U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Conditions in the

U.S. Virgin Islands

Warrant EPA Withdrawing 

Approval and Taking Over

Management of Some

Environmental Programs and

Improving Oversight of Others

Report No. 15-P-0137 April 17, 2015

.

Implementing Environmental Programs

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about the EPA OIG.
Report Contributors: Bob Adachi Dan Engelberg Tina Lovingood

Rick Beusse Jim Hatfield Barry Parker

Kathlene Butler Julie Hamann Genevieve Borg Soule

Alisha Chugh Chad Kincheloe Wendy Wierzbicki

Bao Chuong Fred Light Lela Wong

Allison Dutton

Abbreviations

CAA Clean Air Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CWA Clean Water Act

DOI U.S. Department of the Interior

DPNR Department of Planning and Natural Resources

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPAct 2005 Energy Policy Act of 2005

EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act

FY Fiscal Year

LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee

LUST Leaking Underground Storage Tank

OIG Office of Inspector General

PM10 Inhalable coarse particulate matter

PM2.5 Fine particulate matter

RMP Risk Management Program

SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act

TPDES Territorial Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

UST Underground Storage Tank

USVI U.S. Virgin Islands

Cover photo: Left: Bird’s-eye view of Hurricane Hole in Virgin Islands’ Coral Reef 

National Monument, showing protected bays and coastlines fringed by

mangroves; top right: Hawksbill Sea Turtle; bottom right: boulder brain

coral. (U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior photos)

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 15-P-0137

April 17, 2015

Why We Did This Review

We conducted this review to

determine whether the

environmental programs the 

U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) has

implemented on the 

U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency’s (EPA’s) behalf have

met EPA programmatic

requirements, and what steps

EPA Region 2 has taken to

ensure that programs have

achieved the intended

environmental benefits.

Region 2 requested this review

due to longstanding concerns

with USVI’s financial systems

and program implementation.

This report addresses the 

following EPA goals and

cross-agency strategies:

 Addressing climate change

and improving air quality.

 Protecting America’s

waters.

 Cleaning up communities

and advancing sustainable

development.

 Protecting human health

and the environment by

enforcing laws and

assuring compliance.

 Working to make a visible

difference in communities.

 Launching a new era of

state, tribal, local, and

international partnerships.

Send all inquiries to our public

affairs office at (202) 566-2391

or visit www.epa.gov/oig.

The full report is at:

www.epa.gov/oig/reports/2015/ 

20150417-15-P-0137.pdf

 

Conditions in the U.S. Virgin Islands Warrant 

EPA Withdrawing Approval and Taking Over

Management of Some Environmental Programs

and Improving Oversight of Others

 What We Found

The USVI has not met program requirements for

numerous activities related to implementing the 

Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking

Water Act, and Underground Storage

Tank/Leaking Underground Storage Tank

programs. These activities included monitoring

environmental conditions, conducting compliance

inspections and enforcing program requirements.

Management control weaknesses contributed to

these shortcomings. Further, the USVI's reluctance to revise its financial system to

comply with federal standards resulted in USVI not having unrestricted access to

almost $37 million in outstanding EPA grant funds awarded to support USVI’s

continuing environmental as well as other EPA-related programs since 2004.

These deficiencies place the public and environment at increased risk by allowing

unmonitored or excess pollutants into the air, land, surface waters and drinking

water.

In its oversight, Region 2 has identified numerous program deficiencies in the

USVI over the last few years, but the deficiencies continued. In some areas—such

as the Underground Storage Tank/Leaking Underground Storage Tank and Safe

Drinking Water Act programs—Region 2 oversight had not identified program

deficiencies uncovered by our review or implemented procedures to ensure that

deficiencies identified by Region 2 were corrected. Since the EPA retains

responsibility for programs implemented on its behalf, such as those in the USVI,

the agency needs to act to ensure that the public and environment are protected.

 Recommendations and Planned Agency Corrective Actions

We made 19 recommendations, ranging from beginning withdrawal of USVI’s 

authority for implementing EPA-authorized programs to providing additional 

EPA oversight. On February 10, 2015, we held a meeting with Region 2 to 

discuss the corrective action plan outlined in its January 12, 2015, response to 

the draft report. Based on our meeting and supplemental information provided by 

Region 2, the region’s corrective action plan meets the intent of the report’s

19 recommendations. All recommendations are considered resolved.

 Noteworthy Achievements

The region responded to the USVI’s financial system deficiencies by designating

the USVI as a high-risk grantee, which placed additional grant restrictions on the

USVI and requires it to implement a corrective action plan.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Inspector General

At a Glance

USVI’s poor management of 

its environmental programs

endangers public health

and the environment. EPA 

awards over $2 million a year in 

grant funds to support USVI’s 

continuing environmental 

programs.
April 17, 2015

MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: Conditionsin the U.S. Virgin Islands Warrant EPA Withdrawing Approval and Taking Over

Management of Some EnvironmentalPrograms and Improving Oversight of Others

Report No. 15-P-0137

FROM: Arthur A. Elkins Jr.

TO: Judith Enck, Regional Administrator

Region 2

This is our report on the subject evaluation conducted by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This report contains findings that describe the problems 

the OIG has identified and corrective actions the OIG recommends. This report represents the opinion of 

the OIG and does not necessarily represent the final EPA position. Final determinations on matters in 

this report will be made by EPA managers in accordance with established audit resolution procedures.

EPA Region 2 offices having primary responsibility over the issues discussed in this report are the 

Clean Air and Sustainability Division, Clean Water Division, Division of Environmental Science and

Assessment, Division of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance, Caribbean Environmental Protection

Division, Emergency and Remedial Response Division, and Office of Policy and Management.

Action Required

You are not required to provide a written response to this report because you provided agreed-to 

corrective actions and planned completion dates for the report recommendations. The OIG may make 

periodic inquiries on your progress in implementing these corrective actions. Should you choose to 

make a final response, we will post your response on the OIG’s public website, along with our 

memorandum commenting on your response. You should provide your response as an Adobe PDF file 

that complies with the accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as 

amended. The final response should not contain data that you do not want to be released to the public; 

if your response contains such data, you should identify the data for redaction or removal along with 

corresponding justification. 

We will post this report to our website at http://www.epa.gov/oig. 

THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
Conditions in the U.S. Virgin Islands Warrant EPA Withdrawing 

Approval and Taking Over Management of Some Environmental

Programs and Improving Oversight of Others

 15-P-0137

Table of Contents

Introduction..................................................................................................................... 1

Why We Did This Review............................................................................................ 1

Background................................................................................................................. 1

USVI Background............................................................................................... 2

USVI Environmental Programs........................................................................... 3

Responsible EPA Offices.................................................................................... 4

Prior Reports by Other Organizations ................................................................. 4

Scope and Methodology.............................................................................................. 5

EPA OIG Quick Reaction Report on USVI Beach Safety............................................. 6

USVI Implementation of Environmental Programs....................................................... 7

Requirements Not Met or Concerns Noted.................................................................. 7

Environmental Monitoring ................................................................................... 7

Data Input......................................................................................................... 11

Permitting ......................................................................................................... 12

Facility Inspections ........................................................................................... 13

Enforcement ..................................................................................................... 15

Training ............................................................................................................ 16

Other Issues ..................................................................................................... 17

Findings Support Initiating CWA Program Withdrawal and

Notice of Deficiency for CAA Title V Program ....................................................... 17

Deficiencies in Implementing CWA Program........................................................ 17

Deficiencies in CAA Title V Operating Permits Program.................................... 18

Financial Mismanagement Underlies Some Program Management Failures.............. 19

Effects of Program Deficiencies................................................................................. 20

Conclusions............................................................................................................... 20

Recommendations .................................................................................................... 20

Agency Comments and OIG Evaluation..................................................................... 21

EPA Oversight of USVI Implementation of Environmental Programs.......................... 22

EPA Region 2 Oversight............................................................................................ 22

CWA Program Oversight .................................................................................. 22

SDWA Program Oversight ................................................................................ 24

CAA Program Oversight ................................................................................... 25

UST/LUST Program Oversight.......................................................................... 26

Conclusions.............................................................................................................. 26

Recommendations .................................................................................................... 27

Agency Comments and OIG Evaluation..................................................................... 28

-continued-
Conditions in the U.S. Virgin Islands Warrant EPA Withdrawing 

Approval and Taking Over Management of Some Environmental

Programs and Improving Oversight of Others

 15-P-0137

Emergency Planning and Response............................................................................ 29

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act........................................... 29

Risk Management Program ........................................................................................... 30

Recommendations .................................................................................................... 30

Agency Comments and OIG Evaluation..................................................................... 30

Financial Management.................................................................................................. 31

Findings on Financial Management Issues ................................................................ 32

USVI Designated as a High Risk Grantee.................................................................. 33

Conclusions............................................................................................................... 34

Recommendations .................................................................................................... 34

Agency Comments and OIG Evaluation..................................................................... 34

Status of Recommendations and Potential Monetary Benefits.................................. 35

Appendices

A Agency Response to Draft Report and OIG Comments................................. 37

B Distribution....................................................................................................... 53 
15-P-0137 1

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Region 2 requested this

review due to longstanding concerns with the U.S. Virgin Islands’ (USVI’s)

financial systems and implementation of EPA-delegated and authorized programs.

Our objectives were to:

 Determine whether the environmental programs the USVI has

implemented on the EPA’s behalf have met EPA programmatic

requirements.

 Determine what steps EPA Region 2 has taken to ensure that USVI

programs have achieved the intended environmental benefits.

Region 2 also identified several concerns relating to USVI’s financial and grant

management and requested that the Office of Inspector General (OIG) address

these concerns by analyzing selected payroll and payment documentation provided 

by the region. We also conducted a limited review of the EPA’s and USVI’s

implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act

(EPCRA) and Risk Management programs based on concerns we identified.

