Environment
U.S. Virgin Islands to Benefit from $350,000 of the $1.4 Million Coral Reef Defense Fund by Insular Affairs
The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, has recently publicized the allocation of a significant grant totaling $1,432,994 for the fiscal year 2023. This grant is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of coral reefs and natural ecosystems in U.S. territories and their affiliated states. Of this remarkable total, the U.S. Virgin Islands is set to receive a substantial $350,000. This allotment aims to supercharge ongoing projects concerning Coral Larval Growth and to foster the growth of robust coral colonies.
In a statement regarding the funding, Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs, Carmen G. Cantor, underscored the significance of such an investment. She mentioned, “Coral structures play an indispensable role not only in bolstering tourism and the food sector of island economies but also act as a critical barrier against erosion and the devastating impacts of storms. Our appreciation goes out to Congress for sanctioning this essential budget to enable the Insular Areas to shield these rare and invaluable natural assets.”
The Coral Reef and Natural Resources Program’s budget for fiscal year 2023 has been dissected further to allocate $325,000 for Guam, $299,994 designated for the Republic of Palau, and a substantial $245,000 for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). These funds are intended to enhance the capabilities of local administrative bodies, driving them toward effective management, widespread education, heightened outreach, and pioneering research that pivots around the preservation of coral reef ecosystems.
On a related note, the National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program is on track to gain $213,000. This funding is directed to endorse a fresh batch of fellows stationed across American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam, and the USVI. The fellowship’s administration lies with Nova Southeastern University’s Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography. The ultimate objective of this fellowship is to equip state and territorial coral reef administrative agencies with elite professionals. These experts are expected to possess a fusion of advanced educational qualifications and pragmatic work exposure, harmonizing with the distinct demands of each jurisdiction.
Drawing focus to the nuances of the Coral Reef and Natural Resources Program, the OIA elaborates that this initiative is discretionary in nature. It has a narrow focus on requirements and upskilling related to the administration of coral reef resources and the strategic handling of invasive species within the Insular Areas. This specialized program is among OIA’s diverse suite of offerings, which also encompasses the newly unveiled Maintenance Assistance Program and the Technical Assistance Program.
Access to funds under these selective programs materializes through a rigorous grant application methodology, which commences annually in October and is hosted on grants.gov under CFDA 15.875.
For an in-depth exploration of these financial allocations and an array of programs facilitated by the Office of Insular Affairs, one can navigate to www.doi.gov/oia.
Environment
Over 50,000 Gallons of Diesel Spilled at Randolph Harley Power Plant, Cleanup Efforts Escalate
Authorities continue their extensive efforts to manage a significant diesel fuel spill at the Randolph Harley Power Plant, initially reported last October. The cleanup operation is spearheaded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R), in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard.
A recent statement from OR&R revealed that the initial spill estimate of 33,600 gallons has been revised upward, indicating that over 50,000 gallons were lost from tank #11 owned by the Water and Power Authority at the site.
Since the incident, OR&R’s Scientific Support Coordinator has assessed the spill’s potential impact on nearby water bodies, pinpointing resources at risk in Lindbergh Bay and Krum Bay.
U.S. Coast Guard Federal On-Scene Coordinator Jose Díaz has endorsed NOAA’s continued involvement in the cleanup. “This complex, multi-phased response requires long-term commitment to meet all regulatory and environmental standards,” explained Captain Díaz. The initial assessment phase is projected to continue for approximately three months, with further actions to follow.
The cleanup team is coordinating with various local agencies and organizations, including the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency, to orchestrate a comprehensive response.
Currently, efforts are concentrated on extracting subsurface diesel from hillsides leading to Lindbergh Bay and Krum Bay, and from the coastal areas of Lindbergh Bay. Techniques such as the use of irrigation systems to channel the diesel to collection points are in action. Additionally, consultants are employing LiDAR technology to assist with sub-surface site assessments and plume modeling, optimizing the recovery process.
Authorities are also reassessing the potential impact on local ecosystems and endangered species in the area, ensuring that environmental safeguards are in place. Although there have been no reports of affected wildlife, continuous monitoring is crucial.
Drawing on insights from similar cleanup operations in Florida, the teams are developing and implementing strategies to effectively manage the current situation. The priority remains to restore the affected zones and minimize environmental damage as the cleanup progresses.
Environment
Anticipating the Heat: A Forecast of Rising Temperatures in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) has recently issued a warning that the Caribbean region is set to face near-record temperatures over the next six months. According to CariCOF, temperatures are already above normal and are expected to climb further as we approach the peak of the Caribbean heat season in August and September. This surge in heat is predicted to affect virtually every aspect of daily life, with several impacts already being felt.
Public health experts are bracing for a significant uptick in heat-related symptoms, including a sharp rise in cases of heat illnesses, fainting, and hospitalizations. CariCOF has also highlighted an expected increase in biological hazards, such as gastrointestinal and mosquito-borne diseases, with dengue fever cases already on the rise in certain areas. Moreover, the extreme temperatures may lead to increased snacking or binge eating, contributing to various health issues. The agency also anticipates a surge in fatigue, irritability, and aggression as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Economic sectors dependent on outdoor labor are poised for a challenging period. Livestock will require more cooling and ventilation to avoid heat stress, which could lead to stunted growth in chickens and a decrease in egg and dairy production. Crop productivity is expected to plummet, especially during peak heat hours from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., due to increased wilting.
The repercussions of above-average temperatures will also extend to marine life. Warmer ocean temperatures could lead to more frequent and severe hurricanes, alongside a decrease in fish harvests. Tourism, a key economic driver for the region, may suffer as excessive heat compromises the comfort and safety of visitors, leading to higher operational costs for accommodation providers and potential damage to coral reefs from bleaching.
Utility companies are likely to face heightened demand for electricity as both residents and businesses seek relief from the heat, possibly outstripping the efficiency of energy production and resulting in power outages. The heat is also expected to exacerbate water scarcity by increasing evaporation rates, further straining water supply systems.
Children and other vulnerable groups are among those who will be most affected. CariCOF notes that the heat may severely impact students’ ability to learn, recalling the protests last year by students in St. Croix against inadequate heat mitigation in schools. This led to adjustments in school schedules to minimize exposure to extreme temperatures—a measure that may need to be revisited this year.
As the Caribbean prepares to navigate another hot season, CariCOF’s forecast underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures, echoing the adaptive measures taken in the past year.
Environment
USVI and Neighboring Regions Achieve Significant Reduction in Toxic Chemical Releases, Highlights EPA 2022 Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made public its 2022 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis this Thursday, showcasing a commendable 21% decrease in the environmental release of TRI-listed chemicals by regulated facilities since 2013. This reduction includes a striking 26% decline in air emissions, indicating significant progress in environmental protection efforts.
The analysis also brought to light a 14% economic growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector, occurring alongside the reduction in pollution. This correlation underscores the possibility of simultaneous industrial growth and environmental stewardship.
A noteworthy achievement was recorded in Region 2, which includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight Indigenous Nations. This region witnessed a 24% cut in production-related waste management from TRI facilities since 2013. In 2022, these areas demonstrated exemplary waste management, directing 94% of their waste toward preferable treatment methods, including recycling, energy recovery, and treatment, thereby limiting harmful environmental releases to a mere 6%. The total releases and disposals in Region 2 were reported at 34.1 million pounds.
Adding to this positive trend, 11% of facilities in Region 2 implemented new pollution prevention measures in 2022, a figure that exceeds the national average of 8%. These improvements frequently involved operational adjustments and the enhancement of training programs.
Lisa F. Garcia, Regional Administrator, emphasized the importance of the TRI data for community awareness regarding local toxic chemical usage. Garcia highlighted, “The Toxics Release Inventory data is pivotal in upholding the community’s right to be informed about the toxic chemicals handled in facilities within their vicinities.” She reaffirmed the EPA’s dedication to enhancing this vital resource for the empowerment of the public.
The nationwide findings of the TRI National Analysis for 2022 indicated that a substantial 88.5% of TRI chemical waste was managed through recycling, energy recovery, and treatment, with only 11.5% being released into the environment. The analysis compiled data from over 21,000 facilities across diverse sectors, such as manufacturing, mining, and electric utilities.
The 2022 report introduces improved visual and analytical tools, including the “Where You Live” mapping feature, to enable easier community access to crucial information. This tool allows users to delve into data by state, Tribe, metropolitan area, EPA region, and watershed, integrating demographic details to highlight chemical exposure risks, especially in communities bearing heavier burdens.
The report also identifies trends in waste management across specific sectors and chemicals and features profiles for the primary metals manufacturing sector, electric utilities, chemical manufacturing, and metal mining.
To disseminate these findings further, the EPA has scheduled a public webinar for Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET. This event will offer an in-depth review of the 2022 TRI National Analysis and discuss its significance for environmental safety and community health. The webinar is open for registration to all interested individuals, promising to be an enlightening session on the strides made in reducing toxic chemical releases.
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