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The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) were notified of a release of hydrogen sulfur that occurred about 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, due to a mechanical failure at HOVENSA’s refinery. According to HOVENSA officials the release of hydrogen sulfur was confined to the grounds of the refinery.
Immediately following the release, DPNR and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted independent air quality testing in neighborhoods surrounding HOVENSA. The EPA sent out two US Coast Guard strike teams to test the air into neighborhoods downwind of the refinery. The US Coast Guard teams have been supporting EPA’s monitoring efforts in the Territory since a release of a mixture of hydrocarbons into the air on December 9.
According to the EPA and DPNR, initial reports indicate that neighborhoods surrounding HOVENSA were not impacted by Thursday’s release of hydrogen sulfur.
On Thursday afternoon, VITEMA Director-Designee Elton Lewis and Acting DPNR Commissioner Carmelo Rivera met with HOVENSA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, John George, along with the refinery’s Directors for Health and Safety, and Environment. The group discussed measures being taken by HOVENSA to address the frequent releases as well as the refinery’s efforts to ensure its air quality monitoring is being conducted to standard.
Also, VITEMA has been tasked by Governor John de Jongh, Jr. to assist HOVENSA with developing a more robust notification system in the event of a release. VITEMA will meet with HOVENSA officials next week to finalize a formal process of notification, Director Lewis stated.
For more information call Christine Lett, VITEMA Public Information Officer, at 340-244-6613.
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