Major environmental laws allow the EPA to authorize state, tribal and local

governments—including U.S. territories—to conduct permitting, inspection and

enforcement activities. Authorized governments must have adequate personnel,

funding and authority to carry out the program. Laws allow the EPA to withdraw

authorization if a government is not adequately carrying out the provisions of the

law in administering or enforcing the program. For states without authorized

program approval, the EPA can enter into grants or cooperative agreements with

states to designate their governments to perform certain responsibilities as the

“primary implementing agency.”1

 

1 For states and territories without approved Underground Storage Tank programs, such as the USVI, the EPA enters into

grants/cooperative agreements with those programs, and the state program is designated as the primary implementing

agency. States with approved programs have the lead role in Underground Storage Tank program enforcement. In states

without an approved program, the EPA will work with state officials in coordinating Underground Storage Tank

enforcement actions.

Introduction

Why We Did This Review

Background
15-P-0137 2

USVI Background

USVI is an unincorporated

2

territory of the United States. USVI is composed of

three major islands—St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas—and approximately

50 smaller islands. The total land area of the territory is approximately 134 square

miles. The territory’s capital is Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas. As

of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population was 106,405.

Tourism is the USVI’s primary

economic activity. The islands 

normally host approximately 2 million 

visitors a year, many of whom visit on 

cruise ships. The manufacturing sector 

consists mainly of rum distilling. The

agricultural sector is small, with most

food being imported. International

business and financial services are a

small but growing component of the

economy. In addition to importing

food, most energy is also generated

from imported oil, leading to 

electricity costs up to five times higher 

than the average U.S. price. The 

Virgin Islands Water and Power 

Authority operates desalination

facilities to provide potable water 

since the islands have few freshwater 

resources except for rainwater. Until

February 2012, the HOVENSA plant located on St. Croix was one of the world’s

largest petroleum refineries and contributed about 20 percent of the territory’s gross

domestic product. The plant has since been largely shut down and now operates as 

an oil storage facility.

The USVI is geographically isolated from the U.S. mainland and has limited

financial resources. In June 2014, the USVI Governor reported that USVI had an

approximately $30 million budget shortfall for 2014. The logistics and expense of

traveling between islands, and from the U.S. mainland to the USVI, create

additional challenges for both EPA Region 2 and the USVI for implementation

and oversight of environmental programs.

The USVI’s Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) is the

government entity responsible for implementing EPA-delegated environmental

programs as well as the Underground Storage Tank/Leaking Underground

 

2 Although controlled by the U.S. government, only certain fundamental constitutional rights apply to unincorporated 

territories; additional rights must be granted by Congress.

Maps of USVI. St. Croix lies

approximately 40 miles to the

south of St. Thomas and St. John.

(EPA OIG maps)
15-P-0137 3

Storage Tank program for which the USVI is designated as the primary

implementing agency.

USVI Environmental Programs

USVI implements or enforces the following environmental programs:

Clean Water Act (CWA)3

• Section 106 Ambient Water Quality Monitoring

• Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution

• Section 402 Territorial Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES)

• Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act of 2000

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)4

• Section 1443 Public Water Supply Supervision

Clean Air Act (CAA)5

• Air Pollution Prevention and Control

• Title V Operating Permits

• New Source Performance Standards

• Risk Management Program (RMP)

• Section 112 Air Toxics, including National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air 

Pollutants

Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005)6

• Underground Storage Tank (UST)/Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Programs

The EPA provides the majority of funding used to implement delegated programs

in the USVI through performance partnership grants, which combine funding for

several delegated programs into one grant. USVI’s performance partnership grant

provides funding to implement programs from the CAA (excluding Title V-related

activities), CWA and SDWA. Each applicable Region 2 program office negotiates

a set of workplan commitments with the USVI that identify how the USVI will use

the grants funds to implement their environmental programs. The most recent

performance partnership grant covers fiscal years (FYs) 2014–2015 and provides

the USVI with up to $4,632,096, or over 82 percent of the approved budget, to 

implement these programs.

The USVI is designated as the primary implementing agency for the UST/LUST

program, which does not receive funding through the performance partnership

grant. Instead, the EPA provides funding assistance to the USVI’s UST/LUST

program through cooperative agreements.

 

3 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.

4 42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq.

5 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.

6 The Energy Policy Act of 2005 amended Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the original legislation that 

created the underground storage tank program.
15-P-0137 4

Responsible EPA Offices

The Region 2 divisions and offices responsible for implementing the recommendations 

in this report are identified in Table 1.

Table 1: Responsible EPA Region 2 Divisions

Region 2 division/office Program area responsibility

Clean Air and Sustainability Division CAA

Clean Water Division CWA, SDWA

Division of Environmental Science and Assessment CWA, SDWA

Division of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance CWA, SDWA, UST/LUST, CAA

Caribbean Environmental Protection Division CAA, CWA, SDWA

Emergency and Remedial Response Division RMP, EPCRA

Office of Policy and Management Grants

Source: OIG analysis.

Prior Reports by Other Organizations

Prior oversight reports by other organizations identified concerns with USVI

financial accounting and internal controls:

• A 2006 U.S. Government Accountability Office report determined that the

insular area governments, like that in the USVI territory, have had longstanding financial accountability problems, including late submission of

required single audits, receipt of disclaimer or qualified audit opinions, and

reporting of many serious internal control weaknesses. (U.S. INSULAR 

AREAS: Economic, Fiscal, and Financial Accountability Challenges,

Report No. GAO-07-119, issued December 12, 2006.) Three of the report’s 

four recommendations have been implemented. One recommendation 

remains open pending GAO’s receipt of documentation showing that it was 

completed.

• A 2011 joint U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) OIG and USVI OIG

report found that the USVI legislature was not using sound business

practices in its stewardship of public funds and resources, and there was an

absence of transparency, accountability and documented procedures to 

prevent fraud, waste and mismanagement. The report identified weaknesses

related to improper use of allotted funds, such as cash advances and

employee bonuses, procurement of goods and services, and security of

sensitive equipment. (Administrative Functions - Legislature of the Virgin

Islands, Report No. VI-IN-VIS-0001-2010, issued November 28, 2011.)

The most recent DOI OIG “Summary of Reports More Than 6 Months Old 

Pending Corrective Action” did not include the 2011 report.
15-P-0137 5

We conducted our work from November 2013 to October 2014 at Region 2

headquarters in New York, the region’s Caribbean Environmental Protection

Division office in Puerto Rico, and USVI offices in St. Thomas and St. Croix.

In conducting our work, we:

 Interviewed Region 2 managers and staff from the Caribbean Environmental

Protection Division, Clean Air and Sustainability Division, Clean Water 

Division, Division of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance, Division of

Environmental Science and Assessment, Emergency and Remedial Response 

Division, Office of Regional Counsel, and Office of Policy and Management.

 Interviewed managers and staff from USVI’s DPNR, Department of Public

Works, Waste Management Authority and OIG.

 Reviewed data and documents pertaining to the USVI’s implementation of

its environmental programs and Region 2’s oversight of those programs

(see Table 2).

Table 2: Information reviewed by OIG

Document

USVI programs reviewed

CWA SDWA CAA UST/LUST Financial

State Review Framework reports √ √

Grant workplans and Region 2

end-of-year assessments of grant

performance

√ √ √ √

Enforcement files √ √ √

Permit files √ √

Inspection reports and files √ √ √ √

Monitoring data √ √ √

Compliance data √ √ √ √

Training documents

and/or presentations

√ √

Performance measures and

results

√ √ √ √

Consent decrees √ √

Memorandums of Agreement

between Region 2 and USVI

√ √ √

USVI payroll documentation √

Formal correspondence and

emails between USVI and EPA

√ √ √ √ √

Source: OIG analysis.

Scope and Methodology
15-P-0137 6

We conducted this performance audit in accordance with generally accepted

government auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform

the audit to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis

for our findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe that

the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and

conclusions based on our objectives.

The EPA OIG issued a quick reaction report in March 2014 because the USVI’s

lapse in beach sampling posed potential health hazards to humans and may have

endangered the environment. We found that:

 DPNR did not monitor beaches between February 3–16, 2014, on

St. Thomas and St. John. DPNR did not have a contract with the company

collecting beach monitoring samples and had not paid the company for

sampling work since July 2012.

 Consistent with its procedures for public notification, DPNR had issued

press releases in two local newspapers that beaches had not been

monitored. However, that may not have been adequate notice for tourists

visiting the USVI as they may not have read the local newspapers.

 Region 2 took immediate action to address the lapse in sampling.

 Region 2 subsequently determined that DPNR had demonstrated that it

can successfully complete beach sampling requirements without a 

contract.

(Quick Reaction Report: EPA Oversight Needed to Ensure Beach Safety in the

U.S. Virgin Islands, Report No. 14-P-0155, issued March 31, 2014.)

EPA OIG Quick Reaction Report on USVI Beach Safety
15-P-0137 7

The USVI has not effectively implemented several environmental programs, which

can result in increased risk to the public and the environment from environmental

pollutants. Additionally, the USVI has not revised its financial systems to comply

with standards for federal grant recipients. Consequently, the EPA has not provided 

USVI with unrestricted access to almost $37 million in outstanding grant funds.

Factors contributing to program deficiencies included financial accounting system

problems and other management control weaknesses.

The USVI has not met program requirements for numerous activities related to

implementing programs authorized under the CAA, CWA and SDWA. These

requirements are generally included in the program-specific performance partnership

grants workplan commitments negotiated between the EPA and USVI. The USVI, as

the designated primary implementing agency, was also not meeting program

requirements in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and EPA Grant Guidelines for the

UST/LUST program. We found problems with the USVI’s program implementation

in the following required program activities.

Table 3: Summary of environmental program requirements not met by USVI

Requirements not met Relevant statute/program

Environmental monitoring CWA, SDWA, CAA

Data input CWA, SDWA, CAA, UST/LUST

Permitting CWA, CAA

Facility inspection CWA, SDWA, UST

Enforcement CWA, CAA

Training SDWA, CAA, UST

Other issues CAA, UST

Source: OIG analysis of EPA data and documentation, and interviews.

Environmental Monitoring

The CWA requires that the USVI, as an authorized territory, monitor and analyze 

water quality to determine where water quality problems exist. The SDWA requires 

that USVI public water systems monitor their drinking water to ensure compliance 

with standards and report their results to the territory. Region 2 monitors USVI 

drinking water systems primarily by reviewing the violation data the USVI submits. 

