Duties and responsibilities of the Authority

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  • (a) The responsibilities of the Authority shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • (1) To educate and inform the citizens of the Territory on matters related to solid waste and wastewater by developing and implementing a master public education plan;

    • (2) To upgrade the existing wastewater collection, pumping, transport and treatment facilities, including locating a suitable site and constructing new treatment facilities and/or replacing the current collection system;

    • (3) To develop and implement an integrated, comprehensive solid waste management program that includes, but is not limited to, constructing a solid waste disposal facility and establishing proper landfill operations and plans for public education, composting, waste oil and used lead acid batteries disposal, and landfill closure;

    • (4) To repair, replace, rehabilitate, modernize and extend the solid waste management system and the wastewater collection, disposal and treatment system including the financing on a self-sustained basis of all related capital and operating expenses;

    • (5) To create a sludge or bio-solids disposal program, including locating a suitable site and constructing the necessary facilities;

    • (6) To develop and implement programs for septic system leak detection, reduction of infiltration and inflow and compliance with the permit limits for the service area of the Authority pursuant to the guidelines of the United States Environmental Protection Agency;

    • (7) To establish and administer equitable charges and fees for services consistent with the objectives of the Federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, and Territorial Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Act and successor legislation, to improve the quality of the environment and to develop and implement the Authority plans for the Territory solid waste management and wastewater management systems;

    • (8) To participate in the programs of the Federal Government, and any Federal departments and agencies in the fields of their authorized activities, including the receipt and administration of grants and loans, and consistent with this chapter, to do any and all things necessary to secure participation in such programs and the cooperation of such agencies in achieving the policies and purposes of this chapter;

    • (9) To establish a septic system program that would provide an inspection and pump-out program; and

    • (10) To do all acts or things necessary or desirable to carry out the powers granted to it by this chapter or by any other Act of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.

  • (b) The Authority shall have control of, jurisdiction over, and ownership of all solid waste generated in the Territory, and shall be responsible for oversight of this solid waste including the collection, disposal, and associated administrative activities, coordinating with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for medical waste or waste that is classified as hazardous waste under United States Environmental Protection Agency, Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), or any successor provision. The Authority may enter into contracts with persons for the performance of functions related to solid waste collection and disposal, including operations and closure of landfills, provided such contracts comply with all applicable territorial and federal laws and regulations, including the regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

  • (c) The Authority shall:

    • (1) Develop a public education program on the need for and the benefits of litter control and beatification efforts in the Territory;

    • (2) In conjunction with the Department of Public Works, develop a system for regular roadside cleanup;

    • (3) Develop a program for beautification of public property, roads and highways through the planting and maintenance of flowers, plants and trees;

    • (4) Coordinate with the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Department of Property and Procurement an effective program for the continuous removal and disposal of abandoned vehicles pursuant to title 20, chapter 49, of this Code; and

    • (5) Consider recovery and use of recyclable materials and adopt regulations describing recyclable materials.


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