The Virgin Islands Environmental Protection Handbook is a guide to assist in the implementation of the Environmental Protection Laws of the United States Virgin Islands. Initially developed by the Virgin Islands Conservation District in 1976, the Handbook was revised by the Virgin Islands Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Committee in 1995 to provide the construction industry, as well as government agencies and the general public, with a more current and accurate guide to methods and practices of erosion, sediment and stormwater control. The initial printing of the Handbook was funded by a grant from the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources §319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program.

The Virgin Islands Environmental Protection Handbook provides useful information on stormwater, erosion, and sediment control practices that can be used to prevent or reduce the discharge of sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff from construction sites. It also describes the practices and controls, and details how, when and where these practices are applicable. However, careful consideration must be given to selecting the most appropriate control measures based on site-specific conditions, and on properly installing the controls in a TIMELY manner.

Lack of description or criteria for a specific practice does not suggest it should not be used, but only that consideration by the appropriate reviewing agency will be on the basis of information submitted with the design.

The term "shall" is used where the practice is sufficiently standardized to permit specific delineation of requirements or where safe-guarding of the public health or protection of water quality justifies such definitive action. Other terms, such as "should" or "recommended" or "preferred" indicate desirable procedures or methods, with deviations subject to individual consideration.

The Environmental Protection Handbook is intended for use only as a guide to the reader, indicating what practices, standards, and procedures should be utilized in the development planning process in order to comply with the Virgin Islands Environmental Protection Law, Title 12, Chapter 13 of the Virgin Islands Code and the corresponding Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations. It is designed to assist contractors, developers, architects, and home builders in implementing a Stormwater, Erosion and Sediment Control Plan specifically designed for their construction site.

To Order the Virgin Islands Environmental Protection Handbook