Under the CAA, air pollution control agencies monitor ambient air concentrations to 

determine compliance with air quality standards established by the EPA. However, we 

found the following:

USVI Implementation of Environmental Programs

Requirements Not Met or Concerns Noted
15-P-0137 8

CWA Section 106 Ambient Water Quality Monitoring

Environmental monitoring is a mainstay of the CWA program. Water quality data

collected under the CWA Section 106 Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Program

provide the basis for identifying surface water that is not safe for swimming or fishing,

and for developing data-based permit requirements and targeting efforts to improve 

surface water quality. The USVI receives $1.1 million per year from the EPA for water 

quality monitoring, permits and enforcement. However, DPNR failed to comply with

water quality workplan commitments because they failed to collect ambient samples in

11 of 25 quarters between FY 2007 and the first quarter of FY 2013. Within each

sampling event, not all required samples were collected. For example, in FYs 2010–

2011, the DPNR conducted three of eight sampling events, but Region 2 stated that for 

the three events, 68 percent of sites were not sampled or were missing required

sampling parameters.

In FY 2010, the EPA placed DPNR under a Corrective Action Plan and revised the

plan in FY 2012. The EPA considered declaring the DPNR program noncompliant,

but this would revoke all funding for monitoring, permits and enforcement. Instead, in 

June 2012, the EPA offered to provide to DPNR in-kind assistance so that DPNR

could continue its eligibility to receive CWA funding. The in-kind assistance funded a

contractor to collect monitoring samples and provide DPNR with capacity building.

The contractor began sampling in the fourth quarter of FY 2013. Although the EPA 

designed, solicited and manages the contract, the CWA Section 106 program remains

the responsibility of DPNR under its CWA authorization. In our view, the DPNR

program is noncompliant.

SDWA Program

During an on-site review, we identified water quality concerns associated with one of

the two large drinking water systems in the USVI—the Virgin Islands Water and

Power Authority drinking water utility on St. Thomas. We received information about

problems with low residual chlorine, high turbidity and water color that may present

human health risks. The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations require that

there be residual chlorine in drinking water distribution systems to prevent bacteria 

introduced to the systems from reaching consumers. Under SDWA regulations, water

color is considered a secondary quality issue—though color is not a contaminant by

itself, it serves as an indicator of the potential presence of other contaminants, like 

metals.

We informed the region of our concerns on March 27, 2014. Region 2, DPNR, and the

water utility collected samples in the St. Thomas distribution system on April 4, 2014. 

The region analyzed the samples for turbidity and noted the water color. However,

Region 2 did not test for metals or bacteria, two contaminants that are sometimes

indicated by water color and low residual chlorine.
15-P-0137 9

On April 25, 2014, the region provided the site

investigation report containing its results to the water

utility. The report indicates that of 15 samples analyzed:

 Turbidity exceeded the recommended disinfection 

benchmark for eight.

 Chlorine for disinfection did not meet the 

recommended disinfection benchmark for eight, 

and was not present at all for one.

7

 Color anomalies (ranging from very slightly

yellow to dark red appearance) were identified

for eight.

Region 2 requested that the drinking water utility provide a corrective action plan

to address the problematic areas in the distribution system. However, the region

determined that without bacterial tests (which the region had not conducted) these

results did not constitute health-based violations.

On May 14, 2014, the utility provided the EPA its corrective action plan and

results of bacteria samples taken by the utility on April 4. The utility identified

total coliform or fecal coliform bacteria at eight of the 10 sites where they sampled

alongside EPA within the distribution system. The water utility results also

identified low residual chlorine and high turbidity.

The utility agreed to take steps to address the situation with the following actions:

 Initiate a bi-weekly flushing to provide aesthetically acceptable water to

affected areas. The utility indicated that it would take chlorine and

turbidity measurements before and after flushing, and would collect

additional total coliform samples about once per week.

 Conduct a stability study of its reverse osmosis water to familiarize staff

with measuring corrosivity.

On July 18, 2014, Region 2 responded to the corrective action plan and wrote that

it was pleased with the measures the utility outlined. Region 2 requested the water

utility submit a status report showing the progress of its implementation as well as

any reports generated related to the condition of the distribution system within

60 days. We remain concerned about this drinking water system for two reasons

that were not addressed in Region 2’s response to the utility:

 In an attachment to its response, the water utility provided 17 years of

sampling data for historical context. The data showed no occurrences of

bacteria prior to the EPA-accompanied sampling event in April 2014. The

 

7 The sample location without detectable chlorine was labeled in the sampling report as “pre-treatment,” but the location—

a bathroom sink in the water treatment plant—was not labeled on-site as pre-treatment. 

Drinking water sample collected

by EPA contractor in the USVI in

April 2014. (EPA photo)
15-P-0137 10

appearance of bacteria for the first time on April 14, 2014, raises questions

for us about the validity of the historical record at this utility.

 For routine monitoring, the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations 

require repeat sampling at sites with positive samples for bacteria to verify

whether violations exist. The water utility results from April 2014 

demonstrated that the majority of samples collected were positive for bacteria 

in the areas of concern within the distribution system. However, neither

Region 2 nor the water utility collected repeat bacteria samples to determine 

adherence to SDWA regulations. As a result, the EPA, the water utility and

the public do not know whether the bacteria results indicate a serious human

health risk in the drinking water system on St. Thomas.

Effective and compliant USVI monitoring under SDWA is essential to ensuring that 

public drinking water is safe. In addition, effective Region 2 oversight of the USVI’s 

management of the SDWA program is essential to ensuring that drinking water 

providers adhere to monitoring requirements and that drinking water problems are 

communicated to the public whenever it is required by SDWA.

CAA Ambient Air Quality Monitoring

Region 2 provides the USVI with grant funds to monitor inhalable coarse particulate

matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) for research and compliance with

ambient air quality standards.8 The grant workplans specify that USVI operate the

network in accordance with EPA regulatory requirements and enter the monitoring data 

into EPA’s Air Quality System. The USVI’s network consists of four PM10 and two

PM2.5 monitoring sites. Two sites have collocated monitors for a total of eight PM 

monitors in the USVI. We found:

 Numerous operational and maintenance issues resulted in periods of no or

incomplete ambient air monitoring.

 No evidence of PM2.5 or PM10 monitoring on St. Thomas from 2010 

through 2013. However, Region 2 believed that certain PM2.5 and PM10 

data were collected on St. Thomas during this time period but have not 

been made available in the Air Quality System.

 

8 EPA regulations for air quality surveillance, in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in 40 CFR Part 58, 

Appendix D, do not require any ambient monitoring for PM2.5 in areas with populations fewer than 500,000 when the

most recent 3-year design value is less than 85 percent of the national ambient air quality standard. Further, monitoring

for PM10 is not required for populations under 250,000 when monitors record concentrations less than 80 percent of the

national ambient air quality standard. USVI monitoring data for the period 2010–2012 show ambient concentrations

below levels that would require monitoring. The EPA requires all monitoring organizations to conduct monitoring

network assessments every 5 years to include determining whether additional sites are needed or whether existing sites

are no longer needed and can be terminated. The next assessment is due in 2015, at which time the USVI and EPA plan

to conduct a comprehensive review of the USVI network.
15-P-0137 11

EPA generally requires that a monitoring agency collect 75 percent of a monitor’s

scheduled samples in order to make valid comparisons to the national ambient air 

quality standards. Table 5 shows the percent of data that USVI collected and entered

into the Air Quality System since 2009.

Table 5: Percent of PM2.5 and PM10 data entered into Air Quality System by USVI, 2009–2013

Site Pollutant Sampling

schedule

Year

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Waterfront,

St. Thomas

PM2.5 Daily 0 0 0 0 0

PM10 Daily 4 0 0 0 0

Kings Airport,

St. Thomas PM10 Daily 27 0 0 0 0

Federal Aviation

Administration,

St. Croix

PM10 Daily 60 0 0 0 0

Bethlehem Village,

St. Croix PM2.5

1 in 6 days 98 95 0 56 0

1 in 6 days 46 46 0 26 0

PM10 1 in 6 days 98 93 43 0 0

1 in 6 days 48 46 20 0 0

Source: OIG analysis of data from EPA’s Air Quality System.

As shown in the above table, USVI has not met the minimum 75 percent data

collection requirement for any monitors since 2010.

Data Input

The USVI is required to enter program data into several EPA information systems,

depending upon the program. Data were incomplete or missing for the programs listed

below.

 Data for the CWA Nonpoint Source Pollution Program Grants are tracked

nationwide in the Grants Reporting and Tracking System. Region 2 stated

that as it enters old projects into the tracking system it also adds GPS (global

positioning system) coordinates. However, during our review, the USVI data

in the system for nonpoint source project data had not been updated since 

2009.

 Drinking water facilities may not be adhering to the appropriate drinking 

water regulations, specifically for disinfection. Drinking water data in the 

EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Information System for some small systems in

the USVI are incorrect. Many residents rely on rain cisterns and drinking 

water sourced from desalinization reverse osmosis facilities operated by the

USVI Water and Power Authority. We found that some of these surface water 
15-P-0137 12

systems were misclassified as ground water systems, which affects what

contaminants they monitor. The federal regulations do not include a category

for rain cisterns. However, classification as ground water systems is incorrect.

Any system including a portion of surface water should be classified as

surface water.

 CAA Air Quality Monitoring Program data collected were not entered into the

Air Quality System database for the first and second quarters of 2011; the first,

third and fourth quarters of 2012; and the second and third quarters of 2013.

 Inspection and compliance data for CAA facilities was not always entered or

entered correctly into the Air Facility System. The Air Facility System contains

compliance, enforcement and permit data for stationary sources regulated by

EPA, state and local air pollution agencies. We reviewed the latest full

compliance evaluation and related facility compliance information in the Air 

Facility System for 10 of the USVI’s 12 major and synthetic minor sources.

Specifically:

o Seven of 10 facility Air Facility System records were missing

multiple years of compliance and inspection data.

o Three of 10 facility Air Facility System records contained incorrect

dates for the completion of the full compliance evaluation and/or the

receipt of the annual compliance certification.

o Two of 10 facility Air Facility System records did not record receipt of

annual compliance certifications that had been submitted.

 Incomplete UST/LUST program data issues were identified in Region 2’s

FYs 2011 and 2012 annual reviews. Specifically, we identified:

o Incomplete UST facility information.

o Incomplete and inconsistent LUST database information.

These data issues still existed and were unresolved during our onsite review in

January 2014.

