All boaters should begin to make necessary preparations for Hurricane Erin.
Boaters desiring to take the initiative are advised to relocate to the havens mentioned below. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources advises boaters to use the three-point mooring systems found in the “Survive a Hurricane” booklet, available at VITEMA.
ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN DISTRICT:
Safe Haven – Benner Bay, Mandahl Pond, Flamingo Bay
Hurricane Hole is under the Jurisdiction of the National Park Service, boaters must coordinate with the NPS on St. John for assigned mooring location, contact the Chief Ranger of Protection.
ST. CROIX DISTRICT:
Safe Haven – Salt-River
1. Initial entry into the havens will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Enforcement officers will be available to assist boaters in maintaining an
organized entry and site location for vessels or to resolve difficult situations.
2. Boaters will return to regular moorings once new bulletin is issued:
However:
o Hurricane anchors can remain for the entire Hurricane season.
o Vessels leaving anchors in the haven will use one mooring ball attached to hurricane anchor line marked with vessels registration number.
o During additional storms, vessels may return to initial location marked by mooring ball displaying vessels registration number.
o Vessels may not anchor in or obstruct navigational channel in Benner Bay or Salt-River.
o NO vessels are allowed at Krause Lagoon or its channel, on St. Croix. This area is designated a Homeland Security Zone.
3. BOATERS SHOULD NOT REMAIN ON-BOARD THEIR VESSELS DURING A STORM. LAND BASED SHELTERS ARE AVAILABLE, CONTACT VITEMA.
4. After the hurricane season is “deemed over”, all hurricane anchors and gear must be removed.
5. Securing vessels to nearby trees will be done ONLY when necessary and
by utilizing proper chaffing material on all lines. Lines must be removed immediately after the storm.
6. Communication with boaters will be via press release or V.I. Radio on Marine channel 16.
7. After the Storm, owners of vessels which have sunk or washed ashore, MUST notify the Department of Planning and Natural Resources with the vessels location (GPS) and an estimated time when the owner will salvage his/her vessel. Vessel owners are responsible for removing wrecked vessels.
Moreover, DPNR advises ALL CONTRACTORS, DEVELOPERS, AND HOME BUILDERS to immediately maintain and implement additional erosion and sediment control practices at all areas where property is cleared, graded, filled, or otherwise disturbed.
Please take this opportunity to visually locate areas that may need additional erosion and sediment control measures. Measures include, but are not limited to the following:
• Preservation of natural vegetation
• Drainage Swales / Diversions
• Temporary & Permanent Seeding
• Soil Sealers / Binders
• Erosion Control Mats
• Soil Retaining Walls
• Construction Entrances / Exits
• Silt Fencing
• Sediment Traps
• Mulches, Mats & Geotextiles
It is also advised that all construction materials and equipment be removed from sites or be properly secured. This includes all items likely to become airborne objects that may cause damage to your property or adjacent parcels.
Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol also reminds residents with wind turbines installed on their property to lower their towers before the impending storm and ensure that the perimeter designated as the setback from the property line is cleared of any structures or buildings that may be damaged with the potential of becoming airborne debris.
To report any areas of concern, contact the Division of Environmental Enforcement at 774-3320 or 773-5774.
