

                                                                           I

                                                                           I

























                              IV-10
                                   IV-10~~~~~"i~':.~ï¿½













                                                                                                                                                   INTRODUCTION
SEP77C SYSTEM STUDY
                                                                                                                   Man's carelessness In the management of his own excreta can result in a number of diseases
 FOR  THE  ViRGIN ISLANDS                                                                                                 as pathogens from an infected person find their way by water, food, or soi to another
                                                                                                                   human being. The firt Ulne of defense would appear to be simple; manage our waste so
                                                                                                                   that none of It reaches drinking water or food supplies and isolate it from the ground
                                                                                                                   surface where It is accessible to animals, including insects and birds, which can be direct
                                                                                                                   carriers of pathogens.
 1Wa  llswAd  DCparnnt of twbt  and Naftral R80oocaIs                                                                     Since its introduction in the United States in 1880, septic tank systems have become the
 Y.ph, IS omnd.  Corleervalon  Dfbt t                                                                                     most widely used method of on-site sewage disposal. Although the concept and design of
                                                                                          a   a     s   o Coun~Cidthe septic tank/soil absorption system are relatively simple, the system Involves complex
 1tgh  IW -anx   C.oea rwe        tbn  anOd DevOeyptflentfl!/t  )              c         unC                              physical, chemical, and biological processes.  Performance is essentially a function of the
                                                                                                                   design of the system components, construction techniques employed, characteristics of the
                                                                                                                   wastes, rate of hydraulic loading, climate, aerial geology and topography, physical and
                                                                                                                   chemical composition of the soil mantle, and care given to periodic maintenance (USEPA,
INTErlM REPORT PART 1 (RelVded)                                                                                          1977).
INTERIM REPORT PART  2   (D  rd ff)                                                                                      The septic system's recent reputation as a major contributor to environmental pollution is
                                                                                                                  not the result of the system's Inadequacies, but rather the result of a misuse of this disposal
                                                                                                                  practice.  The septic tank system is a combination of unit processes which were Initially
                                                                                                                   intended for rural farm families. Its widespread use in suburban areas has resulted in many
                                                                                                                   installations where the septic system has been squeezed onto small lots, in soils of limited
                                                                                                                  suitability and has been neglected by the home owner, The septic tank/soil absorption
 BRAFT  ABRIDGED  EDITION                                                                                                system has demonstrated to be ill-fitted under these adverse circumstances.
 For  Presentation   at  the    First   Annual                            Virgin                                         For residences on the U.S. Virgin Islands, the conventional septic tank/soil absorption
 Islands  Conference  on  Nonpoint   Source   Pollution                                                                  system consists of two (2) major components, a water tight compartment (septic tank) and
 October  5,   1993                                                                                                      a provision for liquid effluent discharges to the subsoil (leaching trenches or seepage pits).
                                                                                                                  The septic tank serves simultaneously as a separation unit and as a storage and digestion
                                                                                                                  unit for the retained scum and sludge. A leaching structure is used to dispense the liquid
 Presented  By  Barry  W.   Kimball   P.E.                                                                               septic tank effluent Into the soil, and therefore must be constructed In soils capable of
     EXCERPTS-FROM SEPTEMBER 1993 REPORT                                                                                 accepting and dispersing the liquid.

                                                                                                                  The original Intent of this study was to find ways to improve upon the conventional septic
                                                                                                                  tank/soil absorption system and septic system regulations to bring them into compliance
                                                                                                                  with the usual standards for design and construction for on-site disposal of sewage effluent.
                                                                                                                  The strategy in performing this study was to assume that subsurface soil absorption (disposal
                                                                                                                  trenches, beds, seepage pits) Is the preferred on-shite disposal option because of Its reliability
                                                                                                                  with a minimal amount of maintenance.   The process was then to analyze the soils,
fhahaff"  0SuJ ")Anq ALoad Planli'g A D66191                                                                             topography, geology, and other characteristics of the Islands so that the regulations could
tI11.1nM   * Sur_4ng * Lone PIonfl) & Ds19n                               ,                                              he customized to fit the specific circumstances. In those areas where the site characteristics

St Tamos. U.S.V.I. 00802












       are unsuitable for soil absorption systems, alternative methods would be investigated as a
       last resort for on-site disposal since these aJternatives are typically the most costly to                                                A      L    HARACTERISTICS    OF  T
       construct and require a great deal more maintenance and supervision than soil absorption
      systems.                                                                                                                                          U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

       Now that the analysis of the Islands characteristics is completed, we have found that the vwst
       majority of the Islands' land areas are unsuitable for soil absorption systems. We have also                         TOPOGRAPHY
       found that thousands of the septic systems currently in operation have been located in areas
       that are inappropriate for subsurface disposal and represent not only a hazard to the                                St. Thomas
       environment, but more Importantly, a risk to the public's health. There is a great lack of
       understanding among regulators, home owners, developers, and contractors about how septic                            St. Thomas has an extremely irregular coastline and is very hilly with practically no flatland.
       systems operate.  Examples of this misunderstanding is the acceptance of seepage pits                                The highest ills are generally found near the center of the Island, with Crown  Mountain
       constructed directly In fractured bedrock and leaching trenches installed In impervious clays,                       at 1,550 feet the highest point  The Island Is relaidvely small and many of the peaks rise
       both of which are located on small lots In densely populated neighborbhoods.  Very few                               above 1,000 feet  This results in rather steep slopes over all the Island, so that ralnhfa
       people on the Islands understand, that for soil absorption septic systems to operate properly,                       runoff is quite rapid and there are no permanent streams or rivers.
       septic tank effluent must be filtered through at least 2 to 4 feet of pervious soils before it
       can be discharged to the environment. This basic tenet of septic system design is what                               St. John
       makes the traditional soil absorption system unsuitable for almost all locations on the Virgin
       Islands. Most of the land surface does not have 2 to 4 feet of soil or, in areas where there                         Like St. Thomas, St. John has an extremely irregular shoreline and a very hilly topography,
       are deep soils, it is typically impervious.                                                                          It has a number of peaks over 1.000 feet topped by Bordeaux Mountain at 1,297 feet in the
                                                                                                                          eastern portion of the Island. Slopes are quite steep over all of the island, and there are
       The focus of this report is now to explain and justify the reasons why the conventional                              very few areas of flatland. There are no permanent rivers or creeks.
:C     subsurface disposal' system is inappropriate for almost all developable areas and offer
      alterative disposal options that may be suitable.                                                                    St. Croix

      The report's recommendations are expected to stimulate discussion on the different                                   St. Croix is the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands.  The topography is somewhat
      approaches for regulating the installation and use of sewage disposal systems. Readers are                           different from the other two with a broad expanse of low, relatively fitland running along
      encouraged to express their views and opinions in writing to the Department of Planning                              the southern two-thirds of the Island. The North End Range, a series of hill, ranging in
      and Natural Resources.  The Department has indicated that it will fully evaluate all                                 elevation from about 500 feet to more than 1,000 feet topped by Mount Eagle at 1.165 feet
       comments prior to formulating revisions to the Regulations. Comments may be submitted                                runs along the northern coast.  East End Range of St. Croix is another group of slightly
       to the following:                                                                                                    lower hills with a maximum elevation of about 860 feet found on the eastern end of the
                                                                                                                          island. The area covered by hills on St. Croix results in rather steep slopes down to the
                                  Adrian Schottroff, Chairman NPS                                                          Caribbean in the north and to the level areas to the south.
                                  DPNR/DEP
                                                                                                                          GEOLOGY
                                  Mario Morales
                                  RC&D.Coordinator, SCS                                                                    The U.S. VIrgin Islands are located at the eastern end of the Greater Antilles island chain
                                                                                                                          and are comprised of the three major islands of St Croix, St. Thomas and St. John as well
                                                                                                                          as some 50 smaller islands and cays. St. Croix is the largest of the islands (85 square miles). -
                                                                                                                          It lies about 40 miles south-southeast of Puerto Rico and about 40 mlles south of St.
                                                                                                                         Thomas (30 square miles). St Thomas lies approximately 40 miles east of Puerto Rico and
                                                                                                                          25 miles west of St John (19 square miles).












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     The Eagle Mountain Volcanics of SL Croix has been intruded by a large mass of gabbro in
     the Fountain Valley region of the North Side Range  nd by a similar mass or doirit in the                            Soil wetness conditions or drainage casses refers to the depth within a soi that saturation
     East End Range between Great Pond and Southgate Pond During late Cretaceous or Ear                                       near saturation by the   ound water table is encountered and is an important design
                                                                                                                        or near saturation by the ground water table is encountered and is an important design
     Tertiary age.  Up to this time The Mount Eagle Volcnics was one continuous ridge,                                    consideration for septic systems in may parts of the country.  Due to the hydrogeologic
     Sometime during Early to Middle Terdutay age St Crox's central valley was created by a                               conditions of the U.S. Virgin Islands however, ground water tables rarely approach the
     downthrown block (grabben) as  result of normal faulting and St Croix consisted of two
     islands Separated by a deep marine basin in which is mucb as 7,W0 feet of                               cl ayey ground surface and hi. not an important tool in land use planning decisions with the
     islands separated by a deep nrine basin in which as much as 7,000 feet of  clayey                                    exception of a few soil series which will be noted later in this section.
                                                                                        "''s'OstteuYmdOLAtatndsisplnt r alaexception of a few sol ieries which will be noted later in this section.
    sediments lown uas the Jelousy Formantion. Alternating deposiuts of planktonic material and
    sediment  gravity eows which accumulated In deep water during Oligocene and Miocene                                   Analysis of the physical characteristics of the Virgin Islands soil resources indicates three
    age form the limestones and math of the   nhll Formation.  The Klngshill Formation                                    major categories of soil groupings which, with a few exceptions, should act similarly with
    (known locally as Caleche) extends across the south and central plains of St. Croix.  Along                           respect to the design and operation of septic systems  These categories are closely related
    the southwestern coastal plain, thin deposits of shallow water benthic organisms overlap the                          to the parent materials in which the soils have developed and are designated as Volcanic,
    Kingshfll Formntion                                                                                                   Calcarious Marine Sediment, and Alluvium. Table 2 presents a soil catena relationship for

                                                                                                                        the proposed soil series in which they have been sorted based on their parent materials and
    Recent geologic processes occurring on the U.S. Virgin Islands consist primarily of surface                           the proposed soil  respee in      tbhey h    av e been sorte o on It should bparent materias and
    weathering of the bedrock formations, erosion. and the deposition of aluvwiu  along                                   then arranged with respect to their typical landscape position. It should be noted that the
    iwentering of the bedrock a nn tdns  eroeamns and the deposition of aauvsuta         along                             aucus and Sugar Beach series have been placed in the Alluvium category for the purposes
    southeasternt stream chf annth el North in costal embayment   and as alluvil fares along  he                          of this discussion.  aucus eonsts of beach deposits ofcalcarious marine sands while Sugar
    southeaster base of the North End Rane of SL Croix. These processes have configured                                   Beach develops on deep organic (muck) deposits.  Generalized soil maps showing the
    he landscape of the islands and hasdevel fored the arent material base upon which the soils                           distribution of these categories for St Thomas, SL John and St. Croix are presented as
    of the U.S. Virgin Islands have developed.                                                                            Figures 1, 2, 3. respectively, A,  the new soil survey maps are not available, these maps have
    SOILS                                                                                                                 been prepared using geologic maps of the islands showing the spatial relationships of the
I-Lï¿½                                                                                                                      parent material groups.
c   Soils of the U.S. Virgin Islands have been characterized by SOIL SURVEY, VIRGIN
    IStANDS OF THE UNITED STATES published by the United States Department of
   Agrculture, Soil Conservation Service in August of 1970.  This publication contains                                   Soils developed from volcanic parent materials are the most wide-spread category on St.
   descriptions of the soil types identified and mapped by the soil survey, physical data.                                Thomas. St. John and in the North End and East End Ranges of St. Croix. For the most
   interpretations of their suitability for various uses, and maps at a scale of 1:1840 depicting                         part they have formed in thin mantles (less than two feet) of materials weathered from the
   their lateral extent  Although this document has been a valuable tool for land use planning.                           underlying volcanc bedrock formations nd occupy slopes of up to 75f6 or more with slopes
   its inforation is old and has become outdated with respect to the current understanding                                in excess of 359b being very common. The volcanic parent materials weather to form highly
   of the U.S. Virgin islands soil resources.                                                                             structured soils with textures of clay and clay loam, usually with a gravelly or very gravelly
   The USDA Soil Conservation Service is currently in the process of a re.classification and                              component.
   correlation of the soil resources of all the islands. Some of the soil series recognized by the                        Montmorillonite clays (high shrink swell capacities) are mineralogical coponents of the
   1970 publication will continue to be recognized through this process. Many of the old soil                             Jelousy ParasoL Sussannaberg and Fredriksdal series. Areas of volcanic parent materials
   series, however, will be discontinued and new series formulated to more accurately describeerology a   noted on the eneried sil maps.
   the charaterdtics of these resources. Field mapping of St. Croix and St. John has been
   completed and mapping is in process on St. Thomas at the time of this report.                                          Permeability for the soils in this category is reported to be moderate with the exception of
   Unfortunately, detailed maps will not be completed or available fdr use in this study.                                 the soils with Mntmorillonite clay which have slow permeabilities. Exceptlors within this
   Indications ae that they will be available for use in the near future. In anticipation of the                          category are the Parasol ad Jelousy soils which have developed over the gabbro and diorit
   availability of this information. this study will use the information that is currently available                      intrusions on St. Croix and  dp and very deep respectively to the underlying bedrock
   for the new Soil Survey. Table I lists the names of the soil series proposed for this survey.                          formations.
                                                                                                                        formations.












     Calcarious Marine Soils:

    Soils developed from calcarious marine sediments are Arawak. Sion and Hessleberg. They
    have developed in parent materials derived from the calcarious marine sediments of the
    Kingshill Formation found on St Croix. Arawak is a shallow soil located on the summits
    and upper side slopes of the limestone hills and are gende to very steeply sloping (up to
    75%). Sion found on the lower side slopes and valley floors of the limestone deposits, is
    very deep and gentler sloping (0-12%).  Hessleberg has developed on shallow marine
    terraces along the southeastern shore of St. Croix and is distinguishable due to a hard
    petroalcie layer present within 20 to 30 inches of the soil surface. These soils are underlain
    by a soft limestone marl which is known locally as Calecbe. Permeability of these soils is
    moderate. Textures are clayey.



    Soils which have formed in recent alluvial deposits on the islands can be separated into two
    groups, those having development potential and those that do not. The latter group is
    comprised of soils associated with natural resources that have significant value to the benefit
    of the general public and should be preserved. These ares include mangrove swamps, salt
    marshes, salt ponds. tidal flau, beaches, and areas with high water tables adjacent to these
    resources and In gut floodplains. Soil series typically found in these areas include Sugar
    Beach, Sandy Point Jaucus, Solitude, Cornhill, and Carib respectively. Any of the other
    series in the alluvium category may also be included in this group when they arc located
    within or directly adjacent to drainageways, locally known as 'gut.                                                                  T.  THOMA5

    The remaining soils in this category have developed in sediments on alluvial fans, terraces.                                    General  Soil  Map                   LECEND.
    plains and lower side slopes. Cinnamon and Glynn are formed in fine textured sediments
    from extrusive volcanic rocks which overly stratified fine to coarse textured sediments.                                                                                       Alluvium Sols
    Hogensborg is formed in clayey sediments with Montmorillonite mineralogy derived from
    intrusive volcanic rocks. specifically the gabbro and dorite intrusions found in the North End                                                                         Ltmestone Solts
    and East End Ranges respectively on St. Croix.                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                      :......."  Voe.nI SC  s   wtllh Montmorlonite
                                                                                                                                                                               Clay tlnerolooy



















mI  -  -  -  -  -  -  -------                                                                                                                                                                                     













                  -    -    -  - -     -        -          -          - - -                       -           -        -       -        -          -          - -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...............












                                                                                                                                                                    Alu%
                                      ............  .....  .  ......   .......



                                                                                                            S..........

                           General  Soil Map~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~. .eea   ..i  .a                                 i~.....






t-n        S T . J O H N                                                G n eral    5ii MapLEGEND, kctn


                                                                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Alluvium 5os                             km el   s with Mafltmoriffouite
                                                                     A~~~~~uv~~~~~wtm  boi~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~C40y  Minerology
                                        [1:::]Voi~lcai 5)ol5                                                                              Volcanic $oIh

              Vigure~ ~ ~ ~~F 2   j7]        anic Sods~ wIth Montmiorillomiie  V       olcani                                                   Sols la wt-hirog   Mlo~Amorigolte











                                                                                                                        10 milligrams per liter (mg/I).  Nitrate nitrogen levels above I to 2 mg/I are typically
   GIROUNDWATER:                                                                                                         considered to bt elevated above natural background levels.
                                                                                                                       Investigation into the groundwater quality of the U.S. Virgin Islands has been conducted by
   Groundwater in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a limited resource which has been estimated by                              Geraghty & Miller (April 1983), the U.S. Geological Survey (Garcia and Canoy, 1984 and)
   the U.S. Geological Society to supply approximately 20% of the total water needs of the                               and others.   Geraghty &  Miller collected and analyzed Inorganic chemical quality data
   islands  population  and  industry  (Torres-Sierra  and  Rodriguez.Alonso  1986).  The                                from several sources within the Fairplains and Barton Spot well fields as well as from 78
   development and operation of groundwater production wells has been recognized as the                                  private wells on SL Croix. Inorganic chemical quality was also gathered from  vrsenDwells
   most cost effective source of drinking water available on the islands (C2HM Hill. 1983) and                           in the Turpentire Run basin on St. Thomas.  They reported nitrate nitrogen levels of 35
   as water demand increases it is likely that pressured to develop groundwater sources to their                         to 4.6 mg/l in the Fairplains wells, 3.8 to 7.4 mg/I In the Barron Spot wes, and several
   fullest capacity will also increase. Investigation into the extent, quantity and quality of                           other areas on St Croix with levels which approach and In some cases exceed the 10 mg/I
   groundwater aquifers has received considerable attention by the U.S. Geological Survey, the                           maximum contaminant level establish by EPA. Four wells In the Turpentine Run Basin on
   Water Resources Research Institute of the University of the Virgin Islands and several                                St. Thomas were reported to have nitrate nitrogen levels In excess of 10 mg/i  with four
   private consulting firms In conjunction with governmental agencies.                                                   of the other wells sampled having levels between 3 and 5 mg//L

   Concerns for public health have prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to                                  Garcia and Canoy collected and analyzed water samples from 8 wells on St. Crox, 7 wells
   establish primary and secondary water quality standards for drinking water supplies.                                  on SL Thomas, and 4 wells on St. John for Inorganic ehemical quality as well as fecal
   Contaminants of primary concern that are :introduced into the environment from the                                    coliform and fecal streptococci bacteria. Nitrate nitrogen exceeded 1.0 mg/l in ten of the
   application ofwaste-water are pathogenic organisms (bacteria, viruses, and parasites), nitrate                        wells sampled with two of the wells being in excess of 5 mg/l and ma of the samples being
   nitrogen, and synthetic organic compounds.  Pathogenic or disease causing organisms are                               below 10 mg/I.  Fecal bactcrl were detected In all but one of the wells with feca
   introduced through the feces of individuals who are either infected with the disease or are                           streptococci being detected as high as 5,800 colonies per 100 milliters of sample.
   carriers. Nitrates are formed from the mineralization and nitrification of organic
   compounds found in waste-water by aerobic microbes.  Synthetic organic compounds are                                  Ln 1986 Knudsen conducted a study to evaluate the presence of water borne pathogens In
   contained in cleaning agents and other man-made products which are being commonly used                                the various drinking water sources of the U.S. Virgin Islinds and the ability of standard
   In the house-hold. A more thorough discussion of these contaminants, their modification                               testing requirements to detect them. Samples were collected from cisterns, wells and points
   and disposition through septic system operation is contained elsewhere in this report.                                along the public water system. Human pathogenic bacteria were found to be prsentn all
                                                                                                                       of the 16 sampling points with fecal streptococcus being present in all but one sampling
   The proper design and construction of septic systems is effective in the removal of                                   point.
   pathogens through soil treatment of waste-water prior to its discharge to the underlying                                                N
   water table. The presence of fecal bacteria within a groundwater aquifer is a prime indicator                         In 1986 the U.S.  eological Society compiled chemical water quality analyses of water
   that direct connection/s between the aquifer and  inadequately operating septic system/s                              samples collected between 1965 and 1985 from the principle aqulfenrs of the US. VIrgin
   can exist. A saturated flow zone berween the disposal mechanism (trench, seepage, etc.)                               Islands (Zack Rodriupez-Alonso and Roman-Mau   1986). A total of 169 samples were
   and the water table or fractured bedrock formations are the most common avenues cited                                analyzed for nitrate nitrogen; 21 from the Klngshill aquifer on St Croix, 140 from volcanie
   In the literature for the migration of pathogens over long distances,   The maximum                                  bedrock aquifers and 8 from coastal embavment aquifers. 759  of the samples collected
   eontaminant level established for bacterial in dHnking water is one colony per 100                                   from the Klngshill aquifer are reported to have nitrate nitrogen levels In excess of2 mg/i
   milligrams of water.                                                                                                 with 509% being in excess of 8 mll/I and approximately 40% exceeding 10 mg/L  Of the
                                                                                                                      volcanic bedrock samples, 50% exceed 2 mg/i and approximately 30% exceed 10 mg/L
   Nitrates, on the other hand, are generated from the application of waste-water through                                Coastal embayment aquifers exhibited better water quality with respect to nitrate nitrogen
   conventional septic system operation, regardless of design and construction considerations,                           with less than 20% of the samples exceeding I mg/I.
  and surface discharge of improperly treated waste.water. Nitrate levels within an aquifer
  Is determined by the density of development which discharges Its waste.water within the                               Most authbts reviewed have cited septic system practices in the U.S. Virgin Islands as
  catchment area supplying recharge to the aquifer and the anount and quality of water                                  contamination sources  and- a threat to the quality of the islands groundwater resources.
  rechurging the aquifer, Nitrate nitrogen levels within a aquifer, therefore, is a useful tool
  In assessing development impacts to groundwater quality and the, level of development
  controls necessary to maintain groundwater quality level within acceptable standards. The
  maximum contaminant level for nitrate nitrogen in drinking water has been established at









- -      -      - -- -- --  -      -                                                                                                                                                                        - 













EVAPORATION                                                                                                                   RAINFALL

The Bethlehem Upper New Works. SL Croix. gaging station is the only location found on                                         Annual rainfall values differ from location to location with higher elevations generally receiving
the Virgin Islands that measures evaporation with any consistency.  l5ata from this station                                   greater amounts.  On St. Thomas and St. John, annual averages of between 40 and 60 inches.
shows that avenge monthly evaporation varies from 4  l/r per month in the winter to                                           On St. Croix, them  Is a more noticeable variation from place to place.  This Island has the
almost r in the summer month    The yearly evaporation average is close to 80 inches per                                      greatest annual rainfltl, in excess of 30 inches in the northwestern comer.  A narrow finger of
year. Normal rainfall usually equals or exceeds evaporation in the months of October and                                      between 25 and 35 Inches extends northeast to southwest over the fatlands south of the hills in
November.                                                                                                                     the western portion of the Island.  Records available for the three Wands indicate a relatively
                                                                                                                                 wet-relatvely dry season distribution, but It Is not sharply defined. The relatively dry period
                                                                                                                                 extends fom about December through June.  Occasionally, quite heavy rainfall occurs during
                      TOTAL EVAPORATION AMOUNTS  (inches)                                                                     the so-called drier months.  The driest month on S. Thomas and St John usually Is February
               BETHLEHEM UPPER NEW WORKS, ST. CROIX U.S.V.I.                                                                  or Much and the wettest month September or October.  On St. Croix, the month with the
                                                                                                                                 heaviest rainfall, on the avenge, ranges from September through November.


                                                                                                                             R  AlFlDEVIRGIN ISLANDS                PRECIPITATION NORMALS (INCHES)
1985   539    635    6.76   8.38   8.20   831    9.59    -        7.Z3    -      -      4.57
                                                                                                                                1 .3  .68.79.9 - 7M--STATION  IJN I EB I MAR I APR I MAY  JUN I JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT INOV  DEC IANN
1906   5.57   638    -       7.13    -     839    7.98   7.73   7.03   5.77   4.                                                                                      . 
1987   68    4.74   7.60   6:61   6.49   -         6.84   6.63   8.21   6.50   51       ----5.2.                                                                               )A.'  Il l  3:1  1:,    1:;.: 1:1:, 1:11 : .0   3:11
1988   5.16   5.70   7.72   7.15    -       5.10   7.21   -       -      -       -      44                                                      sISION  ":.,                       i 1: : 1:11  3,,I5  ! 2.59 s:s:  1  1:11, 1..ss  AI  1:11  1:48
                                                                                                                             4("oIsA                Ml0:.5   ~ .51:11  41.1                          . ON 5.: 41    ,  I  I N   45.54 :1':I1:.  1 ,
1989   534    -      6.2 n    -     8.08   -       6.79  7?S    -                -      -..                              C.I.M440358                                                             1. I' A
M             -   6.62  6.98  7.75 --  -   - - -                                 .82 RNA
                                     t9~~~~~                                                                                                     4flU~~~~ 1:1?  7:17  ::~~~~~~~~~i  lll  5:1,  *:sI  1:711 7:71  2:17  3:34  1:27  3:27'  1:11Is:": - I :11 I'  I 1:   .,  :I,  a
1991   3.43 5.28    -        837    733    -       9.09   7.84    857    -       7.02   -                                                               13 0 L'.1        1: $I  1     .    . 1;   1         45 .    1    11    .I



AVOS 5.50   5.69   6.98   7.44   7.57 7.29    7.91   7.43   7.76   6.14   5.64   A-51                                    16-141.          -      VD I A%  1:11'  IAI  1:11  1:11  1:11; 1:14,  H'I 3'. '. I1:145k   .5   49985    4.5  I, .b t
                                                                                                                            3881( CI~nmologicol    oleso  a.5.al  a.nmc    .4 . .    3: ?AI7 1:h IT  33        oU 1  1:4  1:711  3: Is
                                                                                                                            (451V 0454.            7?7          I     1    1:71 "  , I'AN 1  A.ss Ad  7:11     '1 1:1.1 1:, :3 17
                                             Indicals:4~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~(11 monfl                                wher e Womto    is amaial  L"L dst %1   n1 :..111; is 2 :11 s.",  i :22    1:11 111  1:11 1:71 2:7   :11  3:217 I41.1A

                                                                                                                                IN, 445              1% 13:11  U1,  1A, 1         1:16' !:I 11 3:11 `JI :11 .13  11  1:1!  3:2 I 7s1:37
                                          - Indicates mossdss ~isere inI~rmation is n~ available.                        44l  ~  ~               71272k  3:....:IN   Is1:1!'UI  1:1I  3:11  7:12  lii  2:           4,2:33  711   4.
                                                                                                                                                      .4vto~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~54
                                                                                                                                  U0~~~~ ~    ~~'(10  I N 2  L3 :11  1:7  '117   :1I  2:11  I:   1:11'  I:3R1: :1   213 1   )-? "1: I  I,





                                                                                                                                 Fro. precipitat ion aan lnora S am  'Clma t ological  Daa V' as   published by U.S. Department of
                                                                                                                                 Commerc, Nbaonnoa  Oceanographic and Atoospheric AdminiAtro:        ion













     GROUNDWA'ER RECHARGE                                                                                                                  QN-SITE SEPTIC DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

    The rate of ground water recharge in the U.S, Virgin Islands is an important consideration                              GEERAL
    in the management of appropriate septic system densities. Rainfall infiltration which is able
     to reach the water table is the primary source of replenishment of the various groundwater                              Septic systems have long been believed to be an efficient and cost-efctive mra    of
     aqulers followed by septic systems operation and surface discharges from sewer treatment                                disposing of domestic wastewater and have been relied on beavily to support residential
    plants.                                                                                                                 growth in urban ad  rural areas not served by municipal wastewater collection and
                                                                                                                  treatment systems. Until recently there has been relatively Uttle untmdersmanding of the
    The U.S. Geological Society has prepared a water budget for the Islands which indicatces
    that 94% of the rainfall is lost to evaporation and transpiration by plants.  3% is lost to                             cotamitnantspresentindomesticwastewaterandthesoiltreatmrentmechan'sthat modify
    surface water runoff with the remaining 3%o being discharged to the groundwat er table. This                            its qualiy before reaching our ground water and surface water resoures.  Septic systems
    amounts to            a little more tha n one inch of rainfall per yea being   intro duced into the owater              were often thought of as temporary solutions to wastewater disposal thatwould operate only
    tnasble    to a  ic more tban one incb of rainfaU per yar beiog inoduced into th  vatr                                  until municipal services were made available, As a result many areas In the continental U.S.
                                                                                                                 which saw high growth rates and dense development In the 40, SOs  and 60s have
                                                                                                                  experienced a serious degradation of the quality of their drinking water supplies from septic
                                                                                                                  system operation practices.

                                                                                                                  Within the past 15 to 20 years a tremendous volume of research has investigated these
                                                                                                                  issues. Although by no means complete, the literature is supportive of the pretext that
                                                                                                                  septic systems are a viable alternative in areas where public sewers and wastewater
                                                                                                                  treatment systems ae not available or economically feasible. They will operate effectively
                                                                                                                  if they are properly designed, situated in areas suitable for operation used only for the
                                                                                                                 purposes for which they were designed, and given periodic maintenance.

                                                                                                                 This section presents the current understanding of the treatment mechanisms that occur as
                                                                                                                 septic tank effluent passes through a soil medium and the resultant effects on ground water
                                                                                                                 and surface water quality.

                                                                                                                  WASTEWATER CHARACTERISTICS

                                                                                                                 'nle design criteria for septic systems, effectiveness of the soil treatment mechanisms, and
                                                                                                                 the resultant pollutant load placed on water resources Is in parut a function of the
                                                                                                                 characteristics of the wastewater being applied. Wastewater characteristics should be
                                                                                                                 evaluated In two categories: quantity of the wastewater generated and Its quality. Both
                                                                                                                 components can vary greatly and are dependent upon the type of use.

                                                                                                                 Ouantity of wastewater has been characterized for a wide variety of uses and can be found
                                                                                                                 in most manuals or codes which characterize septic system design parameters.  It is
                                                                                                                 important to recognize that the design flow figures presented in many of these sources
                                                                                                                 incorporate pealdng factors to insure that a septic system can accommodate short periods
                                                                                                                 of higher than average water use. While it is important to sitze the septic system
                                                                                                                 components to accommodate the occurrence of peak water usage, average daily flow figures
                                                                                                                 represent long term trends in water use and are more appropriate for use in evaluating
                                                                                                                 impacts from septic system operation. Literature references indicate that the average daily
                                                                                                                 flow for residential wastewater is in the range of 45 to 60 gallons per capita per day (gpcd).









- - m - -  --  --     - -          --- 












       Synthetic Organic Compounds: Synthetic organic compounds are being detected in
       domestic wastewater more frequently than ever before.  They are contained in                                           Removal of pathogenic organisms in the septic tank processes is a function of detention time and
       cleaning agents, gasoline, and other min-made products which are people flush down                                     organism reaction to the oxygen deficient conditions within the tank.   Organisms have a
       toile   and  drains.   Many  synthetic organic compounds  are believed  to be                                          tendency to become associated with solids and can become incorporated in the sludge. This,
       carcinogenic, and only require very low concentrations to present a public health                                      coupled with the presence of an anaerobic environment not suited to the survival of pathogens,
       concern.  Many authors believe that the introduction of these compounds to our                                         has led to reports in the literature of significant removal rates within the septic tank. Although
       environment through the use of septic systems may be the  greatest threat to our                                       removal rates in excess of 99% have been reported for some organisms,  the high levels of
       ground water resources in the future.                                                                                  concentration of pathogens present in the wastes of infected individuals would still result In
                                                                                                                           extremely high numbers of organisms discharged in septic tank effluent. It must be assumed
Other chemical and physical contaminants: In addition to the wastewater constituents noted                                    therefore, that the septic tank is unlikely to remove any organism completely, and that septic
above,  chlorides,  metals,  and  specific  conductance  (an  indicator  of  salts)  are                                      tank effluent must be considered capable of transmitting any disease whose pathogenic agent is
groundwater/surface water quality parameters which are impacted by septic systems and                                         present in the raw wastewater.
other development related uses.
                                                                                                                           SOIL TREATMENT OF EFFLUENT
SEPYTIC TANK
                                                                                                                           After pretreatment, the septic tank effluent is conveyed to a disposal area where it is applied to
Wastewaters are modified through pretreatment processes which occur in a septic tank prior                                    the soil. The disposal area can be of several different configurations, i.e., leachbeds, trenches,
to being disposed of in the soil. These processes include physical separation followed by                                     seepage pits, etc. The soil treatment processes for each disposal option is the same, differing
anaerobic digestion of the waste matter,                                                                                      only slightly on the method of application used to distribute the effluent over the surface of the
                                                                                                                           disposal area.  The Infiltrative surface between the disposal area and the surrounding soil acts
Septic tanks are buried, watertight structures designed and constructed to receive the                                        as a filter removing the particulate matter and most of the larger microorganisms (bacteria and
wastewater and to provide a desired detention time before passing it on to the soil for                                       parasites).
disposal. Durinl this detention period the 'floatables' in the wastewater (oils, greases, and
some feal coonstitents) float to the top, where they undergo some microbial decomposition                                     As the effluent moves through the receiving soil further treatment is provided through filtration,
and form a floating layer of scum.  Settleable solids and partially decomposed sludge                                         adsorption, and microbial utilization. These processes provide the optimum treatment potential
accumulate at the bottom of the tank where they are subjected to microbial decomposition. of a soil when the effluent is allowed to pass through the soil under unsaturated flow conditions
The somewhat clarified liquid remaining between the layers of scum and sludge, 'septic tank                                   and oxygen is present for bio-utilization.  At appropriate loading rates the remaining bacteria
effluent' is displaced from the tank as new wastewater is introduced.                                                         and viruses are effectively removed, the soils phosphorus retention capacity is maximized, and
                                                                                                                           the ammonium ions are converted to NO,-N. Very little treatment occurs when the effluent is
The high rate of microbial decomposition or digestion that occurs in the septic tank quickly                                  transmitted through the soil under saturated flow conditions resulting in a high potential for
utlizes any ozy n present in the raw wastewater and the digestion process operates in an                                      bacterial, viral, and other contaminant transport into our ground water and surface water
anaerobic or osygen free environment. Under theie conditions, the organic components of                                       resources.
the wtemter       e partially broken down by microbali enzymes, resulting in a chemical
transformation of the nitrogen and phosphorus compounds.  The end result being the                                            Distribution:
formation of ammonia (NH3) and orthophosphate (PO4) along with methane gas, hydrogen
sulfide gas and water. At normal pH levels found within septic tank effluent, the ammonia                                     In gravity distribution systems commonly used in the U.S. Virgin Islands effluent Is usually
transforms to the soluble ammonium ion (NH4+).,                                                                               delivered to the disposal area by gravity from the septic tank, The effluent is distributed over
                                                                                                                          the disposal area by gravity flow through 4' diameter pipes containing large perforations in
                                                                                                                          trenches filled with crushed stone or through seepage pits surrounded by stone. If sufficient
                                                                                                                          receiving soil exists, the organic components of the effluent are filtered out and an organic rich
                                                                                                                          biological mat or crust is developed which reduces the infiltrative capacity of the soil and creates













       a zone of unsaturated flow as the mat creeps across the infiltrative surface.  Once full mat                                 Under saturated soil conditions all or nearly all of the pore space is occupied by water and soil
       development has occurred the reduced application rate promoted by the restrictiveness of the                                 moisture tensibns are much lower.  Water or effluent applied to a saturated soil moves rapidly
       organic mat induces unsaturated now conditions in the surrounding soil and the quality of the                                through the larger pores, reducing the ability of all of the treatment processes described to
       soil treatment process increases greatly.  In mature systems the effluent typically becomes                                 occur.  The application of wastewater in areas with little or no soil treatment zone  over
       ponded above the mat and the anaerobic environment developed in the septic tank is maintained                                fractured bedrock can also obviate the occurrence of these treatment processes.  In nearly all of
       in the disposal area.                                                                                                        the studies reporting pathogen contamination from wastewater application to the soU, the point
                                                                                                                                  of application was directly into saturated soil conditions and/or fractured bedrock where no zone
       Bacteria:                                                                                                                   of unsaturated soil had been provided for treatment.

       Filtration is the prime mechanism affecting the removal of bacteria from the effluent as it moves                            Viruses:
       through the soil, with the degree of removal being inversely proportional to the size of the soil
       particles in the unstructured matrix. The infiltrative surface of the disposal area is very effective                        Because viruses are very small microorganisms, adsorption rather than filtration Is the primary
       in this regard, especially in mature gravity now systems with organic mats that reduce the pore                             soil treatment mechanism  effecting their removal from  septic tank effluent. Vlruses a
       size available for transmission.  Filtration continues to occur within the soil and is assisted by                          electrically charged colloidal particles whose charge is negative at most soil pH values. They
       adsorption in the removal of bacteria.  Adsorption occurs when an organism becomes attached                                 are adsorbed by anionic attraction at pH's below and by cationic resins at pH's above their
       to the surface of a soil particle by chemical bonding between the surface and the organism.                                 isoelectric (neutrally charged) points. Negatively charged viruses are attracted to rations which
       Adsorption takes place on the cation exchange sites present within the soil and the rate of                                  in turn occupy cation exchange sites available on the soil particles. Virus adsorption capacity,
       adsorption Is therefore controlled by soil texture and chemistry.  Finer textured soils generally                           therefore,  increases as clay content, cation exchange capacity, and speifi  surface area
       have a greater adsorption capacity than coarser textured soils.                                                             increases.   Changes in the chemical composition of the soil-water solution, such as Ionic
                                                                                                                                  concentration, pH, and organic matter can affect a soils adsorption capability.
       Survival of bacteria within the soil is also an important consideration in the treatment of septic
       tank effluent, In order to remove the threat of pathogenic contamination of ground water the                                 As with bacteria, the survival of viruses within the soil Is an important consideration in effluent
       microorganisms must be rendered inactive.  Soil temperature, pH, moisture state as well as                                   treatment.  Again, the soil presents a hostile environment which works to tnder viruses
)      antagonistic organisms, soil antibiotics, and the lack of nutrients combine to present a hostile                             ineffective. Studies indicate that temperature has the greatest effect on survival of viruses with
       environment for pathogen survival.                                                                                           inactivation rates increasing as temperature increases.

       Moisture state is the single most important factor controlling the removal of bacteria from septic                          For adsorption to be effective, close contact between soil and virus particles is essential, Waste
       tank effluent within the soil. The processes described above are most efficient when they take                              disposal in soil must be done in a manner so that this contact can occur (6). Soil moisture
       place In aerobic unsaturated soil. Under these conditions the larger pore spaces within the soil                            values and effluent flow velocity or loading rate are the two most Important factors in Insuring
       are filled with air and the increased moisture tension holds moisture to the surface of individual                          that adsorption takes place.  High moisture tensions associated with unsaturated soils holdithe
       soil particles and within the smaller pore spaces.  Septic tank effluent applied to the soil must                           effluent in close contact with the soil particles while low loading rates provides longer residency.
       flow through the smaller pores and over the soil particles, providing a high ratio of surface area                          times for adsorption to occur. Studies have indicated that unsaturated flow through 1.5 to 2 ft.
       contact to the volume of effluent applied. This promotes filtration and exposes the effluent to                             of sandy fill at loading rates of 5 cm/day will yield effluent which present no health hazard from
       more cation exchange sites for adsorption to occur.  Higher moisture tensions slow the rate of                              human enteric viruses.
       effluent movement through the soil, resulting in longer residence times for the hostile
       environment to work on the bacteria. Labotatory and field studies have demonstrated that flow
       through 2 to 4 feet of aerobic unsaturated soil provides near complete bacterial pathogen
       removal.
















 ----- II                                                                                                                                                -  -- -t                                                        - -















NO,-N:                                                                                                                       The drinking water standards and maximum contaminant limits are divided into two separate
                                                                                                                         categories.   Primary and secondary standards have been established because some of the
The primary treatment processes  operating on nitrogen compounds  within the soil are                                        contaminants listed have been linked to health problems. N-N, synthetic organic compounds
mineralization, nitrificaion, and denitrification.  Nitrogen entering the soil from septic tank                              and many metals fall Into this category.
effluent is primarily in the form of the ammonium ion and secondarily in the form of organic
compounds.  Organic compounds are mineralized by microbes within the soil, resulting in the                                  The secondary standards have been established for reasons of aesthetics, taste, or other
conversion of organic N to the ammonium Ion. Ammonium ions are positively charged and are                                    non-health reasons. Iro  and manganese cause taste and laundry staining problems for instance.
quickly attached to cation exchange sites within the soil. In unsaturated aerobic soil conditions
nitrifying bacteria oxidize the ammonium ion to nitrite and then to the nitrate ion  N,-).                                      a   Bacteria - One colony per 100 milligrams water
NO-N Is a highly soluble negatively charged compound which is repelled from the cation
exchange sites within the soil and Is free to move with the percolating water to the water table.                                b.  Synthec Organic Compounds - Although standards for common organic compounds
Several studies have indicated that there is a nearly complete conversion of the organic nitrogen                                    vary, many of the current  recommended limits are below 100 parts per billion  in
and ammonium ion to NO-N within the first few inches of entering the aerobic treatment zone.                                         drinking water, with some recommended limits as low as 5 parts per billion. This is
                                                                                                                                equivalent to one ounce In about 1.5 million gallons. The current drinking water
Once created, some of the NO:-N can be removed from the percolating effluent, provided soil                                          standard for ben ene,     a common constituent of gasoline  is 5 parts per billion.
conditions are present which are conducive to the denitrification of the NOON.  Denitrification
is a process in which NO,-N is reduced to gaseous nitrogen compounds by biochemical                                              c.  Nutrients - The current drining water standard for  NON is 10 mg per liter. There
reduction.   Two enzymes produced by facultative denitrifying bacteria under anaerobic                                               is no drinking water standard for phosphorus.
conditions (i.e. dissimulatory nitrate reductase and dissimulatory nitrite reductase) are the
cataly   which permit this process to occur.  In order for denitrification to be a benefit in the                                d.  Other Consttuents  Drinking water standards for the other constituents are: Chlorides
treatment process, the percolating effluent must encounter an anaerobic (saturated) soil condition                                    250 mg pr liter Specific Conductance  - no limit; Toxic metals  varies  but typically
which has a suitable carbon energy source for the denitrifying bacteria.  These conditions are                                       lower than .  mg per lite
most likely to occur in soils that are saturated near the soil surface. One study, in fact, reported
very high rates of NO-N removal from ground water after flowing only a few feet through
wetland soils (poorly drained).

GROUNDWATER IMPACTS

Groundwater Is the first recipient of sewage effluent disposed of in properly constructed and
designed septic systems. Although the septic nkt/soil treatment system- is effective in
substatially reducing many of the contaminants associated with sewage effluent, the effluent
alters the natural background ground water quality in the vicinity of the septic tank leachfield
system.

Drinking Water Considerations:

Throughout history, poor drinking water quality has led to numerous disease outbreaks. As a
result, the medical profession has promulgated standards for drinking water quality, which offer
protection from waterborne disease. The current drinking water limiting standards for the
'problem constituents described above are as follows:











 SURFACE  WATER  IMPACTS                                                                                               block sunlight penetration through increased turbidity levels These events result In adverse
                                                                                                                    impacts to habitat quality for fisheries and other aquatic plants u well as interfering with
                                                                                                                    recreational aCvides such Ds swimming and boating  Phosphorous is typleally the limiting
Surface water resources of The U.S. Virgin Islands are comprised of two major categories,                             nutrient of codcern controlling aquatic plant growth In fresh water resources while nitrogen
inland or fresh water resources and coastal water resources.  Both categories have been                               is the limiting nutrient of concern for coastal water resources.
recognized nationally as being vital resources beneficial to the economic and environmental
well being of the country. Past human activities associated with cultural encroachment on                             The presence of pathogens in surface water resources s of a concern with respect to health
these resources resulted in wide spread degradation of their quality through the discharges                           related issues  Recreational activities such u swimming  an be impacted from the dosing
of pollutants and loss through conversion for urban uses. In response to these activities                             of beaches due.to patbogen contamination. Uterature review conducted by otbers report
Congress enacted the Clean Water Act (CWA) to abate and control sources of water                                      58 incidences of shelfishb waters being closed or restricted In the Mid-Atlantidc ocean as a
pollution. The initial thrust of the CWA provided for the regulation of point sources of                              result of contamination from urban runoff and 11 incddences of dlosre resulting from
pollution through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System of section 402 of the                           pathogen contamination from septic systes.
act and the discharge of dredged and fill material through section 404. In 1987 Congress
amended the 'Declaration of Goals and Policy' section of the CWA to include nonpoint
 sources of pollution and enacted section 319 to the CWA. establishing a national program
 to control nonpoint sources of pollution through the adoption and implementation of
 management programs. Additionally, in 1990 Congress enacted legislation (Coastal Zone
 Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990) which requires Coastal Zone Management
 programs established under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 as well as Nonpoint
 Source programs established under section 319 of the CWA to address the impact of
 nonpoint sources of pollution to coastal waters.

Discharge of domestic wastewater to the environment through the use of septic systenm  has
been widely recognized as a source of nonpoint pollution which can affect surface water
quality. Pollutants of concern which have been shown to detrimentally impact water quality
are nutrients and pathogens,  Nutrients are nitrogen and phosphorous compounds while
pathogens are disease causing micro-organisms that are present in the feces of infected
individuals. The presence, fate and contaminate transport mechanisms of these pollutants
within the subsurface environment is thoroughly discussed elsewhere in this document
Nutrients Introduced into the subsurface environment from septic systems are typically
delivered to surface water resources through groundwater discharge with the density of
septic systems adjacent to these resourcescontrolling the level of nutrients being delivered.
Some nutrients and pathogens, resulting from the surface discharge of failed septic systems
built in unsuitable soil conditions, can reach surface water resources through urban runoff.
Pathogens can also be delivered through groundwater discharge in areas where adjacent
septic systems are built to close to or in highly fractured bedrock formations that do not
have the ability to remove them prior to the waste stream reaching the groundwater table.

All plant growth requires nutrients as energy sources for metabolism.  In surface water
environments low levels of nutrients from naturally occurring sources, typically less than 03
mg/I for nitrogen and 0.05 mg/l for phosphorous, are the Limiting factors controlling aquatic
plant growth. The presence of nutrients in concentrations above natural background levels
as a result of adjacent human encroachments have been shown to induce excessive aquatic
plant growth activity, resulting in a degradation of surface water quality through a process
termed as cultural eutrophication". The increased level of organic matter added to surface
water systems through this process can rapidly deplete the resources oxygen supply and















       OTHER ALTERNATIVES FOR SEWAGE DISPOSAL                                                                                   EVAPOTRANSPIRATION
                                                                                                                               It is estimated that there are approximately 5,000 evapotranspiration units currently In the United
                                                                                                                               States. Evapotranspiration and evapotranspiration/seepage systems have been proposed as a
                                                                                   aea of suitable soils is not pesent, o whee limiting conditions  simple solution to the widespread wastewater disposal and ground water contamination problems.
    In areas in which an adequate area of suitable soils is not present, or where limiting condiuons
    aoccur    alternatis it   disposal systems including surface discharge, evapotranspiration beds and                         Evapotranspiration systems utilize capillary action in shallow sand beds or trenches to draw
    occur, alternative disposat  systems, rincluding surface discharge, avapotranspiraon beds and                               liquid up towards the surface and the plant root zone where it is removed by evaporation or
                                                                                                                              utilized by vegetative transpiration.   An evapotranspiration/seepage system uses the limited
    FLTRATION                                                                                                                   infiltrative capacity of the soils surrounding an unlined evapotranspiradtion bed to provide soil
                                                                                                                              absorption to aid In the elimination of the applied liquid load,
    Although the use   of filtration followed by  disinfection and surface discharge is not a                                   Many factors affect the rate of evapotranspiration at a particular site including the available solar
    recommended alternative for s        ingle family homeowner operated on-site w   astewater systems, it                      radiation, temperature, elevation, relative humidity, wind speed, soil moisture availability, plant
    may present an alternative for small community and hotel developments which propose a single                                density and species dstibution, and bed surface area.  Additional factors which need to be
                                                                                                                              density and species distribution, and bed surface area.  Additional factor  which need to be
    wastewaer treatment system to be maintained and controlled by a competent operator.                                         considered in the design and siting of an evapott ranspiration bed include the annual and seasonal

    Single pan  surface sand filters are relatively simple mechanical filtration systems which use                              temperature patterns and rainfall intensity and duration.
    approximately 24 inches of sand to provide polishing to septic tank  effluent intermittently loaded
    to 2 of mom filetaion units.                                                                                                Evapotranspiradon beds are best suited for hot, semi-arid regions. The heavy rainfalls that are
    to 2 or more fltsheion units.  Theo e systems may present w hsom         e odor problems  sand require                      typical of the Virgin Islands climate makes evapotranspiration of limited use as a sole treatment
    periodic Wldng of dhe surface to break-up the hard crust which develops.  Buried sand filters                               method.  While a conventional soil absorption system may actually involve some degree of
                                  were developed as a  lave in order to minimize the offensive odor oftentimes associated      evapotranspiration in the removal of nutrient        s and liquid wastes, this Impact is usually neglected
C   with su       flters. These units are typically designed with I to 3 gallon per day per square                              in the                      d      esign of soil absorption systems.
    foot loading rates intended to provide adequate detention times necessary to achieve maximum
! suspended solids removal.                                                                                                     PEAT BED   FILTRATION

    AEROBIC LAGOONS
                                                                                                                              Peat moss has proven to be effective in the removal of trace materials (copper, nickel, cobalt,
    Aerobic lagoons have beesn proposed for rural areas where conventional septic systems are not                               and zinc) and has been successfully used in the treatment of industrial wastes.  Nineteen cities
    possible.  The design of aerobic lagoons is similar to that used for the stabilization ponds                                in Finland use peat bogs for municipal wastewater treatment and studies have been conducted
                                                                                                                              in Wisconsin regarding the use of peat bogs for the polishing of effluent from sewage lagoons
    municipal oxindtion  pond will typicall y use i  detention time of approximately 30 days.                                   and secondary treatment plants.  Peatlands, peat trenches, and swamplands have been used as
    Housichoid aobxid a  goons,  due to ty he       i        r much smaller size and increased chance of short                  a main form of wastewater treatment, following pretreatment in a septic tank and aerated
    Household aerobic ilgoons, due to their much smaller size and increased chance of short
    circuiting, are typically sized with a detention time of 100 days corresponding to a surface area
    of appiotimately 220 square feet per person and a liquid depth of 3 feet. The minimum
    recommended size of n aerobic lagoon is 900 square feet with improved operation anoted wh en                                Studies conducted in Maine on the construction and use of Sphagnum peat beds for wastewater
    recommendnd size of an aerobic lagoon is 900 square feet, with improved operation noted when
    a minimum size of 1,050 square feet is used.  Anaerobic conditions may result in the bottom                                 treatment reveals that these systems may indeed offer some benefits but will need increased study
    sediments (facultative lagoons) with aerobic treatment layers only present on the surface.  This                            to prove their worth  and  f found to be acceptable will require competent designe   and
                                                                                                                              installers.  Peat beds display a range of hydraulic conductivities, depending upon the degree of
    may lead to increased odor problems, and therefore should be avoided or closely monitored.
                                                                                                                              humidification, water content, dry density, type of peat and depth of sample. The reported study
    The effluent quality of an aerobic lagoon can be generally very good: especially in warm                                    utilized a 75 cm (30 inch) deep peal bed and loading rate of 1.5 cm/d (0.35 gpd/sf. The results
                               climates where gtrter than 90 percent BOD reductions may be accomplished.  The unit should      of the study indicate fh at            t       he peat bed worked satisfactorily with no problems or odors and no
    be preceded by a septic tank and should be located 150 to 200 feet downwind of the nearest                                  visible ponding of efuenl.
    residence, open to direct sunlight and wind.   Berms and fences shdulO be constructed
    surrounding the lagoon utilizing proper construction techniques including 3:1 sideslopes, a 4-foot
    wide top and 2 feet of available freeboard.












                                                                                                                        DISCHARGE FROM PRIVATE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS
   ANAEROBIC FILTERS
                                                                                                                        Because of resons outlined elsewhere in this report, it appears that the use of package
   Anaerobic filters have since been developed as a pretreatment device for domestic discharges                                treatment plants will be needed to treat sewage generated on the islands. The use of these
   and for high strength or acidic industrial wastes, and are currently receiving increased attention                          plants then leads to the need for treatment and disposal of the outflow from them  The
   u an alternative treatment process designed to anaerobically treat and dentrify aerobic treatmcnt                           characteristics of this outflow Is shown in the following table:
   unit effluent.

   Anaerobic plug flow filters are chambers filled with a solid media which promotes fixed film
   and interstitial microbial growth.  These chambers are usually operated in an upflow mode and                                                     Septic System Effluent vs. Advanced Wastewater
   can be as simple as a concrete septic tank or water-tight chamber filled with rock.  Anaerobic                                                        Treatment Facility Effluent Chacteristics
   plug flow filter systems provide many advantages to the use of aerobic filters, including the
   removal of organics as gases like methane, carbon dioxide and nitrogen rather than fixed as new
   cell material. This results in a decreased sludge volume which is 6-10 times as dense as an
   aerobic sludge. Additional advantages include the ability of the system to handle shock loads,                                                                    Influet                      Effluent Quality-
   the ability of the system to survive for extended periods on no load at all, an improved effluent                              arame te                             uai1                WSWecT
   quality transported to the soil absorption system, and low cost of operation and maintenance.
                                                                                                                       BOD5                                 300                   170                    IS
   DISINFECTION
                                                                                                                       Suspended Solids                     300                    60                    <10
   Disinfection of wastewaters can be accomplished by a variety of chemical, physical. mechanical,
   and radiation techniques designed to physically trap the bacteria cell or to inactivate the cell by                         Total Nitrogen (as N)                 45                     42                    <10
   mechanisms causing damage to the cell wall, alteration of the cell permeability, alteration of the
   colloidal nature of the protoplasm or inhibition of the enzyme activity.  Disinfection of                                   Ammonia-Nltrogen (as N)                12                    40                    < 2
   household wastewaters has been advocated in many states prior to surface discharge to water
   bodies.  Simple disinfection devices which have demonstrated some reliability in domestic use                                Nitrate-Nitrogen (as N)              0.6                   0.04                   <10
   include ultraviolet radiation using mercury vapor lamps and dry feed chlorination systems.
   Proper disinfection requires a clarified effluent as suspended solids, metals, and refractory                               Total Phosphorus (as P)                25                    14                    10
   organics Interfere with the process.  Because of this need for a highly purified effluent, sand
   filters or some other system may be necessary prior to disinfection.                                                        Fecal Coliform                        3x10                  5x106                 c 100
                                                                                                                       (coliform/100 ml)
   SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES
                                                                                                                              1.     Measured prior to land application
   The preceding sections evaluate non-conventional and modified treatment processes intended to                                      2.      AN  values in mg/l except as noted
   provide an alternative to the conventional septic system.   Many of the treatment options                                          3.      Secondary and treatment followed by identicnauon and disinfection
   discussed In the preceding paragraphs have processes which go beyond the scope of the simple
   subsurface septic system and would approach being classified as sewage treatment facilities.                                REFERENCES:    ()    Canter  LW., andRobe   C Knox  SepticTankSyte  Effets
   Sewage treatment facilities have been used in the Virgin Islands .for many years to treat                                                                 on  Ground Water Quality  Lewis  ublishers. Inc  Cbelse
   wastewater flows from urban areas housing developments, hotels, and other projects.                                                                       Michigan

  Sewage treatment facilities generally include primary settling followed by aerobic treatmcnt,                                                      (2)    Massachusetts Division of Water Pollution Control File Dat
  secondary settling, filtration, and disinfection. Effluent disposal is usually accomplished through
  ocean outfallirrigation or some form of surface disposal.                                                                                          (3)    USEPA. Aterative for Sm all Wastewater Treatment Systems,
                                                                                                                                                   EPA-625/4-77-011, 1977.











- -                                                - ---  -- -      - -- -      - 













During the disposal proess the effluent Is either discharged directly to surface waters or
ground waters. Depending on which type of discharge Is selected. thq method of treatment
will vary. Sewae treatment facilities generally Include primary settling followed by aerobic
treatment  secondary settling, filtraton, and disnfection.  Effluent disposal is usually                                  TERRACE                                               TERRACE
accomplished through ocean outfall, irrigation or some form of surface disposal.                                          2                ORIGINAL GROUND                      F    RONT SLOPE
                                                                                                                                         (SURFACE 12-8M                               TERRACE  ORIGINAL GROUND
Sewagrereatment faulities have the potential to produce an effluent far superior to that                                                                                                         SURFACE 
produced by conventional septic tank systems. Aerobic biological treatment processes are                                      --
capable of removing substantial amounts of DOD and 'SS over and above that removed in
the coavendonal ieptic tnk.  More importnmtly, the proces is capable of nitrifying the                                             CONVENTlONAL                                     STEPUP
ammonia in the wastewater to nltratenltrogen, which then can be removed through a                                                     TERRACE                                       TERRACE
denitrifiecation process. Disinfection is also typically employee at such facilities providing
signifleant reduction in the number of pathogenic organisms in the wastewater prior to its
release into the environment.

Surface Water Mlieharee:

Surface water discharge will normally be a direct discharge to the ocean. ponds, streams,
guts or other accumulations of waters This type of discharge is generally associated with
moderate to large waste water treatment facilities serving communities or government
operated. A permit under Chapter 7, Tide 12, Section 182 of the rules and regulations of                                                                                                ORIGINAL GROUND
the VI is needed for any surface water discharge.  Tbis will normally require at least                                         ORIGINAL GROUND                          TERRACE         SURFACE 1>8%1
                                                                                                                              SURFACE < :%:                            BACK SLOPE
secondary treatment of the discharge and under some circumstances additional treatmenl                                                      TERRACE                          SOPRRACE

Ground Water Discharee:

Ground water discharge is accomplished by several methods to include seepage pits, leach
fields, wetlands, land application and others. In these methods, effluent is applied to the soil
and a combination of natural physical chemical and biological processes within the plant-                      BACXKTO.-ACK                                                       STEP-DOOWN
soil .water matrix. provide the desired treatment. Again, because of conditions unique to                                                                   TERRACE
the Virgin Islands. only one system of land application appears to be practical. This system
is called the overland flow system.

Overand Flow Svstem:

The overland flow system functions when effluent is'applied to the upper portions of sloping,
grass covered fields and allowing it to Dlow over the vegetated surface. These grass covered
fields are normally called terraces. At the bottom of the slope a series of collection ditches
are used to collect the treated effluent which can be reused or discharged to surface waters.
This proces  is prticularly suited to solls with very flow permeability, in that it is not
dependent on infiltration and the treated effluent is discharged as a point source.

The principle objectives of this system are to achieve secondary effluAnt quality when                                                          TYPES OF OVERLAND FLOW TERRACES
applying screened raw wastewater and high levels of nitrogen BOD, and SS removals.










  fal~~~r~~aft AN
                                                                                                                CURRENT PRAMrCES

                                                                                      Several areas 10 concern have developed through the preparation of thi report In which
                                     IMF ILD,          RUXDFI                          ~~~~~~~~~septic system practices being used In the U.S. Virgin Tslands are In direct conflict with the
                                                              ~~ L LI Cf ION          present understanding of their design. construction, operation and the resultant effect
                                                                                      Lbereof on public heajth issues and environmentatl quality. Some of thuse concerns may
                                                                                      have simple solutions solvable through rule changes whie  others wil  require difficult
             SLOPE 1.11   ~ ~     ~        ~         ~        ~       ~        ~      ~      ~ ~~~~~~~~~~decisions regarding restrictions on the use of septic systems in certain aureas

                                                                                      Design requirements for septic systems appear to be modeled after U.S. Public Health
                                     PtiC@~~~~~~t Ilk ~~~~Service recommendations of 1960's vintage and have not been reviewed since the 1970's
                                                                                      They do not provide for the adequate sizing of system components, adequate assessment of
          (3) HIYDRAULIC  PA THWA Y                                                       the suitability of a site for septic system placement, or adequate separation distances from
                                                                                      physical constraints (see Log Sim); considerations which can lead to prematu~re failure and
                                                                                      public health risk from inadequately treated wastewter carrying pathogens being discharged
                                                                                      to the surface (we Site Assessment) or into bedrock aquifers (see Groundwater Quality
                                                                                      Protection).


















bt  PI CTOR IAL Y IA  OfI SPAI XKLE  AP FL IC A TI 0x

            OVERLAND FLOW















                                                                                                                        D.     Septic Tanks
                       EXISTING REGULATIONS
                                                                                                                                The size of septic tanks is based on the number of bedrooms, the minimum tank size
SEPTIC SYSTEMS                                                                                                                      being 500 gallons for a two bedroom home.  The dimensions and construction must
                                                                                                                                met the following standards:
New septic systems are regulated u pan of the Environmental Laws and Regulations of the
Vllian Islands. Title 19, 1979.   This publication  describes how septic systems shall be                                           (1)    Tank shall be watertight construction, made of sound and durable materials,
designed and constructed along with percolation  test criteria and dimensional  criteria.  A                                                not subject to excessive corrosion or decay.
synopsis of the regulations are as follows:
                                                                                                                                (2)    Tank shall be a minimum of 33 inches wide, with a liquid depth between 4
A.     Location of Sewape Svstems                                                                                                           and 6 1/2 feet.

       Location and Installation  of the sewage disposal system shall be such that, with                                            (3)    The Inlet and outlet of each tank or compartment  shall be baffled to provide
       reasonable maintenance, it will function in a sanitary manner and will not create a                                                 a storage volume for scum.
       nuisance nor endangle the safety of any domestic water supply. In determining a
       suitable location for the system, consideration  shall be given to the size and shape                                        (4)    Access manholes shall be provided over the inlet and outlet of the tank.
       of the lot, slope of natural and finished grade, depth of ground water, proximity to
       existing or future water supplies, and possible expansion of the system.                                             E.      Subsurface Disoosal Field

       (1)    No part of the system shall be located so that surface drainage  from its                                             (1)    At least two percolation tests are required  at different locations  on the
              location may reach any domestic water supply:                                                                                disposal  field according  to a prescribed  method.   Where  fissured rock
                                                                                                                                       formations are encountered, tests shall be made under the direction and
       (2)    The lot size shall be sufficient to permit proper location, installation, and                                                supervision of the Department  of Health.
              operation.
                                                                                                                               (2)    The total bottom area of the disposal field trenches shall be based on the: (a)
B.     Sentle svstems  or alternative  vwtems are allowed.   If a 'septie tank  system' is                                                  percolation rate of the soil and, (b) number of bedrooms In the dwelling. The
       employed, it must consist of a septic tank, subsurface-disposal  field, or seepage pits.                                             minimum trench bottom area per dwelling unit shall be 150 square feet.
       or combination of the two.
                                                                                                                               (3)    Soils with a percolation  rate over 60 minutes per inch are unsuitable except
C.     Minimum Distances (in feet) required between septic system components  and the                                                       for special design with seepage pits.
       following items:
                                                                              Subsurface                                         (4)    There shall be a minimum of two (2) disposal trenches per field and trenches
                                                        Septic        Disposal       So.p                                                shall be:
                                                        Tank          Field          EL. .
                                                                                                                                       (a)    8I to 36' Wide.
              Property Line                                5             10              10                                                (b)    18' to 36' Deep.
             Any Domestic Water Supply                   50             50'            100                                                (c)    Between  6 and 9 feet minimum  spacing, center to center of trench,
             Dwellings                                    5             10"             20                                                        depending  on trench width.
             Streams .....                                              25
             Large Trees                                 --..... 10                    -----                                       (5)    Pipe for trenches shall be a minimum of 4 inches in diameter and shall be
                                                                                                                                      perforated or laid with open joints.
             Seepage Pit .----                                           6'            3 x dia.

       *      Shall be increaed pet Dept. of Iletilh recommeolnow w.here r lsttlng wea , are enr. untred.

             May be rtduacd to 5/feet where proper d'rnl.nge coldiow er tst.













                                                                                                                               compared  to that of another can vary considerably, it Is typically no greate  than 60 ped
                (6)    Trench  ill material shall be crushed stone. gravel, slag, clean under or similar                                and seldom exceeds 75  pcd.  Maximum daily flows on the other hand, are estimated by
                       material  acceptable  to the Department   of Health.   Fill shall  extend  a                                     multiplying a safety factor to increase the average flow rate. The general pracdce in the
                      minimum  of 6 inches below pipe and 2 inches over pipe.                                                          continental  United  States is to use a value of 75 gallons per person per day for sewage
                                                                                                                               disposal design.
               (7)    Trenches  may be terraced to maintain proper grade and cover.
                                                                                                                               In the Virgin Islands, the amount of wastewater now is dependent upon and related to the
        F.     Se ~apPitU                                                                                                              availability and perceived  cost of the water  supply.  During  the wet seson, when a
                                                                                                                               household's cistern is near overflowing and more rain is expected, the water use may Jump
               (I)     Use of seepage pits with septic tanks is acceptable  only when such use is                                      to 80 or 90 gal/capita/day.   But, during a drought, when the cstern Is almost empty and a
                      necessary because of soil conditions or topography and  when  such use is                                        load of a trucked in water is necessary, extreme water conservation  methods   re usually
                      satisfactory to the Department  of Health.  Seepage pits shall not be used in                                    employed.  The water consumption  may drop to 20 to 30 ga/calpta/day.
                      limestone areas or in localities where shallow wells are used as a source of
                      water supply.l                                                                                                  The Virgin Islands Environmental  Laws and Regulations do not specify a per aplta design
                                                                                                                               value for wastewater  flows to disposal systems.  Instead, disposal fields ae designed  by
               (2)    The size of the seepage pits shall be based on the: (a) character of the soil                                    correlating the trench seepage   ea with a peroladon  rate and the number ofbedroms
                      (i.e., sand, gravel, or sandy/gravelly  clay), and (b) the number of bedrooms                                    served by the system.  Comparng the regulation's absorption ara values with  milr  dat
                      in the dwelling.                                                                                                published by EPA, it can be inferred that the current regulations are assuming a wastewater
                                                                                                                               flow of approximately 40 to 5O gallons per person per day.
F__4            (3)    Seepage  pits are unsuitable  in "heavy tight clays, hard pan, rock, or other
<                      impervious formation'.

3o              (4)    Seepage pits shall be lined with brick, stone, block, or similar materials  at
                      least four inches thick laid in cement mortar above the inlet, and dray with
                      two-to-four-inch open vertical joints below the inlet.

        G.     Distribution Box

               A distribution box shall be constructed at the head of each disposal field for the
               purpose of adequately distributing' flows between disposal trenches and/or seepage
              pits,


        WASTEWATER FLOWS

       On-site wastewater disposal facilities are designed on the basis of the estimated volume of
       wastewater flows. Sanitary wastewater is defined as wastewater discharged from plumbing
       fixtures into the private disposal systems that the system will experience. EPA estimates
       tuht the overall average daily wastewater flow from a. typical residential dwelling is
       approximately 45 gal/capita/day. While the average daily nflow experienced at one residence














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 LOT SIZE AND SETBACK DIMENSIONS                                                                                                                 SEPTIC SYSTEM FAIURE
                                                                                                                  In the continental United States, sepdtic system failure is generally considered to have
 Current land development codes allow lots with on-site septic systemsto be as small as one                         occurred when the soil absorption system either fails to accept wastewater or fails to
 quarter are in site.  his practice presents two are"   of  concern. The drst relates to the occurred when the sell absorption system either fais t o accept wastewater or falls to
 quarter acre in size. This practice presents two areas of conceron  The irnt relates to the                         adequately treat the wastewater prior to discharge to the ground water.
high density of development allowed on septic systems and the resultant impacts to
groundwater quality. The second concern relates to the lack of sufficient land area to meet                         In the Virgin Islands, many regulators consider failure of a septic system to occur only when
the spaiail requitreent oaf th e  ondstneon of a  housee c istern and septic system whi e                          there are complaints about sewage spilling over to abutters property or when strong odors
maintaining appropriate separation distances especially on sloping sites. Setback distances                         are enough to cause  eighbon to complain
refer to the horzontal or lateral distance between the various components of the septic
tank/soil absorption system and areas or items of concern. For the most part, these include                         The Health Depanments on St Croix and S  Thomas have indicated between 300 and 400
points of possible human contact such as cistens or dwellgs  Generally, the speclfied                               septic system failures are reported on each island every year. Although failures s  to be
separation distances are intended to provide  dequte transport time for the passage of                              expected these fgures appear to be high with respect to the populaton of the islands which
effluent through the soil where the concentrations of contaminants are expected to be                               utilize septic systems and the likelihood that a significant percentage of failures are not
reduced by filtration straining. physical-chemical processes biological activity, dilution and                      reported. Public health officials attributed the high premature failure rates to the fact that:
dispersion.                                                                                                         (1) construction in soils with low permeabillties; (2) Improper construction; (3) small lot
                                                                                                                 sizes on sloping sites; (4) the fact that there are no requirements In place for septic system
Title 19 Regulations currently require that in siting septic tanks disposal fields, and seepage                     upgrades when the use of  n existing strueure  is expanded; and (5) inadequate design
pits certain minimum horizontal separation distances be maintained with respect to: water                           requirement for septic system components. Seepage pits that re discharging waste water
supply, property lines; and dwellings while the regulations specify that the ten foot
separadtion be maintained between property line and disposal fields, no consideration is givenaaaa
to the fact that there may be a large difference in elevation between the septic system and                         Given the information acquired during the development of this report, it is estimated that
the abutting property. It is not uncommon to find a disposal field placed a short distancer than currently reaized   The
away from the top of a one story reining wall or a very steep slope and the septic system                           predominant case of these filures is improper siing.  Septic systems cannot operate
leaching out at the toe onto the abutting property.                                                                 properly in impermeable soils nor bedrock. Once a septic system is located in an area that
                                                                                                                 does not have suitable soils and that system goes into failure, the only reasonable way to
BUILDING ADDITIONS                                                                                                  reduce the impact of the failure is to:

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources Permit Division reviews new septic                                        (a)    provide holding tank capacity in which to store sanitary waste until the sewage
system design through the Earth Change' permit application process. During this process.                                          can be removed by a septage hauler for disposal at a treatment facility. Due
the Department reviews the septic tank details drainage trench or seepage pit locations. site                                     to the high cost this option is usually only a short term solution.
padint  numbr of bedrooms. etc. Based on the apptoved plans the building and septic
system are built and an occupancy permit is issued.                                                                        (b)    limit the amount of wastewater discharged by employing water conservation
                                                                                                                              techniques. Wash clothes at laundromats.
It appeaun that once a building is constructed any funher building additions or alterations
does not necesarly involve the Earth Clinge Permit process and therefore does not                                          (c)    Connect to public or private sewer.
necessitate a review of the eisting septic system to ensure that its size will accommodate
additional bedrooms or other increases in occupancy.

INSPEC"IONS

Once septic plans are approved during the Earth Change Pcermit Process it has been noted
that many times the systems are not located as shown on the plans. Although there are
many opportunities for inspection by DPNR  representatives it has 1hen noted that
inspections are either not as rigorous as one might expect, or the inspections are not
undertaken.











                           POLLUTION  OF GROUNDWATER                                                                       transmitting them. This results in a flushing action with rapid migration of contaminants
                                                                                                                       present to the groundwater.
     Septic systems are very efficient in removing nearly all of the contnminants present in
     domestic waste water when they are properly sited, designed and constructed. Use of septic                            Alternative nnutral systems which have been used elsewhere to overcome conditions of
     systems in areas that have sold conditions which aue capable of accepting and transmitting                            shallow soils over bedrock formations primarily consist mound systems.  SoD materials
     septic tank effluent through several feet of soil under unsaturated flow conditions is                                capable of providing suitable treatment capabllitie, usually medium to coarse tenxtured
     compatible with protecting groundwater quality for drinking water supplies as long as the                             sands, are Imported to the site to create the necessay separatidon distanac  between a
     density if installations is controlled to maintain groundwater nitrate-nitrogen levels below                          disposal fi6eld or trench system and the bedrock formation. In order to control etosion
     10 mg/l. Use of septic systems which are improperly sited and constructed as well as in                               problems, construction of these systems are typically restricted to slopes of 25% or less.
     areas with unsuitable soil conditions have been shown  to discharge pathogens to                                      These systems are not practical solutions in the U.S. Virgin Islands for the following reasons:
     groundwater aquifers and have caused numerous disease outbreaks. The density of septic
     systems has been shown to have a direct relationship with the level of nitrate-nitrogen in the                                *     Construction materials necessary to build such a system are not readily
     underlying groundwater table. Although no known studies have been conducted to date to                                              available. Sand must be imported to the Isdlads and, where available, is very
     specifically determine the fate of contaminants introduced into the environment through                                             expensive.
     current practices on the U.S. Virgin Islands. the routine presence of fecal bacteria and
     elevated nitrate levels reported In the existing studies of the Islands aquifers clearly indicates                                  Slopes of building sites typically exceed 25%.
     a neu certainty that existing septic system practices have already impacted groundwater
     quality.                                                                                                                            The spatial requirements necessary to build such a system are not provided
                                                                                                                                    in the current minimum lot size standards.
     PATHOGEN CONTAMINATION:
                                                                                                                                    The cost of constructing such a system is estimated to exceed S35,000 for new
     Current septic system practice in the U.S. Virgin Islands which is a primary concern with                                           construction with the cost of retrofit to an existing developed site being much
     respect to potential pathogen contamination of groundwater Is the construction of seepage                                           higher.
     pits or dry wells in areas with shallow soil depths over highly fractured volcanic bedrock or
     limestone formationr   These areas comprise nearly all of the existing and/or potential                               Pathogens are microscopic disease causing organisms that are indigenous to human and
     building sites on St Thomas and St. John and cover a large percentage of those on St.                                  animal digestive  racts.  They consist of certain bacteria, viruses and protozoa that are
     Croix. As these sites are also located on steeply sloping landformns, the typical homesite is                         present in extremely high numbers in individuals who are either Infected or are carriers of
     created by excavating extensive cuts into the landform and spreading the excavated rubble                             the disease and are shed through the feces of these individuals  The prinary objective of
     to create a level area to construct the home and septic system  Any natural soil materials                            septic system design and construcion is to provide the treatment mechaisms necessary to
     present on the site are removed or destroyed in this process. Depending on its location on                            effectively remove these organisms from the waste water stream before It reaches an
     the site, the seepage pit used for final disposal of the septic tank effluent is constructed                          underlying aquifer formation. Pathogens which are allowed to reach such formations pose
     either directly into the bedrock formation or the rubble derived from that formation used                             a threat to individuals or populations who rely on them for potable drinldng water sourcttes.
     to create the building site.
                                                                                                                      A literature review conducted by Marylynn Yates and presented in Septie Tank Density and
    This practice allows a direct connection for the septic tank effluent to pass directly into the                       Ground-Water Conltaination (Vol. 23, No. S-OROUND  WATER-September-October
    bedrock aquifers without the benefit of unsaturated flow through a sufficient soil medium                              1985) reports that The consumption of untreated or Inadequately treated groundwater was
    to effect pathogen removal. While plant uptake by root masses located within the fracture                             responsible for over one half of ad the waterborne outbreaks and 45%  of all cases of
    systems close to the ground surface may account for some removal of the septic tank                                   waterborne disese In the Unites States from 1971 to 1979. (Disease) causing agent were
    effluent it is unlikely that they are capable of removing the entire waste stream and                                 determined In 45% of the outbreaks. Only 11%9 were caused by toxie chemicals; the vast
    saturated flow within the fracture system can result in pathogen movement  into the                                   majority were caused by pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms. Tbe remainderwere
    underlying groundwater within the aquifer. This is especially true during periods of heavy                            classified as acute gastrointestinal illnesses of unknown (caue). It is believed that many of
    rainfall events which are the primary source of recharge to the aquifers.  Water levels in                            these were caused by viruses such s the Norwalk virus or rotoviruses, for which detection
    bedrock wells have been noted to have wide fluctuations during these events as recharge                               methods have only,recently become available. Overflow or seepage of sewage from septic
    waters enter the aquifer at a rate greater than the cracks and fissures are capable of                                tanks or cesspools was responsible for 43% of the outbreaks and 639b of the cases of illness
                                                                                                                     caused by the use of untreated. contaminated ground water. Thus, septic tanks represent









-- -- - ----m------ --












a significant threat not only to preserving the potability of ground water, but also to human                        a 32 day sampling schedule and with he wet and cool soil              it is highly robable
health.'                                                                                                                       a 32 day samplang .nschedule, d with the  wet andc  conoloions, highly probable
                                                                                                                      that their survival would extend considerably beyond 32 days.'

Removal of pathogens from septic  ank effluent by soil mediums has been widely studied                               Keswiclk and Gerba conducted a literature review of the then available information on virus
and shown to be effective when the effluent Is able to flow though I sufficient depth of                             contamination of groundwater and reported their  tindine  in Viruses In groundwater
aerobic soil under unsaturated flow conditions. The treatment mechanisms involved in this                            (Environmental Science    Technology, Vol. 14, 1980). Although little was known about
process are discussed in detail in Part 1 of thi report.  Simply stated. pathogens are                               vimrs removal and tramnsport mechanisms at the time, one field study showed virus survival
removed from the waste stream through filtration and adsorption by soil particles. High                              for at least 28 days  n groundwater  and laboratory experiments showed virus survival in
moisture tendions present within the soil under unsaturated flow conditions retain the                               excess of 200 days in rinkingwater. They suggest that 'Since the effects of sunlight is
pathogens within the sola profle long enough for them to rendered Inactive through natural                           eliminated and the temperature is lower, even longer survival times would be probable in
die off due to bhostile environmental condtions o  microbial utilization by other soil                               grounater". In 1982 IMeick. Gcrba  etal published the results ofa study tited
organisms S   depth t      e, moitue cntent   d tmpe ue  e cricl charterisic                                         of Ent      Vis   and  ndaor Bacteria in GSofundwater. (J. Environ. Health, A17r "actesics
in determining the effectiveness of these proe   Insufficient soll depth coarse textured                             of nric Vir w    found that  uan enteric viruses sun rndwat ive   longer tha      n 24 days in
medium   saturted flow conditions and low soiln temperatures can individually or jointly                             groundwater (length of study). 
minimize or obviate patbogen removal from a waste stream underneath a septic system.

The Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Lab in Environmental Effects of Septic Tank                                NI ATE CONTAMINATION
Systems (US. Deparutmi   of Commerce -Ntionai Technical Information Setvice, PB-272                                  Second in concern t      o bacterial and viral contamination from septic systems is the movement
702, Aug 77) reports "Whether or not pollutants moving from the tile fields through the soil                         of nitrate-nitrogen into the groundwater  Excessive amounts of nitrate nitrogen n drinking
reach the ground water and subsequently a water supply depends to a large extent on the                              water can lead to methemoglobinemi    a condition which prevents the normal uptake of
type of subsurface material Involved and the thickness.  Figure 6 presents four coimmon                              oxygen in blood of young Infants. In order to reduce its risk the Environment Protection
aquifer types which may transmit pollutatu s gret distans.  Conventional septic tank                                 Agency has established a maximum contaminate level of 10 mg/  for nitrate-trogen in
systems should be avoided n area where factured or cavernous formations, such as the                                 public drinking water suppli    In addition nitrate-nitrogen has been implicated in the
bottom three rock types, are less th  an a few feet below the bottom of the absorption trench.                       formation of carcinogen In the digestive system (Cogger, On-alte Septic Systems:'The risk
Such rock types provide a minimum of the three major processes necessary to retard or                                of groundwaer contamination  Journal of Environmental  Health   Vol. 51, No.   ,
control the movements of pollutants-ltratbon, adsorption and microbial degradation.                                  September/October   1988).
Generally, the issures  and channels  are too large to provide significant filtration. The
detention time and active surface areas available are not greit enough for appreciable                               Cogger, Kerr, Yates and others report numerous references in which septic system practices
adsorption or microbi al degradation to occur.  It is important to note that volcanic rock                           have resulted in local and regional ntrate-nitrogen contamination of  oundwater suppes.
(the most  prevalent rock type in the US. Virgin Islands) comprises aquifer type 4 in the                            Long Island Cape Cod and the Delaware coastal plain are the most notable areas which
reference figure and carbonate rock (the Kingshill Formation on St. Croix) comprises
                                                                                                                      have received extenshve study. These studies demonstrate that nitrate can reach
aquifer type                                        .                                                                unacceptable levels In groundwater beneath soils that are otherwise suitable for treating
                                                                                                                      septic tank effluent (Cogger). Kerr states that The most important parameter influencing
Once allowed to enter    saturated aquifer, pathogens have been shown to survive and                                 regional contaminatlon from septic tank systems is the density of these facilties in a given
remain active for a tended periods of time. In Survival and Movement of Fen   Indicator                             area, although geology, depth to water table, and climate may effect the nature and degree
Baceri In Sod  under Condiltons of Saturated Flow .(Journal of Environmental Quality,                               of the problem
Vol.7,no.l, 1P78) Hagedorn etal. studied the movement and survival rates of Srreprococc                             of the problem
faea/l/ and E t/atcoJa under saturated soil conditions  Inoculations of both bacteria
re i andud      i      c under s   aturated soil  conditio ns   noculationsnd the re of movemnt  and survival vcteriae  Nitrate-nitrogen is the end product of microbial mineralization of nitrogen rich organic
                             were introduced into saturated soil conditions and the rate of movement and survival were  products as wastewater passes through an aerobic biologically active soil formation (see
monitored through sampling wells place various distances from the inoculation point. They                           discussion in Part 1).  This process occurs in the soil treatment zone underneath a
report th ee concept s of major importance can be derived from tmhe.daa on the presence                              functioning septic system as well as in upper soil horizons at wastewater land application
of the indicator bacteria in the test wells. First, the bacteria moved long distances in a                           sies and results in a nearly complete conversion of organic nitrogen to nitrate-nitrogen.
relatively short period of time in a soil with a surface gradient of only 2%. Second. the                            Once formed nitrate-nitrogen is a very stable soluble compound that is not affected by
populations of indicator bacteria in the various wells reached maxima O uring intervals                              normal soil treatment mechanisms and readily migrates into the underlying water table.
closely asociated with the rise of the water table following major rainfall periods. Third.                          Mechanisms which are capable of reducing nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in a waste stream
both E. col and S. faecalis survived in appreciable numbers in the saturated soil throughout                         include plant uptake, mi crobial denitrification. and dilution. Nitrate-nitrogen is a fertilizer











     and can be readily used by plants. Plant uptake can account for nitrate-nitrogen reduction
     at land application sites where nitrate formation occurs close enough to the ground surface                                                POL.LUTION  OF SURFACE WATER
     to allow contact with plant root masses.  Plant uptake, however, is not likely to have an                                           ,
     appreciable affect in reducing nitrate-nitrogen concentration underneath a functioning septic                         Fresh water resources of the U.S. Virgin Islands are ephemeral in nature. Due to the
     system (Cogger).  Microbial denitrification can result in reductions when nitrate-nitrogen                            Islands climate and hydrogeology, groundwater tables rarely intersect and discharge to
     passes into an anaerobic soil condition which has a suitable carbon energy source to allow                            the ground surface with the primary exception being in areas adjacent to coastal
     the denitrificadon process to occur.  This process typically happens in soils with high                               embayments. Fresh water resources consist of intermittent stream channel  locally
     groundwater tables and is not a significant factor in soils with no or very deep water tables                          nown  as guts, and  surface impoundments.  Tese featurttes provide important functions
     as are typically found in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dilution with groundwater is the most                              by collecting, storing and transmitting surface water runoff from major storm events,
     commonly used approach to control nitrate-nitrogen concentrations. This method requires                               Runoff which is able to be stored in the guts and impoundments are Important water
     controlling the density of septic systems within a given area to levels at which the                                  sources for irrigation/ agricultural uses as well as a major source of groundwater
     groundwater recharge within the area  is capable  of diluting  the  nitrate-nitrogen                                  recharge to underlying aquifers.  Excess runoff which is discharged to coastal
     concentratons generated by the septic systems to concentration below 10 mg/I.  When                                   embaymnents supports their unique ecosystems. As these resources serve as groundwater
     density of development becomes too high, dilution no longer is an effective means to control                         recharge sources and are generally not receptors for groundwater discharge, the
     nitrate-nitrogen concentrations (Cogger).                                                                            operation of septic systems within their catchment areas through practices that do not
                                                                                                                         result in surface discharge of inadequately treated waste water is not Ukely to cause
     One typical approach used to control septic system density is through minimum lot size                                threats of nopoint source pollution. Operation of septic systems through practices
     requirements designed to insure that the yearly volume of rainwater infiltration which occurs                        which result-in high densities of failures, however, is a concern with respect to nonpoint
     on the lot is sufficient to dilute the nitrates generated by the septic system to 10 mg/l or                         source pollution. Pathogens and nutrients present through the surface discharge of
     less. Several mathematical models have been developed to estimate the land area necessary                            inadequately treated waste water are readily incorporated within the runoff generated by
     to accomplish this approach and/or to estimate an appropriate density of development                                 heavy storm events and are flush into surface water systems. While this may not pose
     within a given area. One such model, A Procedure To Determine Ontimum Densirv For                                     long therm threats to the guts lad impoundment areas which are ephemeral and dry
     Homes  Jsin  Individual Wastewater Treatment Svstems Based On Nitroaen In Ground                                    most of the time, impoundments which have the ability store water on a more
     Watier. Rehag   was developed by the consulting firm of Geraghty & Miller, Inc and others                             permanent basis and the coastal water resources which are receptors of pollutant laden
     through the National Association of Home  Builders-National Research Center.  This                                    runoff are at risk. The areas of particular concern with respect to this issue are densely
     method has been applied to some areas in the northeast and has resulted in minimum lot                                developed areas in the alluvial and deep volcanic parent materials with montmorlllonite
     size requirements of between 3/4 and 2 acres depending on soil/slope conditions present                               clay mineralogy on the Island of St Croix. These areas have large catchment areas and
     on the lot.  Climatic conditions in the U.S. Virgin Islands, however, are considerably                                are reported to have the highest incident of septic system failures.
     different than in the northeast. Although average annual rainfall is similar, the amount of
     recharge to the water table is drastically less, estimates by the U.S. Geological Society result                      As previously stated, Montmorillonite clays exhibit a very high shrink/swell capacity and
     in about 1.5 inches per year, Applying this information through the referenced model                                  can absorb water at a rate of twenty to thirty times their own weight, Percolation tests
     results in lot size requirements for the U.S.'Virgin Islands of approximately 7.25 acres per                         conducted as part of this study in one such soil, Hogensborg. clearly demonstrated that a
     home in order to control nitrate-nitrogen contamination (figure GWI).  Inputs to the model                           conventional percolation test could greatly over estimate these soils ability to accept and
     to arrive at this figure assume an average occupancy rate of four individuals per home using                         transmit septic tank effluent. The Hogensborg accepted water at a uniform rate of 10
     55 gallons of water per day and generating 9 pounds of nitrogen per year each (nationally                            rnin/in for several hours and would appear to have stabilized, meeting the criteria for a
     recognized standards). In addition the average annual recharge rate of one inch per year                             conventional test. In fact this soil continued to accept water 16 hours before enough
     is assumed to occur uniformly over the landscape and the nitrate-nitrogen concentration in                           water had been applied to satisfy the montmorillonite clays absorption capacity, at which
     the homes drinking water supply Is 0 mg/I. While refinements to these assumptions would                              point the swelling of the clays closed reduced the flow paths available for water
     need to be made in order to implement minimum lot size requirements in the U.S. Virgin                                movement to such an extent that no measurable Infiltration was occurring thereafter.
    Islands for the purposes of controlling nitrate contamination, it is obvious that the land area                       The continuous application of septic tank effluent to these soils will have the same
    required per lot would not be realistically implementable.'  ï¿½                                                        effect, resulting in failure and surface discharge. Continuing to allow the construction of
                                                                                                                        septic systems in these areas will Increase the nonpoint pollution threat from surface
                                                                                                                        water runoff generated in these areas.

                                                                                                                        Coastal water are the most abundant and valuable surface water resources of the U.S.
                                                                                                                        Virgin Islands, They consist of beaches, salt marshes, salt ponds, mangrove swamps,









- m -  ---     I                                                                                                          ---                                                       -'   t - 












coastal embayments and shallow reefs distributed all along the Islands shorelines. Many                               Islands has established low density and moderate density zoning districts adjacent to
of these resources have unique environments that rely on fresh water sources supplied by                              many of the Islands Sensitive Coastal resources, it is unlikely that they will be able to
groundwater and surface water discharges as well as their adjacent marine environments.                               appreciably reduce the threat of nitrogen impacts to these resources from septic systems
As nitrogen is the limiting nutrient controlling excessive aquatic plant growth in these                              given the minimal amount of rainwater infiltration available on the Islands for dilution.
environments, the concentration of nitrogen compounds in the fresh water resources                                    The same is true when considering the use of denitrification systems as alternatives.
discharging to these environments is a primarny concern of management programs to
abate and control nonpoint source pollution. In 1986 the U.S. Geological Service
reported that the median nitrate-nitrogen concentation of groundwater samples
collected from coastal embayment aquifers 0.2 mg/l Although this is within the range
considered to be naturally occurring the higher levels of nitrate-nitrogen reported in the
groundwater clearly indicates that coastal resources whose catchment areas are currently
developed or are slated to be developed with densely placed septic systems are at risk.
This s further demonstrated by the 4.9 mL/I of nitrate-nitrogen concentration reported
in a sample collected from the coastal embayment aquifer adjacent to Cruz Bay on St.
John in 1984 by the U.S.G.S..

'Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in
Coastal Water (EPA-80-3-92-002 January 1993) issued by the Environmental Protection
Agency recognies the threat of nitrogen contamination to coastal waters from septic
system practices and offers general management recommendations to reduce this threat
from septic system practices for new systems as well is from existing operating systems.
Recommendations for new systems that are important considerations in protecting the
U.S. Virgin Islands coastal resources include the following:

    Insure that new On-site Disposal Systems (OSDS) are located, designed, installed.
    operated, Inspected and maintained to prevent the discharge of pollutants to the
    surface of the groud nd and to the extent practicable reduce the discharge of pollutants
    into groundwaters that are closely hydrologically connected to surface water.

*   Direct placement of OSDS away from unsuitable areas and to ensure that they are
    designed or sited at a density so as not to adversely affect surface water or
    groundwater. Unsuitable areas include    are*s overlying fractured rock that drains
    directly to groundwater.. Establish protective setbacks

ï¿½ Where conditions indicate the nitrogen limited surface waters may be adversely
    affected be excess nitrogen loading from groundwater. require the installation of
    OSDS that reduce total nitrogen loadings by SO, percent..

Recommendations for managing existing operating systems include inspection programs
to insure proper operation and maintenance as well a replacement and/or retrofit of
OSDS components that reduce total nitrogen loading.

All of the discussions and arguments presented in the sections on pollution of
groundwater by pathogens and nitrates as the result of current septic system practices in
the U.S. Virgin Islands are equally applicable to the issue of nonpoint soutce pollution to
coastal witers. Although the Coastal Zone Management program of the U.S. Virgin











                                 PERCOLATION TESTS                                                                                                     RECOMMENDATIONS

    The Environmental Laws and Regulations of the Virgin Island  Title 19, requires that
    percolation tests be performed in at least two different locations on the disposal field.
                                                                                                                       RECOMlENDATION #1
   The percolation test, often simply called the perc test, is a measure of a soil's ability to
   drain or "percolate' water into and through the soil. The basic method of conducung the                                  Begin the process of ending the construction of septic systems that discharge septi tank
   percolation test is to dig or auger a hole in the soil 6 to 12 inches in diameter to the                                 fluent into the ground  This can be acompllsbed by enforcing the exiing USV1.
   depth of the proposed soil absorption system. Water is poured into the hole to a depth                                   regulations as they re now wntten.
   greater than 12 inches and allowed to drain This procedure is repeated until the rate at
   which the water level drops is more or less constanL The hole is then refilled to a depth                                25X5=
   greater than 12 inches and the amount of time it takes for the water level to drop one
   inch is determined. The percolation rate, reported in minutes per inch. is used as a                                     The original intent of this study was to find ways to improve upon the existing septic
    determination of the suitability of the soil for absorbing septic tank effluent and for                                  system regulations to bring them into compliance with te usual stndards for design and
   determining the size of the leaching structure.                                                                          construction of on-site disposal of sewage effluent. The strategy In performing this study
                                                                                                                       was to assume that subsurface soil absorption (disposal trenches, beds, seepage pits) Is
   The clay soils in the Virgin Islands make percolation tests very difficult to perform. The                               the preferred on-site disposal option because of its relability with a minimal amount of
   clays are typically so dry and well.structured that initial percolation rates are in the range                           maintenance.   he process wa  then to analyze the soils topography, geology, and other
   of porous sands and gravels (less than 10 minutes per inch). Other contributing factors                                  characteristics of the Islands so that the regulations could be customied to ft the
   to the quick pere rates are worm/insect larvae holes, roots, and the shalow depth to                                     specific circumstances.  In those  reas where the site baracteristica  re untable for
   fractured bedrock. Only after constant refilling of the hole will there be a gradual                                     soil absorption systems, alternative methods would be Ivestigated     a last resort for on-
   swelling of the clay particles and a decelerating perc rate. There are sois such as                                      site disposal since these alternatives are typically the most costly to construct and require
   Hogensborg on SL Croix, that after hours of soaking  will become so impermeable there                                    a great deal more maintenance and supervision than soil absorption systems.
   is no measurable drop in the hole.
                                                                                                                       Now that the analysis of the Islands characteristics is completed, it has been found that
   The small size of the disposal fields that have been constructed in areas of clay sois                                   the vast majority of the Islands land areas ae unsuitable for soil absorption systems. It
   indicate that one of the following is occurring:                                                                         has also been found that thousands of the septic systems currently in operation are
                                                                                                                       located in the areas that are Inappropriate for subsurface disposal and represent not only
   a)  Percolations are being performed in a way that does not allow the clay particles to                                  a ha-ard to the environnent but more importantly, a risk to the public's health.
       swell, therefore, do not approx/mate wet soil conditions, or
                                                                                                                      swell, therefore, do not approximate wet soil conditions, or  The U.S.V.I. Tide 19 Regulations contain some very important passages that, if
   b)  Percolation tests are not being performed t all and the pere rates and disposal field                                interpreted properly, can be used as a means to bring about the necessary change in
       sizes are based on past practice.                                                                                    regulating septic system construction. These paragraphs are discussed as follows:

                                                                                                                      Seepage Pis:
                                                                                                                          Title 19: 1404-92. SeenaPe Pitt Use and Location:

                                                                                                                          'Use of seepage pits with septic tanks Is acceptable only when use Is necessary
                                                                                                                          because of soil conditions or topography and when such use is satisfactory to the
                                                                                                                          Department of Health.'

                                                                                                                      This particular regulation is the caveat that allows developers to construct septic systems
                                                                                                                      on the Island's steep hillsides, where shallow clay soils are underlain by fractured
                                                                                                                      bedrock. It has been demonstrated (refer to section on Ground Water Quality) that the
                                                                                                                      channels and fissures in fractured rock do not provide the filtration and absorption









---rn-rn------ ------











required to treat sewage before it reaches the groundwater.  DPNR and the Department                                  RE       JMMENDATION #2
of Health can essentially bring this practice to an end by simply recognizing this hazard
and mandating that it is no longer acceptable.                                                                        Extend  the municipal sewage collection system and treatment plant capacity to all
Once the option of seepage pits is unavailable, there re no reasonable alternative soil                               populated are
absorption systems that can be reasonably constructed on all hilsides due to the steep                                Discussion:
slope, small lot sizes, and cost constraints.
                                                                                                                    Realistically, if a non-rural community does not have the soils geology, or other
EP rclation :                                                                                                         characteristics that allow the use of low-cost, soil absorption septic systems, the best
                                                                                                                    proven alternative is td create or expand municipal sewers and treatment plants. The
    Title 19- 1404-92. Percolation Tests- Pararanh 4:                                                                 Public Sewer System Is particularly well-suited for the Virgin Islands for the following
                                                                                                                    reasons:
    '(4) ... Because many seasonal factors affect the results of percolation tests,
    judgement is required in nalyzng these resultl  If the tests are not conduced                                     a)  Much of SL Croix and most of St. Thomas is densely populated and new
    during a wet season they should be repeated until the moisture conditions of the soil                                 developmen          t  c ontinues to cause increas Is on the  populatio n of all three 
    approach those obtaining during the wet season. In no case shall tests be made in
    filled ...ground. Where fissured rock formations are encountered tests shall be                                   b)  The physical areas of each of the Islands is small by mainland standards. St. Thomas
    made only under the direction and supervision of the Department of Health.'                                           and St. John  e no larger than many small mainland towns. SL Croix s only the
                                                                                                                        size of some of the smallest mainland counties. The construction of an island-wide
The current practice of constructing relatively small leaching areas in some of the                                       sewer network is no great feat considering the small land areas involved.
impervious or slightly pervious clay soils leads one to infer that the required percolation
tests are either not being performed or they are being performed improperly. It is                                    c)  Most of the developed land and much of the undeveloped land has already been
extremely important that all percolation test holes be soaked for at least 20 hours before                                subdivided into small, quarter-acre and  alf-acre lots. Municipal sewerage s the
measuring the percolation rate. Automatic siphons or foat valves should be used to                                        only option that can adequately deal with environmental effects of these dense
ensure the hole is always kept full during the soaking period.  It is imperative that the                                 developments.  It Is too late to institute proper land planning measures to account
soil be allowed to soak for a sufficiently long period of time to allow the soil to approach                              for the land areas required for individual sewage treatment systems.
wet season moisture conditions and the conditions it will experience if a septic system is
installed in it.                                                                                                      d)  Municipal sewerage is the only option that allows the government the ability to
                                                                                                                        eliminate the problems with existing septic systems. Even if regulations could be
Percolation test should not be performed in areas where there is less than four feet of                                   adopted so that all new septic systems would operate safely, those same regulations
naturally occurring soils above the bedrock. Even though these soils may be somewhat                                      would do nothing to address the non-conformance of existing septic systems. It is
pervious, there is not enough depth of soil to properly separate the bottom of in-ground                                  extremely difficult (some would say impossible) to impose new rules and regulations
leaching trenches from the top of fissured bedrock.                                                                       on the present population and force them to upgrade their existing systems when
                                                                                                                        poor soils, steep slopes, or other site limitations exist. Tieing into a municipal sewer,
                                                                                                                        however, is a common and politically acceptable method of undoing past problems
                                                                                                                        and mistakes.

                                                                                                                    e) Municipal sewerage is typically the most economical alternative for urban areas. If
                                                                                                                        treatment capacity exists and only sewer extensions are necessary, costs can ntn in
                                                                                                                        order of $S,000 per four-member household. If both sewer and new treatment
                                                                                                                        facilities are required, these costs can increase to S10,000 to $20,000 per four-
                                                                                                                        member household. Many times federal funds are available to offset much of these
                                                                                                                        costs, particularly when potential health problems can be documented.

                                                                                                                    f) Municipal sewage treatment systems are a proven technology. Treatment plants are
                                                                                                                        servicing the major population centers on all three Islands. Although there are










     problems inherent in treating and disposing of large quantities of sewage, at least the                             RECOIMN       DATION  #4
     problems can be defined addressed, and resolved in a logical manner. Compared to
     the situation where thousands of individual on-site sewage treatment systems are                                    Create a propam to provide a method of assuring that public and private  age
     being operated and maintained by the average homeowner one can appreciate the                                       teatmet  pln  s  (SM) or Innovative systemson            l, are operated and maintained
     rationale for large sale  treatment works.  New and innovative technology are more                                  properly ust   the following approahe
     easily developed for larger sewage flows then individual homes. making the
     alternatives greater for municipal systems.                                                                              Require all ST  and alternative systems be designed by a licensed sanitary engineer
                                                                                                                        and that the design engineer inspect the construction to cerdfy that the plant meets
 RECOMMENDATION #3 - Privat  Sewage Treatment Plants (3-part recommendation)                                                  all the requirements of the USVI regulations and permit condidonr

                                                                                                                        Create a formal training course for STP operators that leads to STP operator
 3A)       In those areas that are remote from municipal sewer, require developers to                                         certifiation  Require that 11 operators of public and private SIP  be certified.
          construct priately owned sewage treatment plants (STPs) similar to the                                             EstablLs  licensing fees, study guides and  xam requirements.
          facilities in use at the major resorts.
                                                                                                                        Require a guarantee of permanent maintenance for private STP or innovative system
 3B)      Require that al privately owned sewage treatmnet facilities be operated and                                         owners.
          maintained by certified treatment plant operators that are employees of the VI
          government*   Establisb a program of developing a set of enforceable standards concerning effluent
 3C)      Allow developers the option of providing sewer and the funds for expansion of testing including a strict schedule of sampling and testing by certified laboratories.
          municipal STPs in lieu of constructing private Ss

 Discussion:

 Currently, private community sanitary treatment plants (STPs) are usually owned and
operated by a hotel and condominium developments.  The EPA has observed that
typically these associatios are notoriously poor managers of community septic systems
(USEPA, 1977). Regulators therefore generally require appropriate assurances that the
system will be properly operated and maintained before a permit or approval is issued
(USEPA, 1977).
Publicly owned and managed communityon-site STPs serving small residential
developments have been encouraged by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) as effective, environmentally sound, yet less expensive alternatives to
traditional sewage treatment plants, especially in rural and suburban growth areas (Train,
1976; Staudt and Niebhaus, 1982). EPA has encouraged public ownership of such systems
because of the problems inherent In private ownership, which include lack of individual
responsibllrty for a failed system, improper and inadequate maintenance, improper
disposal of household wastes, and lack of alternative sources should the system fail
(USEPA. 1988). When appropriately sited. designed. installed and maintained. multi.
user systems have met with a high degree of success in many situations.








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                     I:
                                  V V

           MARINAS, BOATING AND HYDROLOGIC

                          MODIFICATION



General
How to Minimize Pollution from Recreational Boating
  Lynne MacDonald .......................................    V-1



Marina Siting and Design to Minimize Pollution
  Nathalie Peter .............................................. V-7



Marina Operation and Maintenance
  Kim Lindlau ........................................               V-18





Technical
Adverse Effects of Dredging
  Barbara Kojis and Norman Quinn .           ............................ V-20



How to Prevent or Minimize Shoreline Erosion
  Dennis Hubbard ...................................  V-35











          PaperI~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  nt]/abeatieoprnng










* Paper not available at time of printing.





I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~........



         HOW TO MINIMIZE POLLUTION FROM RECREATIONAL BOATING

                         Lynne H. MacDonald

      Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service, University of the
          Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands  00802


    INTRODUCTION

    Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 1990
    (CZARA) requires states and territories with federally
    approved coastal zone management programs to develop and
    implement Coastal Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Control
    Programs. Requirements for state and territory programs are
    described in the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Program: Program
    Development and Approval Guidance developed by the U.S.
    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  One component that
    these programs must address is NPS pollution from Marinas and
    Recreational Boating.

    The Guidance for "Marinas and Recreational Boating", as with
    the  guidance  for  the    other  four  categories  of  NPS
    (Agriculture,   Forestry,   Urban,   and  Hydromodification),
    identifies management measures to prevent or reduce NPS
    pollution, or to prevent pollutants from reaching ground or
    surface waters.   The management measures are intended to
    restore and protect coastal waters through the use of various
    management practices.  A state or territory's NPS Control
    Program must specify the management measures it will implement
    and these measures must conform with the Guidance.   The
    management practices a program uses to address the specific
    management measures do not need to be specified; any one or
    combination of the practices provided by the Guidance can be
    incorporated into a program or other,' equally effective
    practices can be used.

    The use of a "specific measures, variable practices" approach
    to address NPS gives states and territories much needed
    flexibility to ensure that each program meets the needs and
    circumstances of a particular area. As is an all too familiar
    problem in the Virgin Islands, inflexible legislation and
    regulation   can  be  extremely  burdensome   and  equally
    ineffective. The high degree of flexibility inherent in this
    program allows for "tailor-made" NPS control programs that
    still conform with the Guidance.


    MANAGEM~NT MEASURES

    The management measures for Marinas and Recreational Boating
    are divided into two categories:  Siting and Design Management
    Measures; and, Operations and Maintenance Management Measures
     (fig. 1). The measures apply to:

                               V-1










Figure 1. Categories  for Marina  and Recreational  Boating
         Management Measures

             -MM,    .:;I .E,           B    OATid:                    I









         I. .


      '2tI  DESIGN               OPERATION/MAINTEXWC




    *    Any facility that contains 10 or more slips, piers
         where 10 or more boats may tie up, or any facility
         where a boat for hire is docked;

    *    Boat maintenance or repair yards that are adjacent
         to the water;

         Any Federal, State, or local facility that involves
         recreational boat maintenance or repair that is on
         or adjacent to the water;

     *    Public or commercial boat ramps;

    *    Any residential or planned community marina with 10
         or more slips; and,

     *    Any mooring field where  10 or more boats  are
         moored.

Management measures for marinas are applicable to facilities
and shore-based services that support recreational boats and
boats for hire; they do not address specific boats except to
the extent that a marina can adopt practices that apply to
boats in their facility.  Also, the management measures for
siting and design apply to new facilities and to expanding
facilities if there is potential for the expansion to impact
water quality and important habitat.

Siting and design management measures are shown in table 1.

                          v-2









         The next speaker, Ms. Nathalie Peter of the National Oceanic
         and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be discussing
         "Marina Siting and Design to Minimize Pollution" and so I
         won't go into this any further.

I        ~~Table 1.  Siting and Design Management Measures
                SITING AND DESIGN MANAGEMENT MEASURES

                            -MARINA FLUSHING

   3                   ~~~~~WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT

                           HABITAT ASSESSMENT

                       SHORELINE STABILI ZATION

    I                      ~~~~~STORM WATER RUNOFF

    3                    ~~~~~FUELING STATION DESIGN

                             SEWAGE FACILITY


         Table 2 lists the Management measures and each measures'
         objectives) for "Marina and Boat Operation and Maintenance".
         To achieve each management measure's objective, practices can
         be implemented at existing and new or expanding facilities.

I        ~~The management practices that are included in the Guidance are
         shown in table 3. While the management measures of a state or
         territory's plan must be specified and consistent with those
I      ~~of the Guidance document, the actual practices used to achieve
         these measures do not.   The practices listed can be used
         individually, or in combination to reduce or control nonpoint
         source pollutants. As I mentioned earlier, these practices
         are not limited to those shown;  others that may be more
         effective   or   appropriate   for   unique   situations   or
         circumstances can be used.
         The practices listed in table 3 are all relatively simple and
         inexpensive to implement.   There are many operational or
         procedural practices, such as providing special waste
I      ~~receptacles for certain wastes, or designating specific areas
         for maintenance. A number of these management practices are
         designed to education and inform user groups about each
I      ~~management measure, and so gain compliance with the practices
         through increased understanding and awareness of NPS problems
         and solutions.


       I~~~~~~~~~~~~~-












Table 2.   Management Measures and Objective(s)  for Marina and
           Boat Operation and Maintenance


    MARINA AND BOAT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
                   MAAGE3ENT MEASURES

                         SOLID WASTE
 Properly dispose of solid wastes from operation, cleaning,
 maintenance, and repair of boats to limit entry of solid wastes to
 surface waters.

                         FISH WASTE
 Promote sound fish waste management through a combination of fish-
 cleaning restrictions, public education, and proper disposal of fish
 waste.

                      LIQUID MATERIAL
 Provide and maintain appropriate storage, transfer, containment, and
 disposal facilities for liquid material, such as oil, harmful
 solvents, antifreeze, and paints, and encourage recycling of these
 materials.

                    PETROLEUM CONTROL
 Reduce the amount of fuel and oil from boat bilges and fuel tank air
 vents entering marina and surface waters.

                       BOAT CLEANING
 For boats that are in the water, perform cleaning operations to
 minimize, to the extent practicable, the release to surface waters of
 (a) harmful cleaners and solvents, and (b) paint from in-water hull
 cleaning.

                     PUBLIC EDUCATION
 Public education/outreach/training programs. should be instituted for
 boaters, as well as marina owners and operators,, to prevent improper
 disposal of polluting material.

          MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE FACILITIES
 Ensure that sewage pumpout facilities are maintained in operational
 condition and encourage their use.

                      'BOAT OPERATION
 Restrict boating activities where necessary to decrease turbidity and
 physical destruction of shallow-water habitat.














                               V-4










           Table 3. Management Practices for Marina and Boat Operation
                        and Maintenance.





                Diretn hullmaintea     pareas regularly. proer    f l i u d.
             -  Perform abrasie: blafsting:- th oin .spray boothe seor .therenosueo.
                -  Provi-e proper disposal faci ities (dumpsters/coeredbins).  :
             -  Provide facilities 'for recycling of appropriate mater.iats.::

             iFISH WASTEAI MANANGEMENT PRACTICES
             - WEstablish fish cleaning areas.

             h-Ed wucate boanr   lean wher im ortance of properl fdisph ea ig .:::.d
             ZI, hiurpit." fish composting where appropriate

                            '"'""o * ' , = I > 2,..~~~~~~~~~f.~~~~~~. . .':.

              I'p': 'ra'ge':." .'.. P ...   ..i mateal.-,f- contain spi   ::::-: 7-  - :.:-:::::.:
                 -t '-Sep .-;te.:coijntalnersor the- disposal of  tastejil,;w:aste gasoline
                used antifreeze, and waste diesel,  kerosene,  and mineral spirits
                should be available and clearly labelled.
                -  Direct marina patrons as to the proper disposal of liquids.

             PETROLEUM:CONTROL MIANAGEMENT PRACTICES
              -  Use auto .shut-off nozzles and promote the use -of fuel/air separators
                on air vents or tank: stems :t  reduce spillage.
             -  Promote the useof  oil-absorbing materials in the boats'  bilges;
                examine and replace as necessary. Dispose/recycle accordingly.

             BOAT CLEANING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
             -  Wash hulls above waterline by hand. Where feasible, remove boat from
                the water and clean where debris can be trapped and properly disposed
                of.
               Use phosphate-free and biodegradable detergents. Don't overuse.
             -  Discourage  the use of cleaners containing ammonia,  sodium hypo-
                chlorite, chlorinated solvents, petroleum distillates, or lye.
             -  Do not allow in-water hull scraping or paint removal underwater.

             PUBLIC EDUCATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
             - Signage
             -  Recycling/Trash Reduction Programs
             -  Pamphlets or Flyers, Newsletters, Inserts in Billings, etc.
             -  Meetings and Presentations

             MAINTENANCE OF SEWAGE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
             -  Arrange maintenance/service contracts for pumpout facilities.
             -  Develop regular inspection schedules.
             -  Maintain a dedicated fund for pumpout station repair and maintenance
                (for Government-owned facilities).
~I             ~    ~- Mandate pumpout use and specify penalties for failure to comply in
                slip lease agreements.
             -  Put dye tablets in holding tanks to discourage illegal disposal.

             BOAT OPERATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (applies to boating
             only)
             - Exclude motorized vessels from areas that contain important shallow-
                water habitat.
             - Establish and enforce no-wake zones to decrease turbidity.




                                            V-5











PUBLIC EDUCATION

It is apparent from the listed practices that public education
is an important ,component of the management measures.  Not
only is "Public Education" a specific management measure -- a
required part of any program -- there is also an education-
related practice associated with virtually all of the other
measures.


Public  participation   and   involvement   in  developing,
implementing and continuously improving a nonpoint source
reduction program is imperative for it's success. A Public
Education/Information campaign must be the very first step in
this process at the territory-level.   A program cannot be
effectively put into place without the awareness, cooperation
and assistance of the community.


CONCLUSION

Many diverse sources of pollutants from marina and
recreational boating operation and maintenance can be
eliminated or reduced through the use of some very simple,
economical means. The management measures and practices to
control NPS pollution from recreational boating are direct and
inexpensive.   Small improvements in water quality within a
marina or bay can be achieved through the implementation of
any of these; a comprehensive program incorporating a number
of practices can result in significant improvements in marina
water quality.

The key to a successful NPS Control Program is public
education and involvement in the entire'program development
and implementation process. With increased public awareness
through participation and education, the management practices
that are put into place can effectively minimize nonpoint
source pollution from recreational boating.
















                           V-6












            MARINA SITING AND DESIGN TO CONTROL
                 NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION

                      Nathalie Peter
      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
      Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
                  Silver Spring, Maryland

Marinas and recreational boating are increasingly popular uses
of coastal areas and an important means of achieving coastal
access. The Virgin Islands, known as the "Charter Capital of
the World," has a large number of resident and transient
vessels. throughout the year.   There are 20 marinas in the
Virgin Islands.  In 1991, DPNR registered 4.,044 vessels and
issued  719  mooring  permits.      According  to  the  1992
Strickland/Quinn report on marine facilities, 70% of the
marine community that were surveyed noted the significant
relationship that exists between the health of the marine
environment and the success of their businesses.

When marinas are poorly sited and designed, they pose a
nonpoint source (NPS) pollution threat that can affect public
health and marine ecosystems.  Because marinas are located
right on the water's edge, there is often no buffering of the
release of pollutants to the sea.   Adverse environmental
impacts can include:

          poorly flushed waters with low dissolved oxygen and
          increased petroleum hydrocarbons, pathogens, and
          metals.

          pollutants transported in stof~m water runoff from
          parking lots, roofs, and other impervious surfaces.

          physical alteration or-destruction of wetlands and
          other bottom communities during construction and
          operation.

          pollutants  generated  from  boatyard  and  marina
          operation   and   maintenance   activities   that
          contaminate bottom sediments. For example, copper
          is a major contaminant because of its use in
          antifouling paints.

          shoaling and shoreline erosion.

There are numerous territorial and federal regulatory programs
that apply to marinas. Today, however, I will concentrate on
the 6217 Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program that
Congress included in the 1990 CZMA Reauthorization Amendments.
It applies to all states and territories with approved Coastal
Zone Management Programs (CZMPs). Most of the material in my

                         V-7









presentation comes directly from the marinas chapter of
Guidance  Snecifvina  Manaaement  Measures  for  Sources  of
Nonnoint Pollution in Coastal Waters (6217 Guidance), released
jointly by EPA and NOAA in January 1993.

Management measures are defined as:

     economically achievable measures for the control of the
     addition of pollutants from existing and new categories
     and classes of nonpoint sources of pollution, which
     reflect the greatest degree of pollutant reduction
     achievable through the application of the best available
     nonpoint  pollution  control  practices,  technologies,
     processes, siting criteria, operating methods, or other
     alternatives.

Fifteen Marina Management Measures, classified as "Siting and
Design" or "Operation and Maintenance" Management Measures,
are  included in the Guidance.   ii.-iitr iiarina Management
Measures are comprehensive in their coverage of .sources of
nonpoint pollution associated with marinas.

The following operations and facilities are covered by the
6217 Marina Management Measures:

          piers and marinas with 10 or more slips;
          any facility where a boat for hire is docked;
          boat maintenance or repair yards;
          public or commercial boat ramps;
          residential or planned community marinas with 10 or
          more slips; and,
          any mooring field where 10 or more boats are moored.

All of the following siting and design management measures
apply to new and expanding marinas. In addition, the storm
water runoff management measure applies to dxisting marinas
and boatyards for at least the hull maintenance areas'.

               A. Flushing Management Measure

The first management measure is the marina flushing management
measure which is to be applied to new and expanding marinas.
it is to It fslite and desian marinas such that tides and/or
currents will aid in flushina of the site and renew its water
reaularlv.11

If a marina does not flush properly, there is a potential for
waters to stagnate and for pollutants to concentrate to
unacceptable levels in the water and/or bottom sediments,
resulting in impacts to the biological resources.  Flushing
time can range from several hours to possibly several weeks,
depending upon the location of a marina in a waterbody and its
configuration.



                              V-8









In the Virgin Islands, flushing is primarily due to (1) the
movement of the tidal prism and currents in and out of a
marina waterbody and (2) wind-driven circulation.

The degree of flushing necessary to maintain water quality in
a marina should be balanced with safety, vessel protection,
and sedimentation. Flushing guidelines can be developed for..
different regions and different conditions. For example, in
Florida'where tidal range does not exceed i meter, a flushing
reduction of 90% over a 24 hour period has been recommended.

Practices

In addition to specifying management measures, the ï¿½6217
Guidance also provides management practices that can be
applied successfully to achieve, the management measures.
However, the application of these practices needs to be tied
to the NPS pollution source, the specific site, and the
climate. This is especially true in the Virgin Islands where
the climate is tropical; the topography is steep slopes; soil
cover is thin; and suitable shoreline is limited and costly.
While most of the siting and design practices in the ï¿½6217
Guidance appear to be appropriate for the Virgin Islands, the
territory may find that alternative practices will be more
effective in controlling NPS pollution.

1.   There are a number of practices in the Guidance to
     achieve adequate flushing. One practice is to site and
     desian marinas such that the bottom of the marina and the
     entrance channel are not deeper than the adjacent
     naviaable waters, unless it can be demonstrated that the
     bottom will support a natural population of benthic
     organisms.

     Existing water depths necessarily 'affect the entire
     marina layout and design so bathymetric surveys should be
     conducted for a proposed basin and approach channel.
     Marina basin and channel depths should be designed to
     gradually increase toward open water to promote flushing.
     Otherwise, isolated deep holes where water can stagnate
     may be created.

2.   A second practice is to desian marinas with as few
     seaments as possible to promote circulation within the
     basin. Flushing efficiency is. inversely proportional to
     the number of segments.   For example, a one-segment
     marina will not flush as well as a marina in open water,
     and a two-segment marina will not flush as well as a one.
     segment marina.   The physical layout of a marina, as
     determined by the orientation of the marina toward the
     natural water flow, can also have a significant effect on
     the flushing capacity. Ideally, the distance between the
     exchange boundary and the innermost portion of the basin
     is minimized; otherwise' elongation increases circulation
     time.

                          V-9









    There will be better dissolved oxygen (D.0.) conditions
    in marinas that avoid improper channel entrance designs,
    bends, and square corners.  These areas tend to trap
    sediment and debris. If square corners are unavoidable,
    then access points should be provided to allow easy
    cleanout of accumulated debris.

3.   In  Doorlv  flushina  waterbodies.  consider  desian
    alternatives to enhance flushina: an open marina basin
    over a semi-enclosed desian: wave attenuators over a
     fixed structure.  A marina at the head of an embayuent
    will normally have poorer flushing than one located near
    the opening.   Obviously, safety and vessel protection
    will weigh heavily in this sort of siting decision.

4.   Another  practice  is  to  desian  and  locate  entrance
    channels to promote flushina. Entrance channel alignment
    should follow the natural channel alignment as closely as
    possible  to promote  flushing.    Any bends that  are
    necessary should be gradual.  In the Virgin Islands where
    the tidal range is small, the marina entrance should be
    designed to be as wide as possible to promote flushing
    while  still  affording vessel  protection.    Entrance
     channels aligned parallel to the direction of the
    prevailing winds also promote circulation.

     If the entrance channel is perpendicular to the waterway,
     shoaling can be a problem in areas of significant
     sediment transport due to currents. Shoaling can require
     increased maintenance dredging of the channel and can
     lead to water quality problems by reducing circulation.

     The orientation and location of a solitary entrance can
     impact marina flushing rates. When a marina is square or
     rectangular,  a single entrance at the center of the
     marina  produces  better  flushing.    If -a marina  is
     circular, an off-center entrance channel will promote
     better circulation.

5.   Establish two oneninas. where appropriate. at oouosite
     ends of marina to promote flow-throuah currents.   In
     situations where both openings cannot be used for boat
     traffic, a smaller outlet can be opened solely to enhance
     flushing.   In other situations, a buried pipeline has
     been used to promote flushing.

6.   The last practice has to do with land use:  designate
     areas that are suitable and areas that are unsuitable for
     marina develoDment.  Provide advance identification of
     waterbodies that do or do not experience adequate
     flushing.   Several years ago, Puerto Rico completed a
     marina siting study for the northeast coast. It is now
     uses as a basis for marina permit decisions in the
     commonwealth.


                               ï¿½-10








                 B. Water Quality Assessment Management Measure
          iiThe second management measure is to " MI ssess water crualitv as
          uart of marina sitincr and desian. 1 This management measure
I       ~~does not require a study per se but rather an assessment of
          water quality.
          Assessment of water quality may be used to determine whether
          This may entail:

 ii          ~~~(1)  pre-development and/or post-development monitoring
                    of a marina or amnbient waters;
               (2) numerical or physical modeling of flushing and
  II              ~~~~water quality characteristics; or
               (3) both.
          Cost impacts may preclude a detailed water quality assessment
          for marinas with 10-49 slips. A pre-construction inspection
          and assessment can still be expected, however.
          Historically, water quality assessments have focused on two
          parameters:  DO and pathogen indicators.  DO levels may be
          used as a surrogate variable for the general health of the
          aquatic  ecosystem.    Pathogen  indicators  are  used  as  a
          surrogate variable for assessing risk to public health through
F       ~ ~ingestion of contaminated water and shellf ish and through
          bathing. Water quality assessments can be used to ensure that
          water quality standards supporting a designated use are not
          exceeded.
          North Carolina conducted a post-development marina study to
          characterize the water quality conditions of several marinas
          and to provide data that can be used to evaluate future

I        ~~Providing water  quality  information  is already  required
          nationwide when dredging is involved. Dredging a marina site
          or entrance channel requires a River and Harbors Act section
          10 permit from the U. S.  Army Corps of 'Engineers.  If there is
          discharge into U.S. waters after dredging, then a Clean Water
          Act section 404 permit is required.   DPNR would issue a
          section 401 water quality certification before the Corps would
I      ~ ~issue a section 404 permit.  Section 10 and section 404 both
          require a permit applicant to present to the Corps information
          necessary  for  a  water  quality  assessment.    An  expert
I      ~ ~knowledgeable in water quality and hydrodynamics may assess
          potential impacts using available information and site
I        ~~inspection.



       I                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~V-Il










As part  of the section  401 water quality certification
process, DPNR requires information about water quality.  The
Department needs to look at this certification process to see
if it adequately addresses nonpoint source impacts.

         C. Habitat Assessment Management Measure

The third management measure is to ,rSi its and desian marinas
to protect aaainst adverse effects on shellfish resources.
wetlands. submeraed acuatic veaetation. or other imnortant
riDarian and aauatic habitat areas as designated by local.
state. or federal aovernments.1

Coastal marinas are often located in estuaries, one of the
most diverse of all habitats.   The Mangrove Lagoon on St.
Thomas is a good example of this. Estuaries contain many
plant and animal communities that are of economic,
recreational,  ecological,  and  aesthetic  value.    These
communities are frequently sens--itiveto habitat alteration
that can result from marina siting and design.   Biological
siting and design. provisions for marinas are based on the
premise that marinas should not destroy important aquatic
habitat, should not diminish the harvestability of organisms
in adjacent habitats, and should accommodate the same
biological uses have been classified.   Important types of
habitat for an area, such as wetlands and coral reefs, are
usually designated by local and federal agencies.   In some
situations, however, the locations of all important habitats
are not known. Geographic- information systems show promise as
a method of conveying important habitat and other siting
information to marina developers and environmental protection
agencies.

Currently, DPNR requires a habitat assessment in the
Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) that is submitted as
part of a coastal zone management major permit application for
a marina.

Some of the practices in the ï¿½6217 Guidance associated with
habitat assessment are already followed in the Virgin Islands.
The practices are as follows:

     1.   Conduct surveys to characterize the Droiect site.

         Characterization of a proposed marina project site
          is the first step to determine compatibility. This
         would include evaluation of physical properties,
         water  quality  characteristics,   and  available
         habitat and seasonal use of the site by benthic
          species, macroinvertebrates, resident and transient
          fish, birds, endangered species, etc.










    2.   RedeveloD  coastal  waterfront  sites  that  have
         previously been disturbed; expand existina marinas
         or consider alternative sites to minimize potential
         environmental impacts.

         The Virgin Islands should use caution with this
         practice since many marinas here may have been.
         designed at the maximum sustainable size in the
         first place.  This is especially important in areas
         identified   as   Areas   for   Preservation   and
         Restoration and Significant Natural Areas.

    3.   EmDlov rapid bioassessment techniques to assess
         impacts to bioloaical resources.

         Rapid bioassessment uses biological criteria and is
         based on comparing-the-community assemblages of the
         potential development site to an undisturbed
         reference condition.

    4.  Assess historic habitat function (e.a.. sDawnina
         area. nursina area. miaration pathway1 to minimize
         indirect impacts.

    5.  Minimize disturbance to indiaenous veaetation in
         the riparian area.

         Riparian areas are the vegetated ecosystems along a
         waterbody.   They are generally more productive
         habitat, in both diversity and biomass, than
         adjacent uplands. They serve an important nonpoint
         source pollution control function in the Virgin
         Islands:    mangroves  reduce sedimentation;  salt
         ponds filter storm runoff prior to its entry into
         coastal waters. Disturbance'should be minimized or
         disallowed altogether.

    6.  Finally,  the  territory  could develop  a marina
         sitina volicv to discouraae development in areas
         containina important habitat as desianated bv
         territorial and federal aaencies.

         This type of land use policy would be useful in
         such  places  as  Salt  River.       It  could  be
         incorporated into the proposed comprehensive Land
         and Water Use Plan or APC/APR management plans.

      D. Shoreline Stabilitization Management Measure

"Where shoreline erosion is a nonpoint pollution problem.
shorelines should be stabilized.   Veaetative methods are
stronalv preferred unless structural methods are more cost
effective. considerina the severity of wave and wind erosion.
offshore bathvmetrv. and the potential adverse impact on other
shorelines and offshore areas."










Shoreline erosion is not always a NPS pollution problem, but
where it is, the shoreline should be stabilized.   (It is
usually in the best interest of the marina operator to
minimize erosion anyway to reduce sedimentation and the
frequency of dredging). The Virgin Islands is fortunate to
have red mangroves which are relatively easy to plant under
the right circumstances and offer excellent shoreline
protection. Another advantage of this vegetative protection
is its affordability.  But mangrove effectiveness varies with
the amount of wave reduction provided by the physiography and
offshore bathymetry of the site.

In some cases, structural techniques such as gabions, riprap,
and sloping revetments can dissipate wave energy that can
cause erosion. Bulkheads, jetties, and breakwaters are other
structural methods to stabilize shorelines and navigation
channels, but they may also cause scouring in front of the
structure and increase erosion of the adjacent shoreline.

         E. Storm Water Runoff Management Measure

,,Implement effective runoff control strateaies which include
the use of pollution prevention activities and the proper
desian of hull maintenance areas.

',Reduce the averaae annual loadinas of total suspended solids
ITSS) in runoff from hull maintenance areas by SO Dercent.
For the purposes of this measure. an 80 Dercent reduction of
TSS is to be determined on an averace annual basis."

This management measure is intended to be applied by states
and territories to new and expanding marinas, and to existing
marinas for at least the hull maintenance areas.   If boat
bottom scraping, sanding, and/or painting is done in areas
other than those designated as hull maintenance areas, the
management measure applies to those areas as well.   This
measure is not applicable to runoff that enters the marina
property from upland sources.

The principal pollutants in runoff from marina parking areas
and hull maintenance areas are suspended solids and organics
(predominantly oil and grease). Toxic metals from boat hull
scraping and sanding are part of, or tend to become associated
with, the suspended solids.  The proper design and operation
of the marina hull maintenance areas is a significant way to
prevent the entry of toxic pollutants from marina property
into surface waters. Recommended design features include the
designation of discrete impervious areas (e.g., cement areas)
for hull maintenance activities; the use of roofed areas that
prevent rain from contacting pollutants; and the creation of
diversions and drainage of off-site runoff away from the hull
maintenance areas for separate treatment.  Source controls
that collect pollutants and thus keep them out of runoff
include the use of sanders with vacuum attachments, the use of


                              V-J4









large vacuums for collecting debris from the ground, and the
use of tarps under boats that are being sanded or painted.

The perviousness of non-hull maintenance areas should be
maximized to reduce the quantity of runoff. Maximizing
perviousness can be accomplished by placing filter strips
around parking areas. Swales are strongly recommended for the -
conveyance of storm water instead of drains and pipes because
--of their infiltration and filtering characteristics.

Suspended solids are solid materials that remain suspended in
the water column. The annual TSS loadings can be calculated
by adding together the TSS loadings that can be expected to be
generated during an average 1-year period from precipitation
events less than or equal to 2-year/24-hour storm.  The 80
percent standard can be achieved, by reducing over the course
of year, 80 percent of these loadings. EPA recognizes that 80
percent cannot be achieved for each storm event and
understands that TSS removal efficiency will fluctuate above
and below 80 percent for individual storms. The 80 percent
removal of TSS is applicable to the hull maintenance area
only. Although pollutants in runoff from the remaining marina
property are to be considered in implementing effective runoff
pollution prevention and control strategies for all marinas,
existing marinas may be unable to economically 'treat storm
water runoff.

These are a number of techniques for controlling maintenance
area runoff. They include .(I) filtration/infiltration, (2)
retention,  detention,  and  (3)  physical  separation  of
pollutants.   Because these were covered in the storm water
runoff session, I will not get into them here. Please refer
to the ï¿½6217 Guidance for additional details.

Because of the steady breezes, heavy downpours, soil types,
and limited land areas suitable for haulout facilities in the
Virgin Islands, source controls at marinas such as sanders
with vacuum attachments may be more appropriate for both
health and NPS pollution control purposes than filters,
strips, wet ponds, infiltration basins and trenches, or
grassed swales.

        F. Fueling Station Design Management Measure

Another sound objective in designing a marina is to -[Dlesiern
fuelina stations to allow for ease in cleanup of spills."
This is required under the ï¿½6217 program for new and expanding
marinas where a fueling station is being added or moved, but,
for the most part, it is already required in the Virgin
Islands under other territorial and federal authorities.

The possibility of spills during fueling operations always
exists. Since most petroleum-based fuels float on the water's
surface, this allows for their capture if containment


                          V-15










equipment  is uses  in a timely  fashion.   The following 
practices  can  be  applied  successfully  to  achieve  this               I
management measure.

    1.   Locate and desicn fuelina stations so that spills 
         can be contained in a limited area.

         Fuel station location and design should be such
         that booms can be deployed to surround a spill. 

    2.   Desicn a SDill Continaencv Plan. 

         A plan that meets local and federal requirements is
         probably already required in the Virgin Islands for
         fuel  storage  and  dispensation  areas.    Marina 
         personnel  should be properly trained  in spill
         containment and control procedures.

    3.   Desian  fuelina  stations with suill containment
         eauiDment.

         Appropriate equipment should be stored in a clearly
         marked, easily accessible cabinet or locker.

          G. Sewage Facility Management Measure

"Install Dumnout. dumD station. and restroom facilities where
needed at new and exPandina marinas to reduce the release of
sewace to surface waters.  Design these facilities  to allow 
ease of access and Dost sionace to promote use by the boatina
public. " 

This management measure applies to new and expanding marinas
in areas where adequate marine sewage collection facilities do 
not exist.   Pumpout stations are for vessels equipped with
marine sanitation devices (MSDs) and dump stations are. for
vessels with portable toilets.   A marina should chbose a
pumpout facility and/or dump station based on the types of 
vessels it services.  In the Virgin Islands, there currently
are not any pumpout stations in operation.

There  are  (1)  fixed  point  systems,  (2)  portable/mobile
systems, and (3) dedicated slipside systems.available.  Fixed
point collection systems are generally located on the end of
pier, often near the fueling station so that pumpout and 
fueling operations can be combined.  Pumps or vacuum systems
remove sewage from the vessels to an approved disposal
facility. 

A portable unit includes a pump and a small storage tank.  In
mpny cases, these units are considered the most logistically
feasible, convenient, accessible, and therefore, economically 
affordable method for a marina.  In  some locations in the


                                      ~V-]~6~I
                            V-I16










U.S., a radio dispatched pumpout vessel will service vessels
in a marina or mooring field.

Dedicated  slipside  systems provide continuous  wastewater
collection at a marina slip for vessels equipped with MSDs.
These are appropriate for liveaboard vessels in a marina.

Adequate signage should be provided to advertise pumpout
service availability and public restroom facilities.

              H. Other Design Considerations

During the design phase of a marina, attention to the
environmental concerns of marina operation will significantly
reduce the potential for NPS pollution from day-to-day
activities. Siting and design of trash facilities, waste oil
and other liquid disposal  site,   n--d fish cleaning and
disposal sites should be key considerations in marina layouts.
Adequate and well-marked facilities in appropriate, protected
locations within the marina can minimize the entry of
pollutants into marina waters.

In addition to proper marina siting and design considerations,
public education for boaters and marina operators can go a
long way toward preventing NPS pollution.

                        Conclusion

In conclusion, many factors influence the long-term impact
that a marina or boatyard will have on water quality and
habitat in the immediate vicinity of the marina and the
adjacent waterway. Initial marina site selection is the most
important  factor.    A  site  with  favorable  hydrographic
characteristics that requires the least amount of modification
can reduce potential NPS impacts. Whether a marina is open or
semi-enclosed  and  its  configuration  will  affect  its
circulation and flushing characteristics. The final design is
usually  a  compromise  that  should  produce  a  favorable
combination of marina capacity, services, and access while
minimizing environmental impacts, dredging requirements,
protective structures, and other site development costs.













                         V-17









  MAR IM OPERATION AMD XAINTENANcE/OUR FRAGILE ENVIRONMET                  I

                      Kiln S. Lindlau

  American Yacht Harbor, Red Book, St. Thomas, USVI 00802                  I

We must protect our natural resources through awareness,
education and communication.                                                I

The marine industry plays a very large part of the overall
economy of our islands. Vessels travel great distances to
enjoy and share our beautiful pristine waters.  The United                  I
State Virgin Islands have much to offer the boating industry,
we have location, climate, and almost constant trade winds. By
the same token the boats are the life sustaining force for
many marine re'lated businesses.-  Over -the past f ew years we             I
have lost numerous vessels to other islands due to incentives
and lower operational costs. Hurricane Hugo also lowered the
overall size of the f leet.  Both losses have af fected the
marine industry which directly affects the Islands economy.
Not only should we be aware of the positive impact these
vessels have on our islands, we should also be aware of the
environmental mishaps that can occur if proper education and
communication is not available.
My office operates with an open door policy. Should a problem
occur on land side or water side, chances are i've had
dealings with it in the past. Response time is very important
as part of the final result. Therefore as soon as a manager
is made aware, the sooner actions can be taken to correct it.
Again Communicate.   I believe  this policy works for any
business. 
The ownership, management and staff of American Yacht Harbor
are  environmentally  aware  of  their  surroundings.    The        
redevelopment which is in progress has taken into account ~not
only the federal and local rules and regulations which govern
us but future rules and regulations.   The fuel system was
designed to meet all EPA requirements.   We have fiberglass         
double walled tanks and lines. We also use three different
types of leak detection.