Permitting

CWA Programs

The DPNR did not have water quality-based limits included in many of the permits

it approved. Also, some permits were not issued in a timely manner. Further,

Region 2’s 2014 review of USVI TPDES permits found significant deficiencies.

For example:
15-P-0137 13

 Fact sheets were either missing or did not provide adequate descriptions of

facility location and treatment processes for publicly and non-publicly

owned treatment works. For example, there was no discussion of the

reasonable potential analysis, impairments or pollutants of concern; no

description of facility processes; no summary of an endangered species

review; and no facility diagrams.

 Region 2 found that many permits did not establish effluent limitations

consistent with the requirements of 40 CFR § 122.45(d).9In addition, the

region was unable to recreate how the USVI developed effluent limitations

based on the contents of the fact sheets and supporting record.

 Many of the receiving waters were considered impaired, but the fact sheet

does not include a discussion of the impairments or their impact on the

effluent limits established in the draft permit.10

The DPNR indicated to us that its CWA TPDES program does not allow the

collection of permit fees. However, we found that this was not correct. USVI code

allows for collection of permit fees, but DPNR was not collecting them.

CAA Title V Program

Region 2’s 2003, 2007 and 2011 reviews of the USVI’s Title V permit program

identified significant delays in issuing permits. All major stationary sources 

emitting certain air pollutants are required to obtain Title V operating permits. 

Generally, major sources include those sources emitting 100 tons a year or more 

of a regulated pollutant. We reviewed various documents to confirm the region’s

oversight findings and their current status. Our work confirmed the findings of

Region 2’s oversight reviews and indicated that problems with issuing Title V

operating permits within regulatory-mandated time frames continue.

Facility Inspections

CWA TPDES Program

In FY 2014, there were eight major sources and 66 non-major sources with

individual permits under the USVI’s TPDES program. Requirements for the

number and types of TPDES inspections developed in the Compliance Monitoring

Strategy were not met. Also, the number of inspections conducted at major 

sources fell below the national average for states and other territories, as shown in 

Figure 1.

 

9 Title 40 CFR § 122.45(d) states that, for continuous discharges, all permit effluent limitations shall, unless

impracticable, be stated as maximum daily and average monthly limitations for all dischargers other than publicly

owned treatment works.

10 EPA said that these USVI waters are listed in the CWA Section 303(d) 2010 List of Impaired Waters.
15-P-0137 14

Figure 1: Comparison of USVI TPDES inspection coverage

and national averages, 2008–2014

Source: OIG analysis of EPA data.

SDWA Program

The DPNR conducted sanitary surveys of public water systems to evaluate source

water, facilities, equipment, and operation and maintenance. We reviewed a sample

of 11 completed sanitary surveys and found several areas of concerns. Within our

sample, we found that several sanitary surveys did not adhere to EPA

documentation guidance:

 Ten sanitary surveys did not include the signature of the DPNR inspector

who conducted the survey.

 Seven sanitary surveys were missing the date when the last survey was

completed.

 Six sanitary surveys did not include a site diagram of the water system.

Additionally, two sanitary surveys were documented in pencil, and one sanitary

survey selected for the sample could not be located by the DPNR staff.

UST Program

For the UST program inspection report, we found the following:

 USVI could not locate and provide inspection report documentation to the

OIG for eight of the 44 UST facilities for the 3-year inspection period

FYs 2011 through 2013.

 Thirty-two of the inspection reports USVI provided to the OIG were

incomplete in one or more of the following areas: signatures, reporting

information or supporting documentation.

 An additional four inspection reports USVI provided to the OIG did not

contain sufficient information to show that the inspection had occurred 

within the 3-year inspection period FYs 2011 through 2013.

NPDES Inspection

Coverage

20

USVI Majors

National Average

USVI Non-Majors

National Average Non-
15-P-0137 15

Table 6: Missing information in USVI UST facility inspection reports, FYs 2011–2013

Types of missing information identified in

UST facility inspection reports

Percentage of facility reports

with missing information

Inspector signature missing 94

Owner/operator signature missing 44

Life expectancy for all facility tanks missing 75

Supporting documentation and photos not provided 100

Source: OIG review of USVI-provided UST facility inspection reports.

Enforcement

CWA TPDES Program

In FY 2014, there were eight major sources and 66 non-major sources with

individual permits under the TPDES program. Four of the major sources were

associated with power and wastewater treatment systems on St. Thomas and

St. Croix; the other four were two resort hotels, the Virgin Islands Rum facility, 

and the shuttered HOVENSA oil refinery.

The wastewater systems have been under a consent decree with the EPA since 

1985, but still suffer from chronic bypasses and overflows. The consent decree 

was designed to address infrastructure problems at wastewater treatment plants 

and one pump stations. However, deteriorating infrastructure continues to 

contribute to the USVI’s water quality problems. Poorly separated wastewater 

and stormwater systems lead to sewage bypasses and overflows. Information

provided by a wastewater treatment facility demonstrated that, during storms,

volume at wastewater facilities may increase two-to-three times the capacity of

the plant. Consequently, the volume overwhelms the capacity of wastewater

facilities, leading to bypasses and overflows. Also, USVI employees said

inoperable pump stations and inadequate pipes cause additional infrastructure 

ruptures and breakages.

Across all major and non-major TPDES permittees:

 Over 90 percent of facilities were in noncompliance over the past 6 years.

This included all major facilities and between 91 and 98 percent of

non-major facilities.

 The DPNR identified violations but did not always address these

violations with enforcement actions.

 When the DPNR took enforcement actions, it did not issue formal

enforcement actions to improve compliance. DPNR instead relies on

informal enforcement actions.

 Under its informal enforcement actions, the DPNR required corrective

action plans for correcting TPDES violations, but these were frequently

not submitted by the violators.
15-P-0137 16

CAA Title V Operating Permits Program

The USVI has nine facilities that are considered major sources and subject to

Title V permitting requirements. An additional three facilities were classified as 

synthetic minor sources (i.e., they have the operating capacity to qualify as a

major source but have agreed to federally enforceable limitations to keep their

emissions below the major source threshold). USVI inspectors identified 

violations during inspections at 10 major and synthetic minor sources conducted

from February 2012 through September 2013, but the only enforcement action 

taken by DPNR was the issuance of an administrative order and notice of 

violation to one synthetic minor source. Recent USVI inspections identified:

 Lack of approved or current permits. Seven of these nine facilities have 

been issued Title V operating permits. USVI needs to act on the remaining 

two initial landfill permit applications and two permit renewal 

applications.

 Late annual certifications.

 Emissions data not submitted to permitting authority.

 New equipment installed without obtaining required permits.

 No visible emissions readings conducted and facility staff not certified to

perform these readings.

 No performance testing/stack testing.

Training

SDWA Program

DPNR does not have an operator certification program to help ensure adequate

adherence to drinking water standards. Although SDWA authorizes the EPA to

withhold funds from U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico for not

having an operator certification program, this authorization to withhold funds does

not apply to the USVI or other territories. At the time of our evaluation, DPNR

reported that it had conducted a training session for this program in December 

2013. However, milestones for establishing the operator certification program

were eliminated from the EPA-USVI performance partnership grant workplan for

FY 2014.

CAA Programs

Emission standards for many industries include opacity limits. Air inspectors

must be trained and periodically recertified in visible emissions readings to 

determine compliance with these opacity standards. Due to a lack of training 

opportunities in the USVI, DPNR air inspectors have not been certified in visible

emissions readings every 6 months and, therefore, cannot perform such readings

during inspections. We also noted that other training commitments in the grant
15-P-0137 17

work plan, such as attending air pollution training institute courses and EPA 

conferences on air monitoring, were not met.

UST Program

USVI has not completed owner/operator certification training for UST operation

and maintenance, and for addressing emergencies caused by a spill or release.

According to USVI, approximately 25 of the 44 active UST facilities have at least

one certified operator. Training was suspended in August 2012 by the contractor

due to nonpayment by USVI DPNR. According to the USVI, the training resumed

in July 2014.

Other Issues

CAA Programs

The USVI has not submitted required infrastructure State Implementation Plans

for the most recent revisions to ambient air quality standards. These plans are

required whenever the EPA revises national ambient air quality standards and

should describe how the pollution control agency plans to attain or maintain

compliance with the new standard.

Our findings support beginning the process of withdrawing approval for the CWA

program and issuing a notice of deficiency for the CAA Title V Operating Permits 

Program. The EPA Administrator may elect to begin withdrawal procedures for an

approved CWA program when the program no longer complies with certain CWA

requirements. Federal regulations at 40 CFR § 123.63 allow the EPA 

Administrator to withdraw authorization when an authorized state or territory fails

to exercise control over activities that require regulation. Failures in any single

area listed in 40 CFR § 123.63 are sufficient for the EPA Administrator to 

commence withdrawal procedures.

Deficiencies in Implementing CWA Program

The OIG findings in the USVI CWA program, as summarized in Table 7,

demonstrate failures in multiple areas that warrant the EPA Administrator 

beginning the process required to withdraw program authorization.

Findings Support Initiating CWA Program Withdrawal

and Notice of Deficiency for CAA Title V Program
15-P-0137 18

Table 7: CWA criteria for withdrawal of program and OIG findings

40 CFR

§ 123.63 Criterion Finding

Adequate for

withdrawal?

(a)(1) Legal authority no longer

meets requirements.

Not evaluated. N/A

(a)(2) Operation of program fails to

comply with requirements for:

(i) Permit issuance.

(ii) Permit requirements.

(iii) Public participation.

(i) Permits sometimes

delayed.

(ii) Permits do not include

water quality-based

limits.

(iii) Not evaluated.

Yes

(a)(3) Enforcement program fails

to comply by:

(i) Not acting on violations.

(ii) Not seeking adequate

enforcement penalties

or collecting fines.

(iii) Not inspecting or

monitoring activities.

(i) Identified violations did

not lead to enforcement

action.

(ii) Enforcement actions

frequently informal

when formal action was

warranted.

(iii) Some requirements not 

met.

Yes

(a)(4) Fails to comply with

Memorandum of Agreement

with Administrator.

Not evaluated. N/A

(a)(5) Fails to develop adequate

regulatory program for

developing water qualitybased effluent limits in

National Pollutant Discharge

Elimination System/TPDES

permits.

No water quality-based

effluent limits established.

Yes

Source: OIG analysis.

Deficiencies in CAA Title V Operating Permits Program

The USVI’s failure to enforce Title V permit conditions warrants a notice of

deficiency. The Title V implementing regulations (40 CFR Part 70) address the

permitting authority’s failure to implement or enforce an operating permit 

program. Subsection 70.10(b) requires that any EPA-approved permitting program

be conducted at all times in accordance with the requirements of Part 70 and any

agreement between the Administrator and the permitting authority. Subsection

70.10(b)(1) requires the Administrator to notify the permitting authority if the

Administrator makes a determination that the permitting authority is not 

adequately implementing or enforcing its program. If a permitting authority has

not corrected the program deficiencies within 18 months of the notice of

deficiency, the Administrator is required to promulgate, administer and enforce a

whole or partial program 2 years after the date of such deficiency finding.

Criteria for issuing a notice of deficiency include failure to act on violations of 

permits or other program requirements, and failure to seek adequate enforcement 
15-P-0137 19

penalties and fines and collect all assessed penalties and fines. We noted the 

following:

 In 2003, Region 2 recommended that the USVI correct program 

deficiencies within 180 days or the region would issue a notice of 

deficiency. A notice of deficiency was not issued and similar problems 

were noted in the subsequent 2007 review.

 In 2007, Region 2 reported it had identified several issues of significance 

that could lead to a formal determination of program deficiency.

 Despite improvements in some areas, all deficiencies had not been 

corrected as of the region’s 2011 review. Based on OIG analysis, 

deficiencies in key areas—such as acting timely on permit applications, 

including renewals, and enforcing permit violations—still have not been

corrected and meet the regulatory criteria for program withdrawal.

 All five ongoing or finalized enforcement actions against Title V sources

for violations of the CAA were initiated and led by the EPA, not the USVI.

The USVI’s financial situation negatively impacts its ability to meet regulatory

requirements in implementing environmental programs. Specifically:

 DPNR’s refusal to make the necessary changes to comply with 40 CFR §

31.20 requirements limits its access to federal grant funds. As of 

March 2, 2015, the EPA had not provided DPNR unrestricted access 

to almost $37 million in outstanding grant funds because of 

deficiencies in DPNR’s financial systems. 

 DPNR management and staff stated that financial issues impede 

acquisition of necessary equipment and maintenance of adequate staff 

levels for environmental monitoring, permitting, and inspection and

enforcement activities in some programs.

 Funding shortfalls impact the USVI’s ability to meet data, training, and 

other programmatic and grant requirements for some programs.

 Region 2 said EPA funds are available for reimbursement of direct

purchases, but DPNR employees said they cannot purchase necessary 

computers, vehicles, field equipment or gas cards for existing DPNR 

vehicles for some programs.

 The USVI Waste Management Authority’s 2013–2018 Project Priority 

List estimated that projects totaling $151 million are needed to improve 

wastewater infrastructure.

 According to Region 2 personnel, the USVI Waste Management

Authority has estimated that it will need at least $67 million for closure

costs at two landfills.

Financial Mismanagement Underlies Some Program 

Management Failures
15-P-0137 20

Deficiencies in program implementation can negatively affect public health and

the environment. For example:

 DPNR’s lack of equipment and resources for managing CWA programs

may prevent the USVI from implementing environmental programs.

 Lack of ambient water quality data and total maximum daily loads hinders

DPNR’s ability to identify and target its activities toward areas of concern.

 DPNR’s lack of enforcement of point source discharges, such as sewage

leaks and spills, allows unchecked water pollution in local creeks and

beaches. This pollution may lead to human health problems and

contribute to coral death and other ecosystem effects.

 In general, delays in issuing Title V permits and a lack of enforcement 

of the permit requirements can result in the public being exposed to 

excessive levels of air pollutant emissions. 

 USVI’s noncompliance with UST provisions increases the risk of

UST releases and contamination of groundwater.

The USVI has not effectively implemented several environmental programs. In 

particular, the USVI’s implementation of the CWA and CAA Title V is 

deficient in key program areas. Deficiencies in DPNR’s financial systems have 

prevented DPNR from potentially receiving almost $37 million in outstanding 

grant funds, which further hinders its ability to properly implement its 

environmental programs. The deficiencies and weaknesses we identified in 

USVI’s implementation of the CWA and CAA Title V programs, demand that

Region 2 take substantial steps to remedy these issues and ensure that the USVI

public and environment are protected.

To correct problems with the implementation of the CWA, we recommend

that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2:

1. Request the EPA Administrator to begin the process of withdrawing

the USVI CWA program authorization by ordering a hearing under

40 CFR § 123.64 and describing the CWA program deficiencies in 

the hearing order.

Effects of Program Deficiencies

Conclusions

Recommendations
15-P-0137 21

To address problems with the implementation of CAA programs, we recommend

that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2:

2. Make a determination as to whether the USVI is adequately administering

or enforcing its Title V operating permit program and, if it is not, notify

USVI of this deficiency in accordance with 40 CFR § 70.10(b)(1).

3. During the next required 5-year network assessment of the USVI’s

ambient air quality monitoring network, determine whether the EPA 

should continue to provide grant funding to the USVI to operate the

network as it is currently structured.

The region’s planned corrective actions and estimated completion dates meet the 

intent of Recommendations 1 through 3. These recommendations are resolved and 

open, pending completion of the actions. No further response to this report is 

required for these recommendations.

Region 2’s response to our recommendations and our evaluation of each proposed 

corrective action are in Appendix A. Our final report Recommendations 2 and 3

were numbered 6 and 9 in the draft report. Thus, the region’s response to these 

recommendations refers to draft report Recommendations 6 and 9.

Agency Comments and OIG Evaluation
15-P-0137 22

EPA Region 2’s oversight reviews of USVI implementation of environmental

programs over the last several years consistently documented performance

problems. However, improvements in the USVI programs frequently did not 

result. Further, Region 2 oversight had not identified program deficiencies 

uncovered by our review or implemented procedures to ensure that

deficiencies they identified were corrected. Since the EPA retains the

responsibility for ensuring that USVI federal environmental programs are

implemented and enforced, EPA Region 2 needs to take appropriate actions to 

ensure that environmental programs that continue to be delegated to USVI are 

properly implemented and the public and environment protected. 

The EPA’s oversight reviews included:

 State Review Framework evaluations of the USVI’s compliance and

enforcement programs for the CWA TPDES and CAA stationary source

programs in 2007, 2010 and the draft 2014 review.

 Annual program reviews for CWA Sections 106 and 319, and TPDES

programs.

 Annual program reviews for the SDWA program.

 Evaluations of USVI’s CAA Title V Program in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

 End-of-year reviews of USVI’s CAA Section 105 grant workplan

performance.

 Annual reviews of the UST/LUST program in FYs 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Our review noted problems in the following areas:

CWA Program Oversight

Region 2 oversight of the USVI’s CWA programs identified program deficiencies 

and required that the USVI take measures to correct the deficiencies.

CWA TPDES oversight included:

 State Review Framework evaluations in 2003, 2007 and 2014.

 End-of-year reports on performance partnership grant activities.

 Comprehensive review of permit quality.

 Regular telephone calls with DPNR to discuss significant noncompliance

(significant noncompliance action plan calls).

 Periodic oversight and joint inspections of wastewater treatment system.

 A consent decree for USVI Waste Management Authority wastewater

treatment systems entered in 1985.

EPA Oversight of USVI Implementation of Environmental Programs

EPA Region 2 Oversight
15-P-0137 23

Further, according to Region 2 staff, CWA Ambient Water Quality Monitoring

Program oversight included biannual data reviews and end-of-year reports on

performance partnership grant activities. CWA Nonpoint Source Pollution

Program oversight also included end-of-year reports on performance partnership

grant activities.

Despite this level of Region 2 oversight, improved USVI program performance

has not resulted. For example: 

 The EPA required DPNR to develop a corrective action plan for its ambient

water quality monitoring program but program performance did not improve.

 The EPA stated that DPNR provided Region 2 with funds from the USVI

performance partnership grant to obtain a contract for in-kind water quality

sampling, but the funds were not sufficient to complete all sampling tasks.

Less than a year into the contract, Region 2 identified a $268,000 shortfall

in its budget for completing sampling. As a result, the contractor did not 

take samples in the second quarter of FY 2014 and, therefore, the program

is still noncompliant.

 Some State Review Framework deficiencies identified in 2003 persisted

through 2007 and 2014 reviews. All three reviews documented DPNR’s

noncompliance. The 2014 review showed that the priority issue affecting

USVI TPDES program performance is that USVI is still not consistently

and accurately identifying and addressing noncompliance, including

significant noncompliance and high-priority violators. Also, the EPA found

inaccurate data entry for all three reviews. The 2014 review showed that

data in facility files are still not consistent with the national data system.

 DPNR identified TPDES violations but did not take enforcement action,

and Region 2 also did not take enforcement action.

As such, initiating the withdrawal process for the CWA is warranted, as 

discussed in the previous report section. Notwithstanding any actions Region 2 

takes to address deficiencies in the USVI’s CWA program overall, oversight 

could be strengthened at this time for the wastewater program. 

Specifically, in 1985, the EPA and USVI entered into a consent decree designed to

correct the chronic problems with the USVI wastewater system. However, since 

1985, bypasses and overflows continued to occur because the delivery and

treatment system was inadequate to handle the flow volume. The consent decree

did not result in solutions to chronic wastewater system deficiencies. During this

time:

 Region 2 staff stated that they conducted regular inspections of the system,

identifying violations.

 Region 2 staff informed us that the DOI and EPA provided at least

$6 million in FY 2012 to upgrade USVI wastewater systems. Two sewage 

treatment facilities were constructed—one on St. Thomas and another on 
15-P-0137 24

St. Croix. However, our review of EPA data showed that the St. Thomas

and St. Croix facilities were both in violation of their permit limits for 

12 consecutive quarters. Issues included noncompliance for fecal

coliform, phosphorous, chlorine and flow limits.

 Other parts of the wastewater treatment system violated permit

requirements. For example, one pump station violated its phosphorus limit

by over 15,000 percent.

 Chronic sewage bypasses and overflows continue to occur, some lasting

for days. The sewage released reaches local creeks and public beaches,

threatening human health and the health of local ecosystems.

SDWA Program Oversight

Region 2 oversight identified issues in the SDWA program. However, our review

identified additional issues not uncovered by the region. Region 2 conducted

oversight of this program by reviewing end-of-year reports and issuing 

enforcement actions. In the performance partnership grant end-of-year reports for 

FYs 2010–2011 and FY 2012, the region identified the need for DPNR to 

reconcile the data reported in its Annual Compliance Report, end-of-year progress

reports, and Safe Drinking Water Information System database. This remains an

issue, because it was identified in the end-of-year report for FY 2013.

Based on enforcement data provided by Region 2, there has been a decline over

the past 3 years in enforcement actions in USVI.

FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 through July

EPA Enforcement Actions 80 13 13

In a territory with SDWA primacy, the EPA takes an enforcement action either 

when the territory fails to act on a known violation or when the territory refers a

system to the EPA for enforcement. Region 2 said its enforcement activity 

declined because referrals from the USVI declined.

Region 2 oversight of this program did not include a recent data verification. The 

most recent data verification occurred in 2003. This data verification identified

issues with the USVI drinking water program. Our review also identified potential

issues with drinking water quality, misclassified drinking water systems and 

sanitary survey documentation. However, Region 2’s oversight activities did not 

identify these program deficiencies.

To correct these Region 2 oversight issues and identify any additional

deficiencies in the USVI SDWA program, Region 2 should conduct an updated

SDWA data verification, and an analysis of whether performance partnership

grant SDWA workplan items have been adequately completed by DPNR.
15-P-0137 25

CAA Program Oversight

Region 2 conducted several reviews of USVI implementation of CAA programs. 

Our work generally confirmed the findings of these oversight reviews. These 

included reviews of:

 The Title V operating permits program.

 USVI’s inspections and enforcement program for stationary sources,

including Title V sources (as part of the State Review Framework process).

 The ambient air monitoring program.

 Other CAA requirements included as commitments in grant workplans.

Region 2 provided additional oversight and assistance to the USVI, which included:

 Initiating enforcement actions against five of the nine major stationary

sources for violating their permit conditions.

 Conducting an ambient air toxics monitoring study in 2011 to assess air

quality in USVI communities adjacent to an industrial area on St. Croix.

 Holding regular calls with DPNR to discuss action plans for facilities with

significant noncompliance.

 Providing training and in-kind assistance.

Despite the oversight actions noted above, USVI’s implementation of the Title V 

permits program warrants the EPA issuing a notice of deficiency as discussed in 

the prior report section. Notwithstanding any actions Region 2 takes to address 

deficiencies in the USVI’s Title V program, CAA oversight could be strengthened

at this time for Title V as well as other CAA programs. Specifically, we noted 

that:

 The Round 2 State Review Framework report identified corrective actions 

to address some prior review findings as completed even though similar 

problems continued. For example, a lack of enforcement actions to address 

high priority violations continued to be a problem cited in the Round 2 

report. Also, at the time the Round 2 work began DPNR had not obtained 

access and entered data into EPA’s air monitoring database as previously 

recommended. 

 Region 2’s Caribbean Environmental Protection Division did not conduct

an end-of-year grant evaluation for FY 2011.

 Region 2 did not always provide training to the USVI by the agreed-to date.

 Region 2 did not have a current/comprehensive record of which air

rules/programs have been delegated to the USVI.

 EPA CAA programs and rules delegated to the USVI for implementation

were not readily identifiable and available to the public on the EPA’s 

Internet site to enable the public to determine the USVI’s roles and

responsibilities for implementing and enforcing air programs.
15-P-0137 26

UST/LUST Program Oversight

EPA Region 2 oversight of the UST/LUST program included:

 Conducting annual UST/LUST reviews, including review of a small

sample of inspections conducted by USVI.

 Monitoring UST/LUST grant terms and conditions.

 Communicating with USVI UST/LUST personnel regarding programmatic

implementation and issues, as needed.

 Establishing a 1992 Memorandum of Agreement between USVI and

Region 2.

Region 2 oversight of the UST program could be strengthened by implementing

management controls in some areas. We noted the following:

 Region 2 oversight efforts were not ensuring USVI was compliant

with EPAct 2005 and EPA grant guidelines.

 Region 2 was not resolving UST inspection quality issues identified in 

prior annual reviews.

 Region 2 was relying primarily on the USVI’s reported certifications of

completed UST inspections to determine compliance with requirements.

 Region 2 oversight activities were not ensuring the USVI LUST database

was complete.

 Region 2 did not have written procedures for tracking and resolving 

program deficiencies and concerns identified in annual reviews, and did 

not have regular communications to resolve unmet milestones/other issues.

 Region 2 had not provided ample enforcement assistance to USVI.

USVI requested enforcement assistance for two of its LUST facilities.

Region 2 issued notices of violation to each facility, but the facilities did 

not respond and Region 2 did not follow up.

 Region 2 has not updated the Memorandum of Agreement with the USVI

to incorporate new provisions and responsibilities from the EPAct 2005.

EPA Region 2 has conducted numerous reviews and other oversight activities of

USVI implementation of environmental programs over the last several years. 

Generally, these activities have been effective in identifying program deficiencies. 

However, as discussed in the prior section, these efforts have not always been 

successful in improving USVI performance, and we recommend beginning the 

process for withdrawal of USVI program authorization for the CWA and 

determining whether a notice of deficiency is warranted for the CAA Title V 

program. Notwithstanding Region 2’s planned actions for the CWA and CAA 

Title V programs, at this time improvements are needed in the region’s oversight of 

all environmental programs that we reviewed for this report. 

Conclusions
15-P-0137 27

To improve oversight of the CWA, we recommend that the Regional

Administrator, EPA Region 2:

4. Monitor the wastewater consent decree goals and report to the public on 

whether they are being achieved on time.

5. Oversee USVI prioritization of wastewater funds to ensure the funds 

address the highest priority wastewater system needs as quickly and 

comprehensively as possible.

To improve oversight of the SDWA, we recommend that the Regional

Administrator, EPA Region 2:

6. Immediately complete a data verification for the USVI drinking water

program and make corrections as necessary to ensure that (a) DPNR

correctly classifies public water systems’ source water and (b) public

water systems are adhering to the appropriate drinking water rules and 

monitoring schemes.

7. Complete an analysis of SDWA workplan items to ensure that DPNR 

self-certified information for the end-of-year reports is accurate and

implementation milestones are set, monitored and met for the USVI 

operator certification program; and review a sample of sanitary surveys for 

compliance with EPA guidance providing the USVI with corrections and 

advice where the sampled sanitary surveys do not comply.

To improve oversight of CAA programs, we recommend that the Regional

Administrator, EPA Region 2:

8. Develop a listing of all delegations and other agreements for implementing 

air programs in the USVI to be posted on the Region 2 website.

9. Establish a timeframe for Region 2 to complete end-of-year grant 

performance evaluations.

To improve oversight of the UST/LUST program, we recommend that the

Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2:

10. Implement management controls to verify compliance with EPAct 2005 

and EPA grant guideline provisions, including (a) verification of

inspection of all sites in USVI’s actual UST inventory every 3 years and

(b) completion of required USVI operator training.

Recommendations
15-P-0137 28

11. Implement management controls to monitor resolution of identified

deficiencies and recommendations provided in the EPA’s annual reviews.

12. Take actions necessary to resolve EPA Region 2-initiated LUST site 

enforcement actions at two facilities in USVI.

13. Establish an updated UST/LUST Memorandum of Agreement with the

USVI that reflects changes and new provisions resulting from the EPAct 

2005. The Memorandum of Agreement should also outline roles,

responsibilities and expectations.

To ensure that the EPA’s environmental programs are properly implemented in

the USVI, we recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2:

14. Develop a plan to ensure that the USVI’s environmental programs meet 

minimum requirements in the event that the USVI does not or cannot 

adequately implement the programs.

The region’s planned corrective actions and estimated completion dates meet the 

intent of Recommendations 4 through 13. These recommendations are resolved 

and open, pending completion of the actions. The agency has completed 

correction action on Recommendation 14, and that recommendation is considered 

resolved and closed. No further response to this report is required for these 

recommendations.

Region 2’s response to our recommendations and our evaluation of each proposed 

corrective action are in Appendix A. Our final report Recommendations 4, 5, 6, 7, 

8 and 9 were numbered 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, respectively, in the draft report. Thus, 

the Region’s response to these recommendations refers to draft report 

Recommendations 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8.

Agency Comments and OIG Evaluation
15-P-0137 29

We reviewed the implementation of two related emergency planning and 

response programs—the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know 

Act (EPCRA) and the Risk Management Program (RMP). EPCRA covers many 

hazardous chemicals, including the 140 RMP-regulated chemicals. However, 

EPCRA helps communities plan for emergencies involving hazardous chemicals

while the RMP primarily focuses on industry activities to prevent such releases. 

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) is 

largely implemented at the state (territory) and local level—notably, those

provisions dealing with emergency planning. Although the RMP was delegated

to the USVI, Region 2 in fact implements the program because of the small 

number of RMP facilities in the USVI. We conducted a limited review of the

USVI’s and EPA’s implementation of these programs based on concerns we 

identified during our review of CAA programs.

Local emergency planning committees (LEPCs) identify chemical hazards; 

develop emergency response plans; and encourage attention to chemical safety,

risk reduction and accident prevention in their communities. However, we found 

that the USVI’s LEPCs are not fully operational:

 St. Croix’s LEPC became defunct in November 2011.

 St. Thomas’ and St. John’s LEPCs were only established in 2013.

DPNR said it began working in 2013 to get LEPCs back up and running.

Facilities that store or use certain hazardous chemicals above established threshold

amounts must report this information to LEPCs and emergency response

organizations. These reports are known as EPCRA Tier II reports. We reviewed

shipping data from the U.S. Department of Commerce to identify hazardous

chemicals shipped from the U.S. mainland to USVI in 2012, as well as USVI 

facility data in the Toxics Release Inventory, and compared that information to the 

EPCRA Tier II reports submitted to USVI.

We found that facilities may not be accurately reporting hazardous chemicals via

required Tier II reports. Shipments of seven different hazardous chemicals to the 

USVI in 2012 were unaccounted for in the EPCRA Tier II reports. Also, Toxics 

Release Inventory data indicate one facility should have submitted EPCRA Tier II 

reports in 2011 and 2012 but did not. As a result of these conditions, the USVI

may not be prepared to adequately respond to a chemical release or emergency.

Emergency Planning and Response

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
15-P-0137 30

Region 2 delegated the CAA 112(r) RMP to USVI but decided to retain 

responsibility for implementing the program since USVI has only one reported

RMP-covered facility (HOVENSA). We reviewed data on chemical shipments

to the USVI to determine whether facilities may be subject to RMP requirements

but have not filed risk management plans with the EPA.

The data reviewed indicates a potential for Risk Management Plan non-filers. For

example, in 2012, over 188,000 pounds of chlorine—a chemical covered by the

RMP—was shipped to facilities in USVI but unreported in EPCRA Tier II reports

and the lone Risk Management Plan (HOVENSA). The Risk Management Plan

reporting threshold for chlorine is 2,500 pounds contained in any one process.

We recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2:

15. Assist USVI with getting LEPCs fully operational.

16. Assist USVI in implementing procedures to identify EPCRA Tier II

non-filers.

17. Review EPCRA and other data to ensure that all Risk Management

Program-covered facilities are reporting to the EPA.

Region 2 concurred with Recommendations 15, 16 and 17 and provided 

corrective action plans and estimated completion dates that meet the intent of 

these recommendations. These recommendations are resolved and open, with 

agreed-to corrective actions pending. No further response to this report is 

required for these recommendations.

Region 2’s full response to our recommendations and our detailed assessment 

of each proposed corrective action are in Appendix A.

Risk Management Program

Recommendations

Agency Comments and OIG Evaluation
15-P-0137 31

The USVI faces challenges with the adequacy of its financial systems and in

obtaining the necessary funding for environmentally related projects. In particular,

DPNR’s financial system does not comply with the standards in 40 CFR § 

31.20,

11 and DPNR has not agreed to make needed changes.

Under 40 CFR § 31.20(a)(2):

A State must exp[e]nd and account for grant funds in accordance

with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for its 

own funds. Fiscal control and accounting procedures of the State, as

well as its subgrantees and cost-type contractors, must be sufficient

to—(2) Permit the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures

adequate to establish that such funds have not been used in violation

of the restrictions and prohibitions of applicable statutes.

Region 2 has implemented additional documentation requirements for DPNR 

grants and has not authorized drawdown of grant funds due to lack of supporting

documentation. Based on data provided by DPNR in its January 21, 2014, letter to

Region 2, if USVI changed its accounting to comply with regulations and grant

requirements, DPNR could receive reimbursement for expenses incurred under 

EPA grants up to $10.8 million.

Correspondence from Region 2 to the DPNR, dated December 20, 2013, outlined 

five financial management issues pertaining to the USVI DPNR. The region 

provided the OIG with payroll and other cash reimbursement supporting 

documentation for two DPNR grants (LS00235709 and BG99256109) and 

requested that the OIG review each issue and identify any potential concerns:

 Issue 1: Accounting concerns relating to incorrect charging to federal

grant accounts.

 Issue 2: Lack of an acceptable allocation methodology for employee

non-working hours.

 Issue 3: Lack of acceptable written methodology for allocation of shared

costs.

 Issue 4: Lack of documentation demonstrating procedures for correctly

calculating and applying indirect cost rates.

 Issue 5: Unliquidated balance of funds remaining on assistance

agreements awarded to DPNR.

 

11 During the period of our review, states were required by the EPA to maintain adequate financial management 

systems according to 40 CFR § 31.20. On December 26, 2014, 2 CFR Part 200, the Uniform Administrative 

Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, became effective. The EPA adopted 

these regulations. The new relevant section—2 CFR § 200.302—is substantively similar to 40 CFR § 31.20. The 

noncompliance is the same under either regulation; therefore, our findings and recommendations remain unchanged.

Financial Management
15-P-0137 32

Details on what we found for each issue follow.

Issue 1: Accounting concerns related to incorrect charging to federal grant

accounts.

We were unable to determine whether the costs were charged to the correct

federal grant accounts. DPNR did not provide reports from its official accounting

system (Enterprise Resource Planning). Instead, DPNR provided Quickbooks

reports with reimbursement packages. Without reconciliation to Enterprise

Resource Planning, there is no assurance that the amounts reflected in Quickbooks

are actually paid.

Issue 2: Lack of an acceptable allocation methodology for employee non-working

hours.

We agree with the region’s conclusion that the USVI’s methodology is not

acceptable. Specifically, we noted that:

 Allocation and charging of indirect time (e.g., vacation, holiday, sick) was

not equitable.

 Every pay period under Grant No. BG99256109 had at least one instance

where indirect time was charged without any direct time charged to the

grant. Those indirect hours ranged from 4 hours up to one instance of

65 hours.

 Timesheets under both Grant Nos. BG99256109 and LS00235709 do not

appear to reflect actual time. Based on DPNR’s correspondence with

Region 2, time charged may be based on budgets and not actual hours.

Issue 3: Lack of acceptable written methodology for allocation of shared costs.

We could not determine whether this is an issue based on the records provided by

Region 2. DPNR’s comments mentioned a cost allocation plan, but Region 2 said

DPNR did not provide a cost allocation plan. Instead, DPNR provided an example

of how it calculated one type of allocation. An example calculation of one type of

allocation does not meet the requirements under 2 CFR Part 225, Appendix A,

Section F. According to the regulation, indirect cost pools should be distributed to

benefitted cost objectives on bases that will produce an equitable result in

consideration of relative benefits derived. One method would not produce 

equitable allocation for all cost types. For example, square footage would produce

equitable allocation for rental costs, but not for copying or telephone costs.

Findings on Financial Management Issues
15-P-0137 33

Issue 4: Lack of documentation demonstrating procedures for correctly 

calculating and applying indirect cost rates.

The records provided by Region 2 did not include DPNR’s claim for indirect

costs and no data were provided on indirect cost calculations. Therefore, we were 

unable to opine on this issue.

Issue 5: Unliquidated balance of funds remaining on assistance agreements

awarded to DPNR.

Region 2 did not provide the accounting details for us to review the unliquidated 

balance. However, according to the DPNR, as of October 1, 2013, the DPNR had 

just over $16.4 million in unspent grant funds. During a meeting with Region 2, it 

was agreed that the region would have more accurate information to make this 

determination than the OIG. Therefore, we did not review the unliquidated balance 

and relied on DPNR’s data for the amount stated in our draft report. In response to 

the draft report, the region stated that the unliquidated balance is a fluid amount 

which fluctuates as the region makes payments, resolves disputes and bills for 

collection, and awards new funds to the USVI. The current unspent funds under 

the USVI assistance agreements is approximately $37 million.

Although no review was done in this area, the region should consider the

requirements of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer’s Resource Management 

Directive System 2520-03, Standard Operating Procedures: Deobligating 

Unliquidated Obligations. This directive provides guidance for deobligating 

grants, contracts and interagency agreements. The procedure defines a valid 

obligation as one for which appropriated funds are still available and an actual 

need still exists within the life of that appropriation. An inactive obligation is an 

obligation where there has been no activity for 6 months (180 days). If the region 

finds that no activity has occurred on any open grants for 180 days, the region 

should consider whether any outstanding grant balances can be deobligated and 

put to better use.

On May 23, 2014, EPA Region 2 designated the USVI as a “high risk” grantee

under 40 CFR § 31.12. Region 2 found that DPNR’s management system did not

meet required management standards, and DPNR had not conformed to the terms 

and conditions of previous awards. Region 2’s determination requires additional 

restrictions and requirements for DPNR to follow, as well as corrective actions 

from DPNR. DPNR appealed the designation on June 20, 2014. The EPA denied

the appeal on July 16, 2014, stating that DPNR did not provide any

documentation to warrant reversal of the EPA’s designation. On July 30, 2014,

the DPNR requested another review of Region 2’s July 16, 2014, appeal decision.

The Regional Administrator denied DPNR’s request on October 22, 2014, and 

upheld the “high risk” designation.

USVI Designated as a High Risk Grantee
15-P-0137 34

USVI has been unwilling to make the necessary changes to comply with 40 CFR

§ 31.20 regulations on accounting standards for federal grant recipients. Region 2 

has attempted to address concerns to date and provide assistance to the USVI.

Nonetheless, some USVI assistance agreements may have funds that can be put to 

better use.

We recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2:

18. Develop a plan to address currently uncompleted tasks and activities, and 

develop a schedule for reprogramming grant funds to accomplish these 

tasks if USVI does not or cannot complete them. Upon completion of the 

financial management corrective actions, follow the Office of the Chief 

Financial Officer’s Resource Management Directive System 2520-03 to 

determine whether any of the current unspent funds of approximately 

$37 million under the USVI assistance agreements could be put to better 

use.

19. Designate a person to coordinate and periodically report to the Regional

Administrator on the status and implementation of USVI financial

systems, as well as environmental programs conducted on the EPA’s

behalf, until such time that the Regional Administrator determines that

sufficient progress has been made to discontinue periodic reporting.

Region 2 proposed an alternative action to address Recommendation 18. Based on 

a meeting to discuss the region’s draft report comments and planned actions, the 

region provided additional clarifications on its draft response with milestone dates 

for completion. We revised the recommendation with the region’s concurrence.

This recommendation is resolved and open, with the agreed-to corrective actions 

pending. No further response to this recommendation is required.

Region 2 concurred with and completed action to address Recommendation 19

and the recommendation is resolved and closed with action completed. No 

further response to this recommendation is required.

Region 2’s full response to our recommendations and our detailed assessment of 

each proposed corrective action are in Appendix A.

Conclusions

Recommendations

Agency Comments and OIG Evaluation
15-P-0137 35

Status of Recommendations and 

Potential Monetary Benefits

RECOMMENDATIONS

POTENTIAL MONETARY 

BENEFITS (in $000s)

Rec. 

No.

Page 

No. Subject Status1 Action Official

Planned 

Completion 

Date

Claimed 

Amount

Agreed-To 

Amount

1 20 To correct problems with the implementation of the

CWA, request the EPA Administrator to begin the

process of withdrawing the USVI CWA program

authorization by ordering a hearing under 40 CFR § 

123.64 and describing the CWA program deficiencies in

the hearing order.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

3/31/16

2 21 To address problems with the implementation of CAA 

programs, make a determination as to whether the USVI

is adequately administering or enforcing its Title V 

operating permit program and, if it is not, notify USVI of

this deficiency in accordance with 40 CFR § 70.10(b)(1).

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

3/31/16

3 21 To address problems with the implementation of CAA

programs, during the next required 5-year network

assessment of the USVI’s ambient air quality monitoring

network, determine whether the EPA should continue to

provide grant funding to the USVI to operate the

network as it is currently structured.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/15

4 27 To improve oversight of the CWA, monitor the

wastewater consent decree goals and report to the

public on whether they are being achieved on time.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/15

5 27 To improve oversight of the CWA, oversee USVI

prioritization of wastewater funds to ensure the funds

address the highest priority wastewater system needs

as quickly and comprehensively as possible.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/15

6 27 To improve oversight of the SDWA, immediately

complete a data verification for the USVI drinking water

program and make corrections as necessary to ensure

that (a) DPNR correctly classifies public water systems’ 

source water and (b) public water systems are adhering

to the appropriate drinking water rules and monitoring

schemes.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

6/30/15

7 27 To improve oversight of the SDWA, complete an

analysis of SDWA workplan items to ensure that DPNR

self-certified information for the end-of-year reports is

accurate and implementation milestones are set,

monitored and met for the USVI operator certification

program; and review a sample of sanitary surveys for

compliance with EPA guidance providing the USVI with

corrections and advice where the sample sanitary

surveys do not comply.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/15

8 27 To improve oversight of the CAA, develop a listing of all

delegations and other agreements for implementing air

programs in the USVI to be posted on the Region 2 

website.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

6/30/15

9 27 To improve oversight of the CAA, establish a timeframe

for Region 2 to complete end-of-year grant performance

evaluations.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/16
15-P-0137 36

RECOMMENDATIONS

POTENTIAL MONETARY 

BENEFITS (in $000s)

Rec. 

No.

Page 

No. Subject Status1 Action Official

Planned 

Completion 

Date

Claimed 

Amount

Agreed-To 

Amount

10 27 To improve oversight of the UST/LUST program,

implement management controls to verify compliance

with EPAct 2005 and EPA grant guideline provisions,

including (a) verification of inspection of all sites in

USVI’s actual UST inventory every 3 years and

(b) completion of required USVI operator training.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

12/31/15

11 28 To improve oversight of the UST/LUST program,

implement management controls to monitor resolution of

identified deficiencies and recommendations provided in

the EPA’s annual reviews.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

12/31/15

12 28 To improve oversight of the UST/LUST program, take

actions necessary to resolve EPA Region 2-initiated

LUST site enforcement actions at two facilities in USVI.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/16

13 28 To improve oversight of the UST/LUST program,

establish an updated UST/LUSR Memorandum of

Agreement with the USVI that reflects changes and new

provisions resulting from the EPAct 2005. The

Memorandum of Agreement should also outline roles,

responsibilities and expectations.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/18

14 28 To ensure that the EPA’s environmental programs are

properly implemented in the USVI, develop a plan to

ensure that the USVI’s environmental programs meet

minimum requirements in the event that the USVI does

not or cannot adequately implement the programs.

C Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

2/20/15

15 30 Assist USVI with getting LEPCs fully operational. O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/16

16 30 Assist USVI in implementing procedures to identify

EPCRA Tier II non-filers.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/16

17 30 Review EPCRA and other data to ensure that all Risk

Management Program-covered facilities are reporting to

the EPA.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/16

18 34 Develop a plan to address currently uncompleted tasks

and activities, and develop a schedule for

reprogramming grant funds to accomplish these tasks if

USVI does not or cannot complete them. Upon 

completion of the financial management corrective 

actions, follow the Office of the Chief Financial Officer’s 

Resource Management Directive System 2520-03 to 

determine whether any of the current unspent funds of 

approximately $37 million under the USVI assistance 

agreements could be put to better use.

O Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

9/30/18 $37,000

19 34 Designate a person to coordinate and periodically report

to the Regional Administrator on the status and

implementation of USVI financial systems, as well as

environmental programs conducted on the EPA’s

behalf, until such time that the Regional Administrator

determines that sufficient progress has been made to

discontinue periodic reporting.

C Regional Administrator, 

Region 2

2/12/15

1 O = Recommendation is open with agreed-to corrective actions pending.

 C = Recommendation is closed with all agreed-to actions completed.

 U = Recommendation is unresolved with resolution efforts in progress.
15-P-0137 37

Appendix A

Agency Response to Draft Report

and OIG Comments

The text of the EPA response along with our analysis is provided below.

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

REGION 2

January 12, 2015

MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: Response to Office of Inspector General Draft Report “Conditions in the U.S. 

Virgin Islands Warrant EPA Taking Over Management of Some Environmental 

Programs and Improvement of Others,” dated October 30, 2014.

FROM: Judith A. Enck /s/

Regional Administrator 

TO: Carolyn Copper

Assistant Inspector General, Office of Program Evaluation

Office of Inspector General

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the issues and recommendations in the subject audit 

report. Following is a summary of the Agency’s overall position, along with its position on each 

of the report recommendations. For those report recommendations with which the Region agrees 

(recommendations 1 through 13, 15, 16, 17, and 19), we have provided either high-level intended 

corrective actions and estimated completion dates to the extent we can or reasons why we are 

unable to provide high-level intended corrective actions and estimated completion dates at this 

time. For those report recommendations with which the Region proposes another approach 

(recommendations 14 and 18), we have explained our position and proposed an alternative to 

each recommendation. For your consideration, we have also included a Technical Comments 

Attachment to supplement this response (see Attachment 2).

AGENCY’S OVERALL POSITION

Region 2 again thanks the Office of Inspector General for agreeing to perform this voluminous 

and complex evaluation, and its substantial commitment of resources in performing the 

evaluation, the results of which we substantially support. 
15-P-0137 38

AGENCY’S RESPONSE TO REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

Rather than using the standard format below, because of the large number of recommendations 

and associated explanations, we’ve moved the text to Attachment 1.

Agreements

No. Recommendation High-Level Intended 

Corrective Action(s)

Estimated Completion by 

Quarter and FY

See Attachment 1

Alternative Actions Proposed

No. Recommendation Agency Explanation/Response Proposed Alternative 

See Attachment 1

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions regarding this response, please let me know or have your staff contact 

John J. Svec, Region 2’s Audit Coordinator, at (212) 637-3699. 

Attachments 

cc: Christine El-Zoghbi, Deputy Assistant Inspector General 
15-P-0137 39

Attachment 1

Agreements

OIG Recommendation No. 1

To correct problems with implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA), we recommend that 

the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 request the EPA Administrator to begin the process 

of withdrawing the USVI CWA program authorization by ordering a hearing under 40 CFR 

123.64 and describing the CWA program deficiencies in the hearing order.

Region 2 Proposed Corrective Action and Time 

EPA thanks the OIG for the recommendation, and agrees with the OIG that stronger actions by 

EPA are necessary to ensure improvements to the USVI’s NPDES program.

Region 2 acknowledges that beginning the process of withdrawing the USVI CWA program 

authorization is an option, and Region 2 will give it consideration as we develop a 

comprehensive approach to ensure that appropriate corrective actions are taken in a timely 

manner.

EPA is responsible for oversight of authorized state programs, as provided by CWA Section

402 (c) (2). EPA works with authorized states to meet NPDES permitting and enforcement 

program objectives through a variety of actions, including reviewing draft permits; initiating 

federal inspection and enforcement actions when necessary; providing capacity building, 

including training and developing tools and templates for program implementation; conducting 

formal program reviews through the State Review Framework (SRF) for compliance and 

enforcement programs and the Permit Quality Review (PQR) for the permitting program; and 

entering into annual work plans under the CWA 106 grants process. For over 25 years, EPA has 

engaged in these efforts to address specific areas of the NPDES program in the USVI (known as 

the Territorial Pollution Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) program) in need of significant 

improvement. EPA has also invested significant federal resources in taking legal enforcement 

actions in the USVI, where most of the major NPDES facilities are owned or operated by the 

USVI government. EPA has taken enforcement actions at five of the USVI’s eight major 

facilities. Four of those five facilities are owned by the USVI. The five facilities at which EPA 

took enforcement action are: Hovensa, VI Water and Power Authority – St. Croix, Anguilla 

Wastewater Treatment Facility, VI Water and Power Authority – St. Thomas, and Red Point 

Wastewater Treatment Facility – St. Thomas. Historically, the USVI has not taken any formal 

enforcement actions at either noncompliant major or non-major facilities.

In September 2014, EPA regional and headquarters staff from the Office of Water, Office of 

Enforcement and Compliance Assurance and Region 2, examined key issues hampering the 

USVI’s performance in running the TPDES program. EPA found serious problems with the 

USVI’s performance in administering the NPDES program, including lack of appropriate 

enforcement follow-up for significant violations at NPDES permitted facilities identified by the 

recent SRF assessment, many of which are owned by the USVI government. EPA determined that 

enhanced enforcement in the USVI should occur immediately to ensure more systematic and 
15-P-0137 40

robust formal enforcement against CWA violators in the USVI, and that EPA will implement an 

accountable and aggressive TPDES permit improvement effort based on the findings of the 

recently completed EPA Permit Quality Review. EPA agrees with the OIG that the significant 

deficiencies identified require EPA action and that initiating the process of withdrawing the USVI 

program authorization for the NPDES CWA program might be an appropriate option. As this is a 

serious action, EPA intends to assess various possible actions to determine the most effective and 

efficient method for improving performance in the CWA NPDES program in the VI.

EPA proposes the following actions to resolve the challenges in the USVI TPDES program:

 Implement enhanced CWA enforcement immediately in the USVI to ensure that TPDES 

violators receive formal enforcement responses as warranted under an effective and fair 

enforcement response policy. 

 Implement an accountable and aggressive schedule for correcting Tier 1 findings of 

EPA's 2014 Permit Quality Review for the USVI, including developing USVI TPDES 

permