Bryan sought federal emergency declaration over St. Croix water contamination

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. requested an emergency declaration from President Joe Biden on Nov. 13, 2023, following the local state of emergency he declared on Oct. 30, 2023, over hazardous levels of lead and copper in St. Croix’s water supply.

Government House said the requested declaration would cover Nov. 15, 2023, through Feb. 13, 2024, and could provide up to $5 million in additional resources to the territory if approved.

According to the statement, the Environmental Protection Agency reported the contamination to local authorities on Oct. 13, 2023, after finding elevated levels in water samples collected on Sept. 28 and 29, 2023.

Government House said the territory capped prices for bottled water and water truck haulers, activated the Virgin Islands National Guard to assist local agencies, and fully mobilized the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency on St. Croix.

The territory also activated the Joint Information Command on Oct. 16, 2023, conducted additional water sampling, and began a campaign to test school-aged children on St. Croix for lead exposure.

Government House said plans were underway to issue vouchers for drinking water to affected residents, and that WAPA planned to provide water-purifying pitchers or sink tap purifiers that remove lead and copper.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-requests-emergency-declaration-from-president-biden-amid-water-contamination-crisis-2/