          1.   Leak detection at the tanks..
          2.   Accounting fuel inventory.

          3.   DPNR Petroleum Inventory Control Form.

Petroleum products are very damaging to our environment.  The       
waste oil problem has been affecting these islands for many
years. However, there has been a waste oil committee formed
to find a long term solution to this problem. The membershipI
includes very dedicated people from the government and private
sector.I


                              V 18









         For years waste oil has been disposed of in dumpsters,' poured
ii      ~~in guts or just poured along the side of the road.  Probably
         sooner than later this oil will reach our coastal waters,
         pollute our wells and contaminate our water table.  Storma ran
         of f and saturation will speed this process along. When an
ii      ~~agreeable solution is found, a massive 'educational program
         will follow to stop this type. of pollution. At this time
         double containment and very strict maintenance programs are-
ii      ~~recommended, not only for the marine environment but for all
         of us.

ii       ~~American Yacht Harbor has had double containment for a number
-        ~~of years and the location is visited on a regular basis by a
         staff member. it is very important to keep the surrounding
         area clean and clear of small, full containers of oil. We
         have seen everything from open coffee cans to 5 gallon
         containers with the lids full of oil, rainfall then
         complicates the matter by spreading it into the containment
p      ~ ~area on the ground.  We have a oil boom and until recently
         only absorbent pads (which unfortunately absorb more water
         than contaminate).   We have now added to our inventory a
         product called Spil CAT.
              Spil CAT:
  P              ~ ~~~1.   Encapsulates  oily  liquids  on  contact  and
                   prevents them from causing further damage to the
                   environment.
  9               ~~~~~2.   Floats  and  will  remain  floating  after
                   application on spills.
   9               ~~~~~3.   Is lightweight

   9               ~~~~~4.   Absorbs sixty times its weight.

                   5.   Will not absorb water.

   9               ~~~~~6.   is non-toxic.

                   7.   Non-flammable.

   I               ~~~~~8.   Non-hazardous.

  J                ~~~~~9.   Non-corrosive.

                   10.  Has a long shelf life.
         It appears this product is environmentally friendly and can
         reduce costs in oil cleanup plus help protect our ecosystem.

         In closing, it's our environment, let's take care of it to the
         best of our ability. Remember the agencies here today are
         here to help us. They don't expect anyone to'know all the
         answers but they do hope we know the proper questions to ask.

                                       v-I 9








                                                          M;            -Ii1





                                 oo NB UQUtDNOBB    DREDGING }OBZhL fBBBI1JS e.

      IN THE WESTERN PaCIFIC OCN MND IX  BR8-  AROUND
          ST THOMAS / ST JOEN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS                          I


                N.J. Quinnl and B.L. Kojis2

lEastern Caribbean Center, University of the Virgin Islands,
No. 2 John Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, United States Virgin
Islands 00802.  Department of Planning and Natural
Resources, Government of the Virgin Islands of the United
States, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands 00802.

                                                                          I
INTRODUCTION

Many dredging projects are related to people's desire to                     I
travel, engage in trade, fill or enhance shorelines, or,
particularly in the Pacific, establish military bases. On
small islands airports are usually located in the coastal                    I
zone and often substantial lands have to be filled and
causeways constructed to provide land for runways and termi-
nals. Docks and ports must be located at the shoreline and
frequently require shoreline alteration and sea bed modifi-
cation to accommodate vessels. Dredge spoil has been used to
fill submerged lands, to provide cover for garbage dumps,
and to enhance beaches. U.S. expansionist interests during
the Cold War resulted in dozens of remote military bases
being constructed on uninhabited  islands  in the Pacific
Ocean. Many of these islands required major dredge and fill
operations to accommodate military activity.


PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES                                                        I

The following lists the probable effects of mechanical exca-
vation and dredging:

       1) the bottom is physically disturbed and habitat for
         bottom dwelling organisms removed,
       2) sediment is deposited on the sea bottom,
       3) sediment is suspended in the water column,
       4) toxic substances are reintroduced into water
          column,
       5) light penetration is reduced,
       6) the oxygen content of the water is reduced,
       7) turbidity increases,
       8) circulation patterns change,
       9) dissolved oxygen levels are reduced,
      10) nutrient levels increase, and






 Quinn and Kojis
 Dredging Consequences


      11) indirect damage is caused by anchors, moorings and
          slurry pipes.

The most widespread and visible consequence of dredging and
 excavation is the generation of suspended sediments and tur-
bidity. This paper will focus on the ecological aspects that
are the result of the physical consequences of dredging.


ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES

An unavoidable impact of any dredging operation is the
direct elimination of the bottom habitat in the dredged area
and loss of associated species. The accumulation of sediment
on the bottom in adjacent areas can also have a significant
adverse leffect on the animals and plants on the bottom.

Depending upon the extent of the alteration caused by dredg-
ing, recolonization may eventually be possible on many
dredged surfaces. However, it generally takes a long time,
perhaps several decades, for the fauna and flora to return
to its original state. Harbor bottom environments tend to
accumulate fine sediments and are most often colonized by
soft-bottom or sand-dwelling communities.   If the orginal
harbor bottom was a seagrass community, it may be many years
before this type of community return. Dredged hard surfaces
that are not deep (greater than 30 ft depth) and exposed to
waves and currents (such as quarry holes on outer reef flats
in the Pacific) can be extensively recolonized by reef life
within a decade following dredging (Maragos, 1987).

The recolonization of hard substrate in the Caribbean is
poorly known and needs additional study. Currently we are
investigating colonization of reefs in three sites around
St. Thomas, but results are not expected for some time.

Corals and many other reef organisms are adapted to clear
waters and are particularly susceptible to turbidity caused
by dredge and fill operations. Knowledge of currents in the
construction area allows prediction of direction and persis-
tence of turbidity plumes, thereby facilitating assessment
of potential impacts of dredging surrounding marine communi-
ties.

Studies by Kojis and Quinn (1984) found that the ability of
corals to reproduce was affected by the levels of sedimen-
tation at various sites. Corals living in regions of high
turbidity released fewer larvae and only grew in shallow
water. A smaller zone of living reef reduces the area which
associated reef fish may live and in effect reduces the pro-
ductivity of an area. Over a prolonged period of time high
sediment loads result in lower diversity, percent cover, and
growth rates of coral species, smaller colony sizes, an

                         V-21










Quinn and Kojis
Dredging Consequences                                                      j


upward shift in depth zonation, and a predominance of resis-
tant growth forms or species (Rogers, 1990).                               I

There have been few studies that address the effects of sus-
pended sediments on growth and mortality of individual coral
species. Field studies have demonstrated that growth rates
of  the  Caribbean  mountainous  star  coral   (Montastrea
annularis) diminish as sediment loads increase  (Dodge, et
al., 1974; Hubbard, et al., 1987). However, workers in the
Pacific have found that there was little or no evidence of
decreased growth rate for surviving colonies  of Porites
lutea (a species often found in turbid waters) even in areas
where high mortality of other coral species has been
attributed to the effects of sedimentation (Hudson, et al.,
1992). Laboratory e     iments evaluated the. resistance of
seven coral. species found in the subtropical waters off
Tampa Bay to 49 to 199 mg per liter of suspended natural
marine  sediments  for  10  days.  Although  growth  rates
decreased, all corals survived (Rice and Hunter, 1992).

Local currents and exposure to wave action also play a role
in recruitment  and  survival  rates  of marine  organisms.
Variation in these rates determine the distribution and
zonation of corals and other marine life. Consequently,
dredging and the resultant physical modification of topo-
graphic features that may alter current regimes and exposure
to wave action also can have profound effects on reef commu-
nity structure in a surrounding area.

Indirect impacts of dredging include anchoring operations
for barges, ships, and pipelines. Placement and dragging of
anchors  and  pipes  over  sensitive  ecosystems  can  damage
coral, and to a lesser extent, plant communities.


ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES: DOCUMENTED EXAMPLES                                I

A.   Pacific Ocean

    1. Federated States of Micronesia

    At Okat Reef, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia
     (Fig. 1), the rate of slurry discharged into a reten-
    tion  basin  exceeded  the  basin's  capacity,  causing
    slurry to overflow the walls, spill out over 25 acres
    of seagrass and coral habitat, and completely bury it
    under 0.8 to 1.5 feet of fine slurry muds. The impact
    could have been prevented by a reduced rate of slurry
    discharge, but the construction contractor had a sched-
    ule to meet and was unwilling to slow operations
     (Maragos, 1984). Dredging further destroyed reef and
    sea grass meadows and greatly altered circulation  in







Quinn and Kojis
Dredging Consequences


     the harbor. The stronger water currents were implicated
     in shoreline erosion near the airfield -and Tafunsak
     Village.   The impacted reef was once Kosrae's most
     important fishing ground. Fish yields at Okat reef have
     declined to half of preconstruction levels (Maragos,
     1984).

     2. Kaneohe Bay,.Hawaii

     Military dredge and fill operations between 1938 and
     1950 increased circulation in the north part of Kaneohe
     Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, but reduced circulation in the south
     part (Fig. 2). Additonally, the southern part of the
     bay was impacted from sewage outfalls constructed in
     1950. By 1970, only northern bay reefs were recovering
     while cehtral--and southern bay -re-c e-clined' because
     of sewage pollution.

     The sewer outfalls were removed from the bay during the
     years 1977-1978, allowing for coral recovery in the
     central and southern bay. The recolonization of corals
     on dredged surfaces was accelerated after removal of
     sewage outfalls in the nearby lagoon and relocated to
    outside the lagoon. The discharge of primary treated
    sewage does not appear to have adversely affected the
    reefs because of it us discharged at a depth of 35 m
    and there is excellent mixing and flushing at the new
    site (Maragos, et al., 1985).

    3. Taongi Atoll

    Many enclosed Pacific atolls have elevated lagoon water
    levels because of wave action pumping water over wind-
    ward reefs and the lack of large,  deep channels' to
    drain the excess water. The reefs grow above normal
    ocean sea level because of constant water flow and the
    resultant elevated water level. Dredging a deep channel
    through such an atoll reef causes waters to drain more
    quickly, lowering the lagoon water level and killing
    emergent reefs. This occurred at Taongi Atoll (Fig. 3)
    (Maragos, 1989).

4. Palmrya Atoll, U.S. Line Islands

    Construction of road causeways around the East Lagoon
    at Palmyra Atoll, U.S. Line Islands by the U.S. Navy
    completely blocked circulation, causing collapse of
    coral reef communities (Fig. 4). Dredging of a channel
    through the western reef and between the central and
    east  lagoons  destroyed  reefs  and  altered  water
    circulation. Sediments drifting west from the dredge
    and fill areas damaged reef communities off the western
    end of the atoll. By 1979, some of the northern

                             V-2 3









Quinn and Kojis
Dredging Consequences


     causeways had breached restoring some exchange between
     the east lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. Observations in
     1987 found only partial recovery of the reefs from
     military construction (Maragos, 1979; 1987).

B.   Virain Islands

Numerous dredging activities have occurred in the Virgin
Islands.     These activities  range  from small localized
activities to maintain channel depth to the larger dredging
projects to maintain harbors and fill wetlands. Among the
major dredging projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands are two
that exemplify some of the changes and problems created by
dredging: Great Cruz Bay, St. John and at Water Bay, St.
Thomas.


     1. Great Cruz Bay

    The dominant biotic feature of Great Cruz Bay is an
    algal sea grass meadow characterized by Manatee and
    Turtle grass interspersed with worm hummocks and green
    algae such as Penicillus, Udotea and Halimeda. Queen
    conch and the long-spined black sea urchin were once
    common, and healthy fringing coral reefs were present
    along   the   northwestern   and   southwestern   shore
     (vanEepoel & Grigg, 1970).

    In 1968, dredging of 186,000 cu. yd. was permitted in
    the bay to a depth of 15 ft within 300 ft of the shore
     (Fig. 5).  The area dredged was a rich seagrass and
    algal meadow. The bulk of the dredge spoil was used to
    fill in wetlands while the rest was used for con-
    struction  in  the  Hyatt  Regency  Hotel.    Dredging
    occurred at the same site in 1985.

    Although the Corps of Engineers  1968 permit required
    compliance with federal and local regulations regarding
    water pollution, no attempt was made to minimize the
    quantity of fine material in suspension in the water.
    However, despite this, the predicted  destruction of the
    benthic biota outside the dredged area (vanEepoel and
    Grigg,  1970) did not occur.  In 1985, the area was
    dredged again.   Eight years later in August 1993, we
    found the dredge site characterized by soft sediments
    inhabited by burrowing organisms, little algae, and no
    sea grass.

    The water clarity, measured using a Secchi disc, in the
    dredged area was 1.6 ft in 1970 (vanEepoel and Grigg,
    1970). When we sampled water clarity on a calm day in
    August 1993, the Secchi disc reading was 4.5 ft.  This
    is still poor and unattractive compared to the clearer

                           V-24






Quinn and Kojis
Dredging Consequences


    water over the sea grass meadows near the entrance of
    the bay. In both 1970 and in August 1993, the sea grass
    meadows near the entrance of the bay could be clearly
    seen (>20 ft deep).


    2. Water Bay

    Between 1961 and 1970, a ten year period, approximately
    750,000 cubic yards of sand were dredged from Water Bay
    (Fig. 6) for various land fill, construction, and beach
    nourishment projects. This dredging operation removed
    the bottm cover of sea grasses and algae. The result
    was that fine sand and silt particles were no longer
    trapped and turbidity remained_,nmdesirablel. _(Grigg and
    van epoel., 1970).

    During the ten year period that dredging occurred, the
    living animals on the fringing reef on the east side of
    the bay gradually died. These changes were called "...
    a major ecological disaster for the sub-littoral flora
    and sessile fauna" (vanEepoel, 1969). While not on the
    order of a Gulf of Valdez oil spill, the gradual
    destruction of habitat diminished the productivity and
    natural beauty of the territory's coastal waters.

    Dredging of Water Bay not only destroyed habitats, it
    also was responsible for loss of sand from Sugar Bay
    Beach. Originally it was believed that the presence of
    the dredge holes in Water Bay promoted "slumping" of
    the Sugar Bay beach sand into the holes (Brody cited in
    VIMA, 1992).   However,  various reports describe the
    stockpiling of sand on the eastern end of Sugar Beach
    which would have required the slurry pipes to traverse
    the live reef and this would have damaged the reef. A
    recent theory is that as a result of the damage to the
    reef, Sugar Beach was provided less wave protection and
    severe erosion occurred (VIMA, 1992). Specifically, as
    a result of physical damage to coral (primarily elkhorn
    corals) caused by the pipes, the height of the reef
    surface was lowered, increasing wave energy which
    rapidly eroded the beach (VIMA, 1992). The clean, car-
    bonate sandy beach became dominated by 10-20 cm cob-
   bles. The beach in its present condition does not pro-
   vide easy access to the sea for bathers and diminishes
   the appeal of the new Sugar Bay Plantation Hotel.

    In 1992, permission was sought to replenish the sand on
   the beach using 4,000 cu yd of sand purchased from off
   island and to place boulders on top of the reef to
   simulate the protection previously naturally provided
   by the reef. The irony is that one of the original uses
   of the dredge spoil was to enhance beaches in the bay.

                             V-25









Quinn and Kojis
Dredging Consequences


    .Monday morning quarterbacking is fun unless you are the
     one who must pay for someone else's mistakes.


PATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON  UibHs

Dredging, filling, and other physical changes to habitats in
the tropics have been implicated in the increased incidence
and outbreaks of ciguatera fish poisoning. The poisoning is
caused by a toxic dinoflagellate, Gambierdiscus toxicus
(single celled plant), growing on macroscopic algae, which
are consumed by herbivorous fish. The herbivores are eaten
by carnivorous fish and the toxin passed up the food chain.
Although mildly toxic to fish, ciguatera is much more toxic
to mammals, including humans. There is considerable circum-
stantial. evidence for a relationship between'ciguatera and
construction' activities.  Ciguatera  was  absent  on  some
Pacific atolls before construction, but outbreaks occurred
on atolls such as Palmyra, Johnston and Bikini during and
after construction.


RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations for alleviating impacts of dredging:

1) Choose an appropriate site. Locate a site with natural
   conditions  that would minimize  impacts.    Avoid  par-
   ticularly valuable or sensitive areas.

2) Test dredge material to determine its composition and if
   it is toxic.

3) Select best available appropriate technology (BAAT).' The
   selection of BAAT will help minimize turbidity and
   sedimentation during both the dredge operation and spoil
  dumping. Dredge spoils can often be collected in cascaded
   settling ponds and, if not toxic, used for alternative
  purposes such as fill or other construction related pur-
  pose.

If the dredge spoil is toxic,  contact the Department of
  Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental
  Protection for information on suitable disposal methods.

  Physical barriers such as silt screens surrounding the
  dredging operation and a combination of silt screens and
  earthen berms on the spoil  site can be effective in
  reducing turbidity. Silt screens are curtains of plastic,
   fiberglass, or other fabric that in the water are hung
  from the surface using a system of floats and anchors;
  normally, silt screens are effective where wave action is
  low and water currents are 2 ft/sec or less.







Quinn and Kojis
Dredging Consequences


3) Consider the restoration potential of the site after
   dredging and restore the site if possible.

4) Beware of indirect impacts of dredging such as anchoring
   operations for barges, ships, and pipelines. Avoid plac-
   ing anchors in and dragging them over sensitive ecosys-
   tems such as coral reefs and algal / sea grass meadows.


REFERENCES CITED

Dodge, R.E., R.C. Aller and J. Thomson. 1974. Coral growth
     related to resuspension of bottom sediments. Nature
     247:574-577.

Grigg, D.I. and R.P. vanEepoel. 1970. The status of the
    marine environment at Water Bay, St. Thomas. Govt. of
    the V.1., Dept. of Health, Division of Environmental
    Health. Water Pollution Report. pp. 11.

Kojis, BL & NJ Quinn. 1984. Seasonal and depth variation in
     fecundity of AcroDora Dalifera at two reefs in Papua
    New Guinea. Coral Reefs 3:165-172.

Maragos, J.E. 1979. Palmyra Atoll: Preliminary Environmental
    Survey and Assessment. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
    Pacific Ocean Division, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Maragos, J.E. 1984. Kosrae airfield and dock project at Okat
     (TTPI) and follow-up meeting with Navy OICC, Guam. U.S.
    Army Corps of Engineers, Pacific Ocean Division, Hon-
    olulu, Hawaii.

Maragos, J.E. 1987. Environmental Impact Assessment Made
    Easy. South Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
    South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia. pp 34.

Maragos,  J.E.  1989.  Impacts  of  construction- on  coastal
    ecosystems in Oceania: A review. Pac. Sci. 33:45-67.

Maragos, J.E., C. Evans, and P. Holthus. 1985. Reef corals
    in Kaneohe Bay six years before and after termination
    of sewage discharges. Proc. 5th Inter. Coral Reef
    Cong., Tahiti. 4:189-194.

Hubbard, D.K., J.D. Stumb and B. Carter. 1987. Sedimentation
    and reef development in Hawknest Fish and Reef Bays,
    St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Biosphere Reserve
    Research Report No. 21:199.

Hudson, J.H., E.A. Shinn and D.M. Robbin. 1982. Effects of
    offshore oil drilling on Philippine reef corals. Bull.
    Mar. Sci. 32:890-908.
                       V-27







                                                                       I:
Quinn and Kojis
Dredging Consequences

     Rice, S.A. and C.L. Hunter. 1992. Effects of suspended
     sediment and burial on scleractinian corals from west
     central Florida patch reefs. Bull. Mar. Sci. 51(3):429-
     442.

Rogers, C.S. 1990. Responses of coral reefs and reef organ-
     isms to sedimentation. Mar. Ecol. Proa. Ser. 62:185-
     202.

vanEepoel, R.P. 1969. Effects of dredging in Water Bay, St.
    Thomas. Govt. of the V.I., Dept. of Health, Division of
    Environmental Health. Water Pollution Report. No. 2,
    pp. 10.

vanEepoel, R.P. and D.I. Grigg. 1970. Effects of dredging at
    Great Cruz Bay, St. John. DNPi~tent of Health, Divi-
    sion of'Environmental Health, Water Pollution Report.
    pp. 4.

Virgin Islands Marine Advisors. 1992. Environmental Assess-
    ment Report. Beach Restoration at Sugar Bay Plantation
    Resort. pp. 70.





















                                        ~~~1 79~~~~













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    I~~~~~~~~~~~ImR







                   by~~~~~~~~~~~~~7 tdi .  . 


         duV gdtgf









I    Fig~~~~urea 1. Adves  effct  oFdeg n ill fo   effAi






              runway and dock construction at Okat, Harbor,
              Kosrae Island, Federated States of Micronesia
  I         ~~~(adapted from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1989).



        I~~~~~~~~~~~V2








                                                                                        How impacts ane being eliminated:
KANEOHE  BAY BEFORE 1938                       KANEOHE BAY 1950                         KANEOHE BAY 1976                          KANEOH-E BAY 1983






                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~A 


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                                                                             ~~~.    :~~~~~~~~-'~~~~~e


                                             I  ':~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


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                                      discharge~ in  Kaeh aOhu aai(fe
        ~~~~~~aa o et                    l. 1985.











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PALMYRA 1939                                                                       1

                                                                   Oman~~





                      M-Y R A-1 9 4 6-  A~~~~~~


       NRA~~~~~---- -1--Pcii4 O o













 Figure 4. Adverse effects of dredge and fill operations'at
             Palmyra Atoll, U.S. Line Islands (after Maragos,                ~
             1987) .
























GREAT CRUZ B3AY






                Blasbalg Pt.


   Figure 5. Location of 1960's dredge site in Cruz Bay, St.
            John, U.S. Virgin Islands










                                                                         M~~~











                                                         St~r1.   Thms USV

                                                                        20.             .  

                                      2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-        i.    ~ ~  

                                                                    Dredge hole


                                                      ~~~                           I~~~










Figure 6. Location of dredge site in Water Bay, St. Thomas,
            U.S. Virgin Islands (after VIMA, 1992).










                                                  V-3~~~~~~~







             HOW TO PREVENT OR MINIMIZE BEACH EROSION

                                   Dennis K. Hubbard
           V.I. Marine Advisors, 5046 Cotton Valley, St. Croix, USVI 00820


                                     Introduction

Beach erosion has become an increasingly prevalent problem in the territory, primarily
for two reasons. First, sea level continues to rise, as it has for the past 18,000 years.
Global warming tied to the increased introduction of carbon dioxide and other
"greenhouse gasses" into the atmosphere may result in dramatic acceleration of sea-level
rise over the coming decades. However, this remains largely a natural phenomenon over
which we have little direct control. Our best response to this is awareness and the careful
siting of development in areas that will be least affected. The other, and more
controllable, factor in increased beach erosion is the accelerating pattern of development
and the mistakes that are too often associated with it. These are the most-easily remedied
and are the focus of the discussion below.

                             What Causes Beach Erosion

Most-simply stated, erosion occurs when more material leaves an area than is being
delivered to it. While seemingly a simple concept, ignoring this immutable law of nature
lies at the heart of most beach-erosion problems that we face today. The key is, therefore,
to recognize the factors that result in this imbalance and to suggest ways to avoid or
remedy them.

Natural beach erosion is generally occurring to some degree throughout the territory.
This is related in part to the gradual rise in sea level mentioned above and in part to the
natural tendency for waves to break down the materials that comprise our shores and to
move them offshore. Beyond this, mostof the problems that we have seen are related to
somehow interrupting a natural pattern that has in the past resulted in a near balance
between sediment coming in and sediment going out. This usually takes one of two
forms. First, some sort of physical barrier can be placed in the nearshore system that
prevents sand from moving along the beach. The simplest example is a groin (Fig. 1), a
linear structure erected perpendicular to the shoreline. Because waves approach at an
angle, sediment is moved dominantly in one directionalong the shore.  In'the Virgin
Islands, this is generally toward the west as a result of the prevailing Trade Winds. A
groin placed across a beach will trap sand along its eastern side because the sediment is

                                                ....







Figure 1. Alongshore sediment transport without (A) and with (B) a beach groin present. Once the rock
structure is in place, sediment moving from left to right is trapped by the groin. As a result. the beach on
the left accretes and the one to the right erodes. This is in contrast to the uninterrupted transport without
any structure.



                                       V-35





                                               A-                                    :             : I




A                                 .....                             ...
emaiiUprush                        ,ses. Incoming wavediment on the







Backwash for the reflected  aveis process continues until the







the resident sediment
 Offshoreplaced. Trans                               Offshore rsortn.

Figure that Waveinduced sediment texsport ona natural beach (A) and against a seawad (B). On the
sloping beach, the uprush and backwash have roughly equal tansport potential. As a result, the beach
protection stable until a storm passes. In const, waves reflecting off the seawall stir up sediment on theline,
way in, leaving it in suspension for the reflected wave to move it offshore. This process continues until the
nearshore zone fronting the wall is scoured to a depth w hen waves can no longer effectively suspend
the resident sediment.

coaming in naturally from the east, but cannot get past the groin and move out to the west.
On the other side of the structure, sand is being moved away to the west, but is not being

replaced. The result is erosion.
The second common cause of beach erosion involves modifying natural processes in a
manner that favors net sediment export.  One of the most commonly used coastal-
protection structures is the seawall. This structure armors a stretch of eroding shoreline,
creating security for the properties immediately behind it. The problems with these
ubiquitous features are many, however.  The most problematic is scour.  When wavesach.
encounter a vertical or steeply sloping surface, they reflect seaward. The reflected wave in
carries with it large quantities of sediment, resulting in erosion along the base and ends of
the wall, sometimes undercutting the structure to the point of collapse.
To understand the nature of this complex interaction,. let us consider what happens to a
wave as it runs up a natural beach, and contrast that to the same waves breakinc against a
vertical seawall. On a beach, the wave gradually breaks as it moves into shallower water.
In the process, sediment is picked up from the bottom and moved onto the asbeach face. As
the uprush of the wave slows, sand is deposited on the beach. As the wave swash satops
on the beach face and runs back to the sea, some of the water is absorbed into the beach.
As a result, not as much water moves seaward, and the return swash is less effective inot provide
picking up and removing the sediment that was just deposited - thus, the beach accretes.
all of its energy tohe slope the beach adjusts tom the shpoint that landward and seaward
transport balance one another and the beach stabilizes.
On a shoreline "protected" by a seawall, the sequence of a strong wave -uprush. deposition
of sand on the beach and a gentler backwash is modified. Consider. as an analogs'. a ball
striking the cushion of a billiard table. It will come off the cushion with nearlv the same
speed it entered. The same thing happens along a seawall. We must add to this scenario
the facts that 1) the incoming wave has already done all the work of suspending the
nearshore sediment and 2) the quick reflection of the wave off the wall does not provide
an opportunity for the sediment to settle out. Therefore, the reflected wave is free to use
all of its energy to move that sand away from the shore.  In combination with the







I          ~~~turbulence that is generated around the base of the wall, the net result is severe erosion
            that will lower the substrate to a depth below which the incoming waves axe no longer
j          ~~~efficient in suspending sediment.
            These are offered only as simple examples for the sake of illustration. Accretion to the
            east of a groin and erosion to the west should not be taken as a hard and fast rule. Our
I        ~ ~~coastline is very jagged, and waves can be bent and redirected such, that a very complex
            transport pattern results. Likewise, a seawall should not alway's be ruled out as a
            defensive structure. Sometimes, the need for shoreline stabilization is so eminent that a
            wall is the only realistic option. Also, there are strategies that can mitigate the effects
            discussed above (for example, placing the seawall on a solid, rocky substrate). In both
            instances, the answer lies in careful consideration of the existing natural forces and the
            changes that are likely to result from the use of a particular structure. A careful analysis
           of the nearshore wave field under both day-to-day and storm conditions should be
            completed before considering any coastal modification.

      I                             ~~~~~~~~What Can We Do About Erosion?
            Providing examples of every type of erosion problem and solutions to each are far
I        ~ ~~beyond the scope of this short paper. In the Workcshop, case histories have been provided
            that illustrate the lands of problems that most commonly occur and the solutions that
            worked under that particular set of circumstances. As a general point of reference, we
            have assembled Table I which briefly outlines the types of erosion problems that are
            most common in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the processes that are involved and possible
           remedies for them. Beyond that, the best advice that we can offer is to consult with a
            trained professional before attempting even what may appear to you as a benign
I        ~ ~~modification. I was recently asked to comment on possible causes of and remedies for a
           new and sudden episode 'of beach erosion on St. Croix. After examining the beach, I
           suggested a program of aggressive beach revegetation. I was summarily informed that
I        ~ ~~the owner had just spent considerable effort and money to pull up the existing vegetation
           as the owners of the property wanted an open, sandy beach and not a lawn - my solution
            was clearly not acceptable to them. This kind of ignorant practice, more than any other.
            has traditionally lead to the problems that we now face. The laws of physics are the only
           ones that we cannot break without sure punishment.
*         ~~Beach Nourishment as an Option
           From the introductory discussion of erosion as an imbalance between sediment coming in
           and going out, we can deduce that erosion on a particular beach is necessarily being offset
I        ~ ~~by accretion some-where else. Corollary to this idea, any engineering measure that causes
           sand to be deposited on your beach necessarily robs another site. As a result, the only
           way that you can circumvent this relationship (but still only on a local basis) is to bring in
           sand from an outside source - beach nourishment.
           While preferable to most complex engineering solutions, there is a downside to this
           approach. First, it is expensive. Sand from off-island costs in the vicinity of $35 a yard.
           Therefore, even a modest nourishment project of 500 cubic yards will cost $17,500 for
           the sand along. To this, you must add handlirng costs, permnitting fees and the studies that
           are necessary to obtain those permits. From a philosophic point of view, you are still
I        ~ ~~robbing sand from somewhere else to solve your problem. And finally, you are probably
           committing to a long-term program of successive renourishment.



          I                                       ~~~~~~~~~~~V-37












Table 1. Common beach-erosion problems and their remedies.

Cause of Erosion      Factors Involved                     Remedy '

Sea-Level Rise        Natural forcing functions;           Stay out of its way, build with
                      Global Wanrmin                         common sense
Seawall               Scour at the base of the wal;        Foot seawall in rock
                      Preferential seaward transport       Foot seawall deep enough to prevent
                        of sediment                          undercutting
                                                          Design wall to minimize scour
Breakwater            Reduces transport along the shore that    Use only in areas where downdrift
                        is protected by the structure; can   shoreline is rocky (i.e.,
                        cause erosion downdrift              not subiect to erosion)
Groin                 Block alongshore transport           Use only in areas where downdrift
                                                            beach is not sensitive (e.g., rocky
                                                            or no develonmentf
Vegetation Removal    Destabilization of the substrate,    Don't do it; in areas where erosion is
                        making it more susceptible to        already a problem, undertake an
                        erosion                              aggressive revevetation rnream
Offshore Dredging     Creation of a hole that Mother Nature  Avoid nearshore dredging
                        wants to fill. If it is close enough,
                        your beach will provide the fill
                      Modification of offshore wave patterns
                        that become focused on vour beach
Destruction of offshore reefs   Removal of protection from waves Ensure that your project does not
                                                            cause damage. If the problem
                                                            already exists, then protection
                                                            must be re-established.

Aside from the more altruistic aspects of the decision-making process (e.g., finding a
supply that has not caused environmental damage at that locale), there are several
important considerations in designing a working nourishment program.  First, the sand
must be of a proper size that it will remain on the beach. As a rough rule of thumb, do
not put anything on the beach that is finer than what Mother Nature left there. The reason
that the existing sand is there is that ambient waves could not pick the material up and
move it away. Anything finer will disappear quickly. There are simple engineering tests
that can be performed to approximate the fate of your chosen sand. Ambient wave and
current conditions also need to be understood. This is important from a standpoint of
understanding where your sand might go under extreme conditions and- what adverse
environmental impacts it might have.  Consider, for example, that seagrass tends to
stabilize the sand in the immediate offshore zone of many island beaches. Extreme levels
of sedimentation can bury those grasses, thereby removing their stabilizing effect and
opening your beach to increased erosion. Offshore reefs that now provide protection for
your beach, if killed, will quickly be "eaten away" by the countless organisms that live on
the reef and grind away at dead substrate to make their living in the reef economy. As a
result, your beach will be exposed to increasing wave attack and will erode at an even
greater rate.

This discussion closes with two points. First, beach erosion is not necessarily a bad
thing. It is part of the natural waxing and waning of any shoreline comprised of loose
material. The problem arises only when a man-made structure is put in the way of this
process. A beach may come and go as part of the natural cycle. The end result is a stable
beach over a long period of time. However, a building or other structure that is built on
the beach and destroyed during the erosive cycle will not repair itself when the beach
comes back. Erosion is not the problem: man-made structures put in its path are what we


                                       V -38








are trying to avoid. Second, it cannot be stressed enough that a "qualified marine
professional" is not just someone with an advanced degree whose business brings them in
contact with the sea on a regular basis. Biologists have special talents that qualify them
to address ecosystem-level effects. Coastal engineers have. been trained to design
structures that will withstand the physical impact of wave attack. And marine geologists
generally focus on physical-oceanographic phenomena and their effects on coastlines and
the sediments that make them up. Expertise in one of these areas does not necessarily
qualify them to make informed judgments about everything that goes on in the marine
environment. Choose your "experts" wisely.










































                                   V-39








                                           VI
                         AGRICULTURE  AND WETLANDS


        Overview of Agricultral Nonpoint Source Pollution
          Olasee Davis ................................................ VI-1


        How to Manage Wastewater and Runoff from Confined Animal
        Facilities
          Jeff Schmidt . . ......................................              VI-9


        The Benefits of Using Sustainable Agriculture
          Louis Petersen . . .....................................   VI-12


        The Environmental and Economic Benefits of Wetlands
-- Algem Petersen . . ..................... .....................   VI-15


        Using Artificial Wetlands for Pollutant Removal
          Carlos Padin ..................................................








  ~~PaenoavIlal :tieoprnng


I











        * Paper not available at time of printing.
Il0, '                       0  X   ' 0-f 0  ,   ::    f                ; | V  jf  ;









             OVERVIEW OF AGRICULTURAL NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
    I                   ~~~~~~IN THE U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
                               Olasee K. Davis
         Cooperative Extension Service/Natural Resources, University
           ofthe Virgin Islands, Kingshill, St. Croix V. I. 00850


        HISTORICAL REVIEW OF AGRICULTURE IN THE U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

             At one time, the Virgin islands had an extensive and
        luxuriant forest. During the virgin stage of these islands,
I      ~~the native Indians gathered wild  fruits from forest and
        cultivated small plots of land. Land plots, however, did very
        little to alter the forest ecosystem.

 I           ~~~By the arrival of Columbus in 1492, forest was still the
        dominant vegetation throughout the islands, with the possible
        exception of a few small wetlands and rivers.   Between the
        15th and 16th century, a drastic change took place by the
        European settlers that inhabited the Virgin Islands.

             Large acreage of forest lands were burned for colonial
        agriculture development on St. Croix, thus changing the
        ecology of the island. Also, clearing of land on St. Thomas
*       ~~and St. John went through a similar phase for agriculture
        development.

             Land clearing was made possible when African slaves were
I     ~~brought to the shores of these islands in the late 1600's.
        Slaves cleared the land by cutting the trees and setting them
        on  fire.    At  this  period,  sugarcane  plantations  were
           estblihedfor agriculture production'.  By the mid-1800's,
        the island of St. Croix had 114 windmills and 144 animal or ox
*      ~~mills.

             In the early 17th century, agriculture revolutionized the
        islands' economy.   With this, soil erosion became a major
        factor in agriculture production.   Plantation crops were
        planted on slopes and hillsides, causing considerable erosion
        of the already thin tropical soil. Furthermore, the repeated
        burning of crop residue degraded the soil further by
        destroying its structure and reducing its fertility.
             At this time, the European settlers realized that in
        order to continue to make a profit from the land, they would
U      ~~have to implement conservation practices.  As a result, St.
        Croix's rolling hills were plowed along the natural lines of
        the land to keep the soil from washing away, while on St.
        Thomas and St. John, terraces were built along the hillsides
        to reduce further soil erosion.

       I                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~v1-1










     Techniques in land use, combined with engineering and
management practices, were thoroughly developed and well known
in ancient times before the first Europeans set foot in these
islands.

     Today, it is proven through both scientific tests and the
experiences of millions of farmers in many parts of the world,
that contour practices, designed to fit the topography of theI
land and combined with soil-saving rotation planting and
proper fertilization, provide protection to the soil, conserve
water for plant growth, and raise yields of cultivated crops
in many parts of the world.
     Between the 1780's and 18001s, St. Croix became the
richest sugarcane island in the Caribbean in addition to
Indigo, tobacco, and cotton. The 375 plantations on St. Croix
flourished as produce was
exported to Europe.  It was at this time that the island wasI
called the "Garden of Eden or Bread Basket of the Caribbean."
However, the prosperity of agriculture production in the
Danish Virgin Islands lasted only for a short time.
     After more than 200 years in which the ownership of the
Virgin Islands changed several times, Denmark encountered
serious problems.   Problems occurred when St.  Croix wasI
controlled by the British for a brief period of time.   In
1803, the slave trade was abolished.   Other problems arose
when natural disasters  such as earthquakes,  tidal waves,I
hurricanes, droughts, and political upheavals and war-, in
Europe worsened the Virgin Islands economy.  By 1848,  he
slaves received their physical emancipation.
    A few years later, in 1917, the United States purchased
the Virgin Islands from Denmark. Since then, the agriculture
industry in the Virgin Islands changed drastically. Prior to
the emancipation of the slaves in 1848, the island of St.
Croix was cultivated from the beaches to the hilltops. There
were some 30,000 acres of farmland devoted to sugar cane andI
other important crops.

    Back then, sugar commanded up to $2.00 per pound in the3
world's markets, and under these circumstances the one crop
economy was profitable. In 1966, sugarcane production phased
out in the Virgin Islands and agriculture shifted from
cropping to livestock production.   Today,  dairy and beef
cattle are the Virgin Islands' two largest agricultural
industries, primarily located on St. Croix-.

THE EFFECT OF NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION ON AGRICULTURAL LAND

     In agricultural areas of the U. S. Virgin Islands, the 
major   nonpoint   source   pollution   are   land  clearing,
sedimentation, overgrazing, and to some extent the misuse of
pesticides and fertilizers.

                                 VI -2








                           LAND CLEARING

             Of the earth's land surface, 43 percent is Occupied by
        rangeland, 11 percent by farming, 31 percent by commercial
         forest, and 15 percent by ice. ..in the Virgin Islands,
        approximately 75 percent of the agricultural land is devoted
        to animal husbandry with St. Croix having 92 percent of the
        grazing land.

             The majority of this land, however, is covered with
        shrubs and bushes which reduce the productivity of animal
        production.   Poor pasture management leads to undesirable
I      ~~species such as Casha (Acacia spp.), which dominates most of
        the Virgin Islands pastureland.

             Thus, farmers find it necessary to clear the land in
I      ~~order to Aincrease forage production for animal consumption.
        Oftentimes, however, lands are indiscriminately cleared by
        removing desirable plants with topsoil leaving the land bare,
        which is probably the worst thing that can be done.
             It is important to leave vegetative cover on the land in
I      ~~order to protect the topsoil. The energy of failing raindrops
        is expended directly on the soil surface when land is cleared
        of every vegetation. During rain, the soil surface seal forms
I      ~~quickly and soon water run of f at a maximum rate.
                         SOLUTIONS FOR CLEARING LAND

 3           1~~~. Avoid clearing land during the rainy season.
             2.   Leave trash on the land to reduce soil erosion.
             3.   Maintain as much permanent-type grazing grass as
  I             ~~~~possible.
             4.   Plan and follow a weed control program.
             5.   Follow  recommendations  closely  in  establishing
  I             ~~~~~pasture   (Experiment   Station   scientists   and
                  Cooperative Extension Service Specialists will
                  provide recommendations when needed).

                                SEDIMENTATION

             Sediment is made up of tiny soil particles that are
I     ~~washed or blown into guts, streams, eventually- end up in the
        sea. Sediment Is also one of the most damaging pollutants on
        agricultural land in the Virgin Islands, and nonpoint source
        pollution.   Loss of soil by washing and blowing usually
        follows deterioration of vegetation.  As soil becomes less
        abundant and increasingly compacted with misuse of the land,
        decreased water infiltration and increased runoff are
        inevitable.



                                   VI- 3









     On many pasturelands in the Virgin Islands, especially
slopes and grazing land near the coast, gully erosion IsI
visible. It occurs, either where runoff from a slope increase
sufficiently in volume or.velocity to cut deep incisions, or
where the concentrated water flows long enough in the sameI
channel to develop deep incisions in the soil.
     Often gullies develop in natural depressions of the land
surface where run-off water accumulates over a period of time.
Gullies are often started by ruts or tracks up and down hills
by the movement of machinery or livestock.   With gullies,
sediment is carried or transported picking up soil particlesI
and disposing it in farm ponds or along the coastlines.

     Although  these  problems  are  visible  and  easy  to 
understand,   other  nonpoint  source  pollution  problems
associated with sediment are less obvious.   For example,
nutrients  and  pesticides  can  become  strongly  bound  toI
sediment, especially fine soil particles, and can be carried
with it to surface and ground water. These pollution sources
will be discussed later.

                SOLUTION FOR SEDIMENTATION

     1.   Control erosion with vegetation cover. 
     2.   Livestock distribution on pasture land.
     3.   Ponds or dams construction on pastureland.
     4.   Practice conservation measures.I

                  OVERGRAZED PASTURELAND
    The primary purpose of pasture management is to prevent
excessive grazing. This is especially important during the
growing season for livestock farming in the Virgin Islands inI
order to increase the vigor and productivity of existing
forage plants and eventually,' to improve species composition.
Animals have a major impact on the physical environment andI
the plant communities in which they are associated with
(Davis, 1993).

    This impact is also influenced by climate changes, land
topography, and soil type which determine species of plants
adaptation to different areas of the islands.  Since most
pastureland are made up of complex plant species, grazing mustI
consider availability and palatability of the vegetation to
maintain healthy animals.

    Animals will not graze all individual plant species
uniformly unless the pasture is overgrazed or graz ing is
carefully controlled to maintain plant vigor throughout theI
growing season.   Also, with a given site, different plant
species will maximize their growth at different times of the
year.
                             VI-4











     As plant community develops, there is a continual change
in the relative proportions of different plant and, therefore,
a continually changing availability of forages (Mott 1960).
If grazing is unmanaged or managed without consideration of
the dynamic nature of the plant ecosystem, some forages will
be grazed heavily by animals while others are lightly grazed
or not grazed at all during the growing season.

     This has been the case for years in most pastureland in
the Virgin Islands. Desirable forages such as guinea grass
(Panicum maximum) are at a disadvantage because of
differential grazing will lose to the more undesirable plants.
This will change, and usually reduce, the productivity of
pastureland.

     Thus., many pastures in the islands are overgrazed and
invaded by plants that affect the performance of animals
nutritionally to produce beef or milk.   Such undesirable
pasture plants as (Crotalaria retusa L.), Maran (Croton
riaidus), and Wild physicnut (Jatropha gossypifolia L.) are
indicators of overgrazed pasture land.

     Overgrazing of pastureland in the Virgin islands has a
major impact on land thus contributing to some level of
nonpoint source pollution to surface or ground water supplies.
Livestock affect watershed properties by removal of vegetation
cover and through the physical action of their hooves.
Reduction in vegetation cover of pasture can increase the
impact of raindrops, decrease soil organic matter, soil
aggregates, and increase soil crusts.

    The primary effect of hoof action is the compaction of
the  soil  surface.    As  a  result,  it  decreases  water
infiltration rates, increases runoff, and soil erosion.
Livestock also affect water quality.   Fecal wastes  from
livestock grazing can be a sizable pollution problem in range
watershed management (Holecheck, Pieper, and Herbel 1989).

    To avoid such problem is to control the number of
livestock, distribution in pastures, and attract livestock
away from guts or stream areas.   Grazing systems can help
improve livestock distribution, and pasture forage conditions
by protecting plant during critical growth periods, and can
improve livestock performance by ensuring that plants are
utilized at the best times of the growing season. The chart
below shows one of many grazing systems that can be used
locally for livestock production.







                         VI-5










                            Four-Pasture Merrill System

                         A_. My _ m -  iN v .  -m m,
                         A n           A a    A




                         pr i -ow.1 -
                 ns'r~..,G y G   _ Gra.  Rag   G.ae





                        maintain  goodpastureland.
                        D      C  C  c


          Limslo& concenhis on most wnuitional plants vAen fint placd in afrespastur Men
         there plants are grazed they then graze ess nutritional plants: thus. the nztritional level of
         their diet goes down. To overcome, speed up mom.~



                      GRAZING SOLUTIONS

     1.   Implement grazing systems that will create and/or
          maintain good pastureland.
     2.   Control of space or how much area is to be grazed.I
          This is done with fences, either permanent or
          temporary.
     3.   Control of time.  How long the area is to be grazed
                                              v~~~~~~~







          or rested.
     4.   Control of numbers, or how many animals are to be
          placed in the area to be grazed.
     5.   Control of the animal.  The farmer must be able to 
          place the animal where and when he wants, for as
          long as he wants.

                          PESTICIDES

"Pesticide" is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of
chemicals such as insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
The use of these agrichemicals help the Virgin Islands farmers
to produce high yields of crop, but pesticides could also
provide a pathway for toxic pollutants to our ground water if
they are used incorrectly.

Proper applicationtro of pesticide and operation of equipment are 
important to protect the applicator as well as the
environment. The prevention of nonpoint source pollution by
pesticide concentrates, spray mixtures, or wastes is also
essential in protecting the environment.


                                 VI-6







I        ~~At this moment, pesticide is not a major environmental problem
         as a nonpoint source pollution. Most Virgin Island farmers
         practice sustainable agriculture. However, the potential for
I      ~~pesticides to become a serious environmental problem is there.
         Those who use pesticides need to understand the chemical
         properties and how they should be applied in order to protect
*        ~~our natural resources.

         The University of the Virgin Islands Cooperative Extension
         Service conducts classes both in the private and commercial
I      ~~category  for  pesticide  applicators  who  want  to  become
         certified.   By using pesticides wisely and applying them
         correctly, the responsible pesticide applicator can use these
         chemical for the benefit of the environment.
                                 FERTILIZER

        As crops-grow, soil nutrients are utilized to produce food.
        on the other hand, significant amounts of nutrients are
        removed from the soil when crops are harvested and not
        recycled back to the soil. Thus, nutrients such as nitrogen,
        phosphorus, and potassium are essential parts of the
        agriculture industry in the Islands. These nutrients may be
         added to the soil in the form of fertilizer, decaying
        vegetation, or manure.

        Fertilizer is not a major nonpoint source pollution in the
        Virgin Islands agriculture industry. But every step should be
        taken by farmers not. to misuse fertilizer on farmland.  All
        form of nutrients such as manure, legumes, and fertilizer
        should be managed properly to meet the needs of crop nutrients
        and reduce the chance of nutrient loss to surface or ground
*       ~~water.

                                CONCLUSIONS

        The risk of agricultural nonpoint source pollution can be
        significantly reduced by more prudent application of land
        clearing, overgrazing, nutrient, pesticide and by good overall
        land management.   I personally believe that conservation
        practices   of  agriculture  provide   environmentally  and
        economically sound farming techniques for the Virgin islands
        farmers.   Finding solutions to environmental pollution can
I      ~~only be solved when we recognize the .importance of managing
        our natural resources properly.









                                  VI-7




                                                                      I l



                         REFERENCES
Jerry, L., Holecheck, Rex., D. Pieper and Carlton., H. Herbel.
1989.  Range Management Principles and Practices.
Mott, G. 0.   1960.   Grazing Pressure and Measurement of
Pasture Production.   Proceedings of the 8th International               I
Grassland Congress, pp. 606-611.
Davis,  K.  0.   1993.   Range  Ecology.    Virgin  Islands
Agriculture and Fair 1993.  VI Dept. of Economic Development
and University of the Virgin Islands.  Bulletin Number 7 pp.
23-24.









                                                                         I--
                                                                         i

























                                VI-8
                                                        - ';   Rg0.    0   I


                                                          f  + *  r     ;     0 | ti  8








                          HOW TO MANAGE WASTEWATER AND RUNOFF FROM
                                 CONFINED ANIMAL FACILITIES


                                     JEFFREY J. SCHMIDT


                           United States Department of Agriculture
                                  Sail Conservation Service
                          United States Virgin Islands Field Office
                                   St. Croix, USVI 00851



                 The United States Virgin Islands confined animal facilities are
           very unique.  Two categories are the most common and at the same time
            veydifferent.  In one category, there are less than a few dozen farms
           that have large enough systems (usually more than 75 head of stock) that
           would support controls or measures that are engineered, designed, and
I I       ~~constructed,  but may require  large sums of monetary support.   Most
           commonly these herds are either dairy, beef, swine, sheep, goats, or
           poultry.   This is not to say that all  large  facilities  have water
           quality problems, but rather the potential is greater.
                 On the other hand is the category where there are virtually
           hundreds of small operations of confined animals. The animals common in
           this group are more of a mix than the preceding category. Again, each
           situation is different.   Five goats can be more hazardous than twenty
           cows if the confinement location is not appropriate.
                 Of course there are the herds that just roam, graze, or browse.
          Common to this group are horses and goats. It should be noted that any
           animal can be a roamer, should gates be left open or fences be in dire
           need of repair.   Certain animal types are common to an area in the
             VirinIslands,  rather  than  the  rule.        In  other  words,  these
           domesticated animals do not roam from coast to coast in search of food
           or forage. But rather stay in an area big enough to support the herd,
9         ~~~and from there they do not venture. Commonly referred to as the lands
           "carrying capacity". This refers more directly to the plants ability to
           survive grazing pressure. These roamers can also be detrimental to
           humans,  other livestock herds,  and to themselves as well.   It just
9         ~~~depends on where the feces fall.
                Wastewater management problems often arise when livestock are
           added to a farm without increasing the land base. When land and animals
I       ~    ~are out of balance - that is the waste produced greatly exceeds the
           capacity of the land to utilize the nutrients in the waste product - we
           find that water quality problems begin to show.   Unfortunately, these
           problems can go unnoticed for a long period of time.   Some examples
          pcould be fish kills, odor, drinking water contamination, or even
           bacteria related diseases spreading to humans.   A commnon bacteria in
           these cases is E-Coli.
  I            ~    ~~~Careful observation and common sense can often determine whether a
           given farm practice is likely to cause the quality of water to
           deteriorate or affect the environment.   The quality of water can be
           adversely affected if manure runs into streams or guts as a result of
           land application, spillage, storage overflow, or deliberate dumping.


                                          VI-9










Increased bacterial  counts can indicate this has happened.   Several
illnesses can be attributed to high bacteria counts in water systems.
Common are typhoid, hepatitis, bronchitis, and even urinary infections.
All of which can be fatal if not treated. More often than not, rainfall
transports the waste products into the groundwater and/or across the
soil surf ace.   Nutrients in manure applied to the soil at rates that             I
exceed the soils and plants ability to breakdown or uptake the
nutrients, can leach into groundwater or be carried away of f site with I
runof f water. and eroded soil to the sea.  This off site transport- is
often referred to as non point source pollution.   Increased' nutrients
like nitrogen in the groundwater can cause drinking water problems for
water well users.  Nitrate poisoning is possible which can be serious,
but more so to infants.
      The reasons for developing and maintaining a sound wastewater
management plan include: 1) environmental benefits to everyone, 2)
economic  benefits  to  the  farmer,  and  3) compliance  with  laws  and          I
regulations concerning environmental quality.
     Let us explore managing waste from a large animal facility first
so  that  we  can  be  introduced  to  the general  principles  of  waste          i
management  or runoff  control.    The two  are rather  synonymous.A
component of waste management is controlling runoff to and from the
confined facility.
     A  system to manage  waste  and  runoff  from  a confined  animal
facility must be developed using a total systems approach.   A total
system accounts for all the waste associated with an agricultural
enterprise throughout the year from production to utilization.   From
extra feed to overflowing watering tanks.   From parlor flushing to
excess bedding.   From manure storage to application.  Everything.   In
short, it is the management of all the waste, all the time, all the way
through.
     With this in mind we begin the process of inventorying all of the
resources associated with the agricultural enterprise. This list is not
all inclusive.   The accuracy of identifying the resources allows more
functional alternatives to be developed.   Some of the data you collect
can be easily measured, such as the number of acres available to spread 
waste. While other data may be less tangible, not easily measured, but
rather rely on personal discussions, observations, or just. plain common
sense judgement.
     A brief list of the inventory needed includes: type of livestock, 
type of operation, breed, size (number of stock, ages, weights,
replacements), feeding components, site location, bedding, present
facility,  land  availability,  soils,  topography,  rainfall,  geology, 
crops, labor availability, equipment availability, 'level of producer
management, adjacent land use, livestock travel routes, confinement
days, laws and regulations, utilities, landscape resources, flexibility,I
expansion opportunities, producer financial situation, etc, etc.
     Once a thorough investigation of the resources is complete,
arrange the information into six categories for interpretation,
analyzation, and evaluation. They are: 1) Production, 2) collection, 3)
Storage, 4) Treatment, 5) Transfer, and 6)  Utilization.   Once broken
down into one or more of these categories, alternatives can be selected
that  best  fit  the  site  conditions,  livestock  operation,  and  theI
producers  objectives.    When  selecting  and considering  alternatives,

                             VI-lo









           always keep in mind that the purpose of managing animal wastewater is
           not to detrimentally affect water quality or the environment.
 ii            ~~~Components  Of  the  previously  mentioned  categories  are  more
           commonly known as "alternatives available to manage wastewater and
           runoff".   They  include, but again are not limited to.- roof gutters,
ii       ~~clean water diversions, dirty water diversions, alley scrapers, flush
           alleys, ponds, tanks, dry stack, lagoons, composters, solid separators,
           settling basins, pipelines, hauling equipment, pumps, push off ramps,
ii       ~~irrigation  systems,  spreaders,  commercial  sale,  refeeding,  bedding,
           energy generation, artificial wetland wastewater treatment, etc, etc.
           This last alternative is excitingly new for the Virgin Islands and may
           hold great promise because of our shrinking agricultural land base.
              Movin to a smaller operation, all the principles of planning and
             daacollection are the same, you just do not have the land base
             avalaleand move common,  the financial capital to build the same
ii       ~~controls as. a larger operation.   some items are suggested for larger
          operations 'an well.   These happen to be virtually free from monetary
           input. The first thing that can be done is to reduce the stock size.
II       ~~Prevent stock from entering watering facilities,  streams, ponds., and
          diversions, rotate pastures, rearrange feeding areas away from steep
          slopes, create buffer strips, repair fencing, feed in bunks not on
p       ~ ~ground, and keep thinking.  Common sense approaches can be found every
          day.   Your only limitation sometimes can be your imagination.   Animal
          waste management is not a one day event.   Conditions are constantly
          changing, as you must, in any farming or animal management enterprise.
                Managing wastewater and runoff from confined animal facilities is
          dynamic with many alternatives being available as well as many problems
p        ~ ~~hat can be created.  Because of the variety of alternatives, solutions,
          conditions,  and  situations,  that  the  management  system  must  be
          incorporated, no one procedure can be followed to arrive at a one system
           design.   One recommendation may be ideal for one farm and completely
9         ~~~inappropriate for another.  Alternatives are always available.  Whether
          they are the ones that fit your operation, or are feasible for you, may
          be a completely different matter.
  I           ~ ~~~In conclusion, the most important item is to recognize a problem,
          even a potential problem, and to take positive steps *to protect,
          restore, and improve the environment - specifically the quatity of water
          in this case.   Out of sight is not out of mind.  Remember, to look in
          your own backyard before you criticize across the fence.













         I                                ~~~~~~~~~~~VI-II1









       SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS                      I
                    LOUiS Petersen, Ph.D
  CooPerative Extension Service, University of the Virgin                  I
               islands, St. Thomas, VI 00802
According to the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act
of 1990, Sustainable Agriculture is an integrated system of
plant and animal production practices having a site-specific
application that will, over the long-term, satisfy human food
and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural
resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;
make the most ef ficient use of non- renewable resources and on-
farm/ranch resources and-integrate, where appropriate, natural             I
biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability
of farm/ranch bperations; and enhance the quality of life for
farmers/ranchers and society as a whole.
Simply stated, sustainable agriculture refers to agricultural
systems that are designed to be productive while being
ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just andm
humane. These systems are comprised of practices such as
composting, inter-cropping, multiple cropping, crop rotation,
terracing,  diligent  record  keeping,  appropriate  varietalm
selection, and the use of drip irrigation. while some of these
methods and technologies. are new to some farmers and home
gardeners in the Virgin Islands, some have long been in use as
a consequence of tradition or necessity.
Terracing ref ers to the construction of earth embankments,
channels, or combinations of both across the slope of the           
land. This has been practiced f or hundreds of years in the
Virgin Islands, especially on St. Thomas and St. John where
the terrain is hilly and often very steep. The most common          
type of terrace constructed by local farmers employs the use
of rocks to contain and stabilize the soil. This makes good
use of the many, available rocks which characterize our'soils.      
Terracing serves to reduce soil erosion and runoff as well as
create a more manageable working area for the farmer since the
area is made to be level.
Another practice which helps to conserve our natural resources
is mulching. This involves the use of synthetic or organic
materials such as straw, grass cuttings, leaves, manure, woodI
chips, plastic or woven fabric to cover the ground surface
around plants to conserve soil moisture and control the growth
of weeds. Mulched plants need water less frequently than non -              I
mulched plants. Mulching also reduces runoff and soil erosion
since the materials used provide a protective covering for the
soil. organic materials such as manure and grass cuttings areI
more commonly used in the Virgin Islands compared to synthetic
ones. Organic mulch materials gradually decompose and enhance

                              VI -121







         iisoil structure and fertility. On the other hand, synthetic
         options such as plastic are more durable and can last from one
         planting season to the next. Biodegradable plastics have been
ii      ~~developed and have great potential usage for Virgin Island
         farmers who avoid the use of conventional grades of plastic.

         The importance of proper varietal selection of crop types is
         *often underestimated by farmers and home gardeners in the
         Virgin Islands. By choosing the appropriate varieties of
         ftuits or vegetables in production systems, 'lower inputs' of
jI*     ~pesticides,  fertilizers,  and even water may be necessary.
         Modern varieties which are tolerant to diseases, insects,
         existing soil conditions, and drought should be used whenever
         available.
         Crop rotation refers to a system of planting crops in a
ii      ~~compatibl~e and complementary manner in order to prevent the
         potential build up pest populations on a given farm site. It
         is well known that the potential for disease and insect
II      ~~problems (especially soil - borne problems) increases when the
         same or similar crops are grown successively on the same
         field. Crop rotation relies on the diversity between plant
         types to interfere with the   natural life cycle of insects
p      ~ ~and disease causing organisms. Consequently, the quantities of
         pesticides used for crop production can potentially be
         reduced,  and therefore,  their environmental  impact.    In
p      ~ ~addition, when the same or similar crops are repeatedly grown
         on the same plot of land, soil fertility levels decline due to
         the constant demand for the same quality and quantity of
p      ~ ~nutrients. This usually leads to unnecessary applications of
         fertilizer to restore soil fertility. Crop rotation uses
         plants which are appreciably different so that soil nutrient
         reserves are not exhausted, resulting in "tired soils".
         Similarly, the practice of inter - cropping is based on the
         principle that similar plant types -attract similar pest
I      ~ ~problems while a diversified population of plants guards
         against this. Hence, inter - cropping involves the growing of
         two or more totally different species together in the same
         field. As with crop rotation, to reduce the potential of a
         pest outbreak is to reduce the potential environmental impact
         of pesticides. Practically all farmers and home gardeners in
         the Virgin Islands traditionally practice inter - cropping due
I     ~ ~to the unavailability of another very'limited and expensive
         resource - - land. Farmers and gardeners must use their land
         prudently in order to get as much production as possible from
         small acreages.
         Another important practice which needs more attention on the
         part of Virgin Island farmers is record keeping. Good record
         keeping (in conjunction with soil testing) can help farmers
         decide if, for example, a fertilizer application is necessary.
         Fertilizer applications are often made at random without
           witoutconsidering the date of the last application or

       3                            ~~~~~~~~~~~VI-1~3








the current fertility status of the plot in question. this can
result in unnecessary applications of f ertilizers which, in
turn, can eventually contaminate our aquifers. A good record               I
keeping system also documents a crop history (i.e. the
sequence in which crops have been planted on a farm site).
Such information can f acilitate an ef fective crop rotation
system which, as was mentioned previously, is a pest control
measure and which prevents the exhaustion of soil- reserves.
Fresh water is quantitatively a very limited natural. resource             I
in the V~irgin islands. Therefore, measures must be taken to
make the most efficient use of this precious commodity. Many
producers in the Virgin Islands still supply water to their                I
crops by means of the "conventional" hose or a bucket. Besides
causing mechanical damage to plants, this system makes
wasteful and inefficient usage of water. Most of the applied               I
water never reaches the plants for which it was intended, and
instead contributes to runoff, erosion and sedimentation of
soil particles. On the other hand, drip irrigation technology              I
is strongly advocated for use in crop production since water
use ef ficiency is maximized. This is accomplished by gradually
supplying plants with small amounts of water in a dripping
manner through tubes for periods of time. This ensures maximum
uptake and utilization of the water by plants, and there is no
resultant runoff, soil erosion, or sedimentation. The use of
drip irrigation systems as a production practice is gradually
becoming more commonplace among Virgin Island farmers.
Composting is the practice of managing the decomposition of
organic matter such as plant or animal residue or waste which
results in a rich, humus material which can be used as a
fertilizer, mulch or to improve soil structure; Composting,
therefore,  represents a means of recycling  the otherwise          
refuse  by-products  of  agricultural  activity  and  re-
incorporating   these  organic  materials .into  continued
agricultural production systems. The concept of a properly
managed, scientific system of organic matter decomposition is
relatively new to crop producers in the Virgin Islands', but
should be strongly encouraged. 
Although the examples given herein are from the perspective of
crop production, sustainable agriculture is also practiced in
livestock production.   For example, poor record keeping in         
pasture management can result in overgrazing, and thus, poor
management of animal manure, and soil erosion.I
Sustainable agriculture represents one of many initiatives to
address the issue of environmental preservation. with the
assistance of the agricultural agencies of the Virgin islands,I
our farmers can also make significant contributions toward the
conservation of our natural resources in order to ensure
tomorrow's food production.


                              VI-14I








           THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMICAL BENEFITS OF WETLANDS

    ii                      ~~~~~~AlgeM Petersen
           Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Coastal Zone
 ii             ~~~~Management Program, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
          In the ecologist's language, wetlands are known. as ecotones,
          or transitional areas - sandwiched between permanently flooded
          deepwater environments and well-drained uplands - at one edge
          they are predominately aquatic (very wet) and at the other
ii        ~~mostly dry (1).

              Section 404 of the Clear water Act defines wetlands as
          "areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground
          water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and
          that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of
          vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil
          conditions" (2).
          Normal circumstances are considered to be:

 0            ~~~1.    The soil and hydrological conditions  that would
                    exist if the vegetation were not altered or
  *                ~~~~~removed.
              2.    Cropping or cropping history is not the normal
                    circumstances.
p       ~ ~In the recent press release from The White House office on
          Environmental Policy, on 'New Federal Wetland Policy,, Carol
          Browner, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection
p      ~ ~Agency, states that "American wetlands are currently being
          lost at a rate of nearly 300,000 acres per year". Another
          section of that release entiled -"Protecting America's
I      ~ ~Wetlands: A Fair, Flexible and Effective Approach" further
          states "The Nation has lost nearly half of the wetland acreage
          that existed in the lower 48 States prior to European
          settlement. The Nation's wetlands continue to be lost ata
          rate of hundreds of thousands of acres per year due to both
          human activity and natural processes. This continued loss
          occurs at great cost to society" (3).

          During the last thirty years researchers have discovered the
          significant, irreplaceable ecological values and roles that
 I      ~ ~wetlands provide to communities. The term heritage value has
          been used to describe the importance of wetlands as
          educational resources, as repositories of biodiversity, as
          sources of aesthetic experience, and as, simply existing
          natural phenomenon. The importance of the goods that wetlands
          produce has been extensively documented.



        *                           ~~~~~~~~~~~VI- 15








ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Wetlands are considered among the most important ecosystems on
the  earth.  They provide  a number of benefits  including
nonpoint pollution control. Some of the roles of wetlands
Ainvolve:

Flood Control:

They help to  moderate  - to control  - extreme floods by
absorbing water during heavy rainfall, then slowly releasing               I

Erosion Control                                                            I
Wetlands buffer shorelands against erosion. Wetland plants
also bind soil with their roots and help to absorb impacts                 I
from wave action.
Fish & Wildlife Habitat
Wetlands are home to many commercially important animals like
shrimp and crayfish. Young fish find in them a readily
available supply of food as well as protection from predators,
due to their fertile and protective nature. Nearly all the
fish and crustaceans harvested commercially and half of the
recreational catch depend on wetlands for food and habitat
during part of their life cycle (1, 4). A large proportion of
Federally listed threatened or endangered animals (45%) and
plants (26%) depends directly or indirectly on wetlands to
complete their life cycle successfully. They provide migration
routes for wildlife through their natural areas along rivers
and streams which are often "linear corridors", serving as
bridges within and between remaining wildlife habitat  (1) .        
These quality wetlands  are used by  millions of migratory
birds and waterfowl which use these ecosystems for food and
shelter during the Spring and Fall migrations north and south,      
and for breeding and wintering grounds in summuer and winter.
These connected landscapes can also help to increase or
maintain  species diversity and population size of plants and       
animals; they also maintain genetic variation within these
populations and provide predator-escape cover for movement
between areas.
1mvrove and maintain Water Quality and Quantity
Wetlands are important for maintaining and improving theI
quality while requlating the quantity of our water. Numerous
studies show that wetlands remove sediments, nutrients and
toxins from the water. Because of their function as removersI
of waste from both natural and human resources, they are
sometimes described as "the kidneys of the landscape". They
are natural water treatment plants; they help to purify water
pollutants that may contaminate and diminish the quality ofI
larger bodies of water (eq. the ocean) . Wetlands also increase

                              VI-16









water quality by absorbing water in wet seasons, feeding it to
surface and underground water storage areas and gradually
releasing it through wells, springs, seeps or open outlets
during dry periods (1,4).

Wetlands are extensively used for other activities such as
boating, forestry and hunting in many parts of the world, and
to a lesser extent here in the Virgin Islands.
Wetlands have also been appreciated and valued in the field of.
fine arts and literature. For centuries natuiralis`, landscape
painters, photographers and writers have expressed their.
appreciation through their work; and we have all -seen and
enjoyed these pictures and paintings (1,4,5).

Despite their destruction and abuse, wetlands continue to
provide  us  with  valuable  services.    They  form natural
reservoirs, store flood waters, minimize the damage from
severe storms, and provide a home for a wide variety of
important  plants  and  animals.  To  a  large  extent,  the
characteristics of wetlands and the manner in which they
function are determined by what is happening in the areas
surrounding those wetlands. To understand why this is so we
must understand how hydrology controls wetland sediment supply
and erosion; the availability of oxygen to the organisms that
depend on it; the nutrient supply and biological production
and the channels of access by migratory animals (Fig.1).

ECONOMICAL BENEFITS
Wetlands along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts are especially
critical to the fishing industry in America and support a
multi-billion dollar per year commercial and recreational
fishing industry.

Commercial Fisheries:
A major part of the commercial fisheries catch in the U.S. is
comprised of species that use wetlandsas feeding habitat and
as nursery. Each year, America's commercial fisheries harvest
is valued at more than $10 billion. In the Southeast, an
estimated 96% of the commercial catch and over 50% of the
recreational catch consist of fish and shellfish that depend
on coastal wetland systems. Some of these wetland dependents
are bluefish, sea trout, shrimp, oysters, clams, blue and
Dungenese crabs (Table 1).

Huntinq and Trapping:
Wetlands contribute commercially to support a fur and hide
harvest worth $300-400 million annually. Muskrat and beaver
are the more familiar wetland fur-bearers. Muskrat pelts alone
are worth over $70 million annually.

Recreation:
Wetlands are considered to be "wonderlands". Many recreational
activities such as waterfowl hunting, fishing and crabbing,
take place in and around wetlands. Observation and photography

                        VI-17









of wetland-dependent birds entice an  estimated 50 million
people and they spend nearly $10 billion a year on their
hobby.
Many people simply enjoy the beauty and sound of nature during
their walk along these wetlands (1,6).

    This new understanding of the value of wetlands has helped
to increase awareness for the need to re-evaluate the effects
of wetland.-loss.. The White House.press release..also.indicated....
that Federal wetland polity should be based upon the best
scientific information available. It is crucial that we do the
same here in the Virgin Islands. There are a number of people
here in the territory who are interested in some type of
wetland research project. To be complete and effective such
project should include people representing different areas of
the ecosystem, who are equipped to look at the different
aspects of wetland activities:

     * as an habitat

     * the entire oxidation/reduction sequence

     * hydrology

     * soil type and

     * plant life




























                           VI-18









         II                      WETLAND  FOOD  CHAIN






,i
                                                      Attacked, colonized,
                                                      and eaten by                               Detritus-
                                                      .microoï¿½rgan'sms  i.T ..ql                 a mixture
                           Plants                                                                   of microorganisms
        .* ï¿½                   ~~shredded by small                         .. and dead plant
  II                         and others












                      Raw plant food                                                           Shrimp, crabs,
                       Ra plst     anst ser                                                     sm altcrustaceans,


        Marsh plants

                                        feces, containing
                                        plant remains





                      Ri  "                                                                   - Assimilated food
                        9Ii' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~leaves detrital mill
     9w       . HjE                   A                                                    . ";\  as animaltissue


 r .ras  support the detrital ood web. Sna animals shred the dead grass. elin r microorganisms to colonize it and brcak il down chemically so that other
    can assimilate it and grow their waste products a recolonized by microbes and the cycle s teltaed.
    fbe frtagle fringe: coastl etlands of the continental U.S.



                                                           VI-19




                            TABLE I



           REVENUE DERIVED FROM WETLANDS IN THE U. S.




 Commercial Fisheries                                10 Billion

oHunting & Trapping                             300-400 Billion

 Recreation                                          10 Billion




                       TABLE 11

    COASTAL WETLAND AREA IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS



 ISLANDS          TOTAL              WETLAND    %


                             Area
                              (ha)

ST. CROIX (9)        21,800              598        3

ST. THOMAS (4)        7,300              354        5

ST JOHN  (7)           5,200              25.    1



                                   I
                                   I

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                     .            <p
                                   I
                                   I
DEPS3 A                             I
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                                   I
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I

'I '
                             :i  LITERATURE CITED
I
        1.   Watzin M.C., J.G. Gosselink, 1992. The fragile fringe:
             coastal  wetlands  of  the continental  United  States.
   |    ~ Louisiana Sea Grant College Program, Louisiana State
             University, Baton Rouge, LA; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
             Service, Washington, DC; and National Oceanic and
            Atmospheric Administration; Rockville, MD. :
        2.   Department of the Army, Waterways Experiment Station,
             Corps    Engineers.    1993.    Wetland    Delineation
             Certification Program.
       3.   The White House Office on Environmental Policy. August
I           24,  1993.  New Federal wetlands policy offers  fair,
             flexible  approach,  ends  agency  interfighting  and
            gridlock with strong agreement.
       4.   American Wetlands Month. May, 1991. Published by the
            Office of Wetlands Protection. Washington D.C.
       5.   National Wetlands Research Center.
       6.   Frayer W.E.,  J.M.  Hefner.  1991.  Florida Wetlands  -
 I           Status and Trends, 1970's to 1980's.
       7.   Scott Derek A. and Montserrat Carbonell. A directory of
    |'      neotropical wetlands.



I

 I
f I


 I .,
 .
 IS.
I
 .I








       I                                ~~~~~~VII
                  WINNING STUDENT ENTRIES AND

                          CLOSING REMARKS



I     ~Finding Solutions to Environmental Pollution
       Alfredo A. Bough .......................VII-].


     Nonpoint Source Pollution
       Tishuana Hodge........................VII-3


*     ~Closing Remarks
       Joan Har~rigan-Farrelly ...................VII-5















~~~Pprntaal ea imeo                         rnig







  I              ~~~~FINDING SOLUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

                               Alf redo A. Bough

              All Saints Cathedral School, St. Thomas, USVI 00802

         We, as humans, need to be aware of our environment. Nature and
I.     ~anima~ls  everywhere  are very  sensitive  to changes  in the
*         ~~environment including industrial ch~eiicals and hbuman wastes.
flY   =    *~Reniembe~r; .eare -a- -part -of. -nat.'rei topo..

         We need to care about what happens to the trash other people
         haphazardly throw away. As a popular commercial on television
I       ~~advises "GIVE A HOOT, DON'T POLLUTE". This should be taken
          seriously and not pushed aside. we require education for
         ourselves and our children. This education should be
          incorporated into our schools and as well as in our
         households. our youth of today depend on us to make this world
         a better place for them to live in.

I        ~~one instance of environmental pollution is cars that we drive
         everyday. Carbon monoxide, the harmful culprit of pollution
         from motor vehicles, ascends in the atmosphere and in the air
I      ~~we breathe. Two problems are sparked. one, carbon monoxide can
         cause breathing problems and even lung cancer. Two, carbon
         monoxide adds to the warming of the earth or more commonly
I      ~~known as the greenhouse effect.
         Raw sewage from pipes that are either broken or run-off
3        ~~directly into our oceans from which we get water and food is
         another instance. Instead of allowing this to happen we should
         use tax money more wisely and build more effective sewage and
*       ~~water desalination plants.

         Household and automotive care products such as oil, grease,
         heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals can be found in urban
I      ~~stormwater runoff if not properly disposed of. This can cause
         disease and in some cases even death. Contamination of
         drinking water with sewage and hazardous minerals can
 I      ~~stimulate many diseases such as typhoid fever, malaria, and
         infectious hepatitis. Farmers should use pesticides only when
         needed because it can kill fish and contaminate drinking water
 3       ~~from runoffs.

         Particularly in St. Thomas and coastal states recreational
         boating is also a problem. Spilt fuel, untreated sewage and
          trash discharged overboard, are not only hazardous to us and
         the environment but illegal, too.

         We are all a part of the problem so all of us can help to
         solve it. everything we do can cause pollution, from
         fertilizers to engine oil, and paper plates to styrofoam cups.
         You name it and somehow it is a pollutant.
         Here are some ways to clean up our island. Please keep litter,

       I                           ~~~~~~~~~~~Vii-I








pet wastes, and debris off our street and out of guts. Apply
lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to label
directions. Please dispose of oil, anti-freeze, paints, and
other household chemicals properly. Clean up car lubricants
and brake fluid. Don't wash them into the street or gut.                   I
Dispose of pesticide containers and rinse water properly.
'Maintain your septic system by pumping the tank at least once
every three years. Reduce or prevent soil erosion on your
property.by.....not. .clearing vegetation .or. by planting ..nO.ive L
vegetation as grounid cover-and stbi lzing eroslon-prone.areas
(such as steep, unstable slopes). Minimize manure, fertilizer,
and pesticide applications and time them according to when
plants need these chemicals the most.

To help resolve the environmental pollution problem we can
each do our share to remedy the problem. The aforementioned
paragraph was a list of ways to "HEAL THE WORLD" and "MAKE IT
A BETTER PLACE FOR THE ENTIRE HUMAN RACE". If these guidelines
are followed our island will be a cleaner environment for us
to live in.
















                                        ~~VII-2 ~
                                                                        I










  - -a - -E----                                                                                    












                                                                                            N
STUDENT: Tishuana Hodge
SCHOOL:  John H. Woodson Junior High
NOTE:     Poster has been reduced.  The actual. poster is in color and can be
         seen at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Nisky Center, St. Thomas, VI










                       CLOSING REMARKS

         Joan Harrigan-Farrelly, CZM Program Manager
Department of Planning and Natural Resources, St. Thomas, VI
                            00802

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.. Over the course of the
past ?two .da.ys..  we.hae ~triedrtO ~pnll 7og ether.:r~egulator-s,;. .
users and developers to discuss the  problems and possible
solutions concerning NPSP..

We heard from the novices who wondered aloud what NPSP was and
we heard from the experts such as Mr. Kimball, Mr. Mc.Comb and
our own Dr. Kojis and Mr. Giruad. We heard from the regulators
both federal and local who told us what the laws , rules and
regulations governing NPSP were and we heard from Dr. Ragstar
who challenged each of us to deal with the problem from a
personal level, from a behavioral level. For as Dr. Ragstar
said only when we modify our day to day living habits, will we
be able to reduce some of the problems and minimize some of
the waste we have been accumulating.

We saw and heard from our youth their perspective on the
problem and possible solutions through their posters and essay
contest, and we heard from the Governor his commitment to
protect and preserve our beautiful islands.

Some of the solutions presented include:

1)   looking at our own personal behavior and looking at
     ourselves as of contributors to the problem, and
     therefore as the ones capable of solving the problem.

2)   Revising  our  laws  and  statutes  in  terms of  sewage
     disposal, earth change practices,  septic systems, and
     agricultural practices.

3)   Utilizing  Best  Management   Practices  as  far  as
     construction, agriculture, marinas, and golf courses are
     concerned.

4)   Reviewing our earth change criteria more carefully and
     taking a closer look at erosion and sedimentation control
     plans  that are presented,  and then   monitoring  the
     progress of construction.

5)  We heard that the soils of the Virgin Islands are not
     conducive to septic systems and a recommendation that all
     new housing development must use alternate sewage
     disposal systems by the year 1995. This means that our
     Public Works Department must have on line adequate, and
     state of the art sewage treatment plants, and that


                          VII-5









private home owners and DPNR must also begin to investigate
individual treatment systems, some of which were discussed
today.

There were numerous other recommendations that came out in the
various sessions, too numerous for me to summarize. However,
we will try to compile all the recommendations and present
them to you with a summary of the proceedings.

So,"~'Iere'do wego fromh.ere., what"will we, 6r'hdw 'much will> -
we commit ourselves, Our departments, our agencies and.our
companies to solving this problem? Did we during the course of
the last two days -decide the problem was large enough to
warrant our full combined commitment? From the presentations
and open discussions, I believe that the consensus was that we
will all strive to commit ourselves and our resources to
remedying the problem.

I must add however, that such a problem cannot be solved by
one agency alone,  or by the government alone or by one
company. Clearly from the discussions, we are all contributors
to the problem and therefore it will take  our collective
efforts to solve the problem. In the same way that it took our
collective efforts to bring about this conference.

Conferences like this are not easy to organize and so I would
like to thank all those who worked diligently in organizing
the conference, contacting the speakers, and getting the word
out. But before I acknowledge all the conference committee
organizers, I would like to single out one person Ms. Janice
Hodge who worked tirelessly to ensure the conference ran
smoothly. Mrs. Hodge you did a wonderful job and I'd like us
to please give her a hand. Other members of the planning
committee included Ms. Julie Wright-UVI Cooperative Extension
Service, Ms. Marcia Taylor, UVI, Eastern Caribbean Center, Mr.
Olasee Davis, UVI Cooperative Extension Service, Mr. Mario
Morales, USDA Soil Conservation Service, Mr. Bruce Green ,
Caribbean Hydro-Tech, Inc., Ms. Algem Petersen DPNR, Division
of Permits, Ms. Lynne MacDonald UVI Eastern Caribbean Center,
and again last but not least, Ms. Janice Hodge Chair of the
committee, DPNR, CZM program.

Allow  me  also  to  thank  the  Governor  for  opening  our
conference,   Mr.   Richardson   for  filling   in  for  the
Commissioner, all the presenters, those that came from far and
near,  the   schools and students  that participated in the
poster and essay contest, Limetree Beach Resort, and in
particular Lex and his staff, and you the participants. For
without you there could have been no conference.

Lets leave this conference today with renewed energy and
commitment to working together to solve our problems, and to
making these beautiful islands the paradise they can be.


                                Vii-6







H        ~~Only with government departments joining hands with each other
         and the private sector and nongovernment agencies will we be
         able to come up with solutions that will benefit all.

         I look forward to seeing you at next year's conference.

I        ~~Once again thank you for your participation.
























       I~~~~~~~~~~~~I-








                              AUTHOR INDEX

Adams, Roy ............................................................... I-3

Bough, Alfredo ......................................................... VII-1
Boulon, Ralf ............................................................ II-1

Cunningham, Timothy ..................................................... III-6

Davis, :Olas.se .................................. VI-1

Farrelly, Alexander ...................................................... I-1

Giraud, Victor .......................................................... II-6

Harrigan-Farrelly, Joan ................................................ VII-5
Henning, Malcolm ......................................................... 1-9
Hodge, Tishuana ........................................................ VII-3
Hubbard, Dennis ......................................................... V-35

Irizarry, Warner ...................................................... III-23

Kimball, Barry ......................................................... IV-11
Kojis, Barbara .......................................................... V-20

Lindlau, Kim ............................................................ V-18
Linnio, Tom ............................................................. IV-5

MacDonald, Lynne ......................................................... V-1
McComb, William ........................................................ II-25
Morales, Mario ........................................................ III-13
Morton, Dale ........................................................... II-12

Nazario, Benjamin ........................................................ I-5

Padin, Carlos .............................................................. *
Peter, Nathalie ........................................................... V-7
Petersen, Algem ........................................................ VI-15
Petersen, Louis ......................................................... VI-12
Quinn, Norman ........................................................... V-15

Ragster, Laverne ........................................................ 1-15
Reed, Leonard ......................................................... III-11
Richards, Keith ............................................................ *

Schmidt, Jeff ........................................................... VI-9
Selengut, Stanley ....................................................... 1-23
Taylor, Marcia ........................................................ III-1

Wernicke, Werner ....................................................... II-15
White, Douglas ............................................................. *
Wright, Julie ........................................................... IV-1


ï¿½ Paper not available at time of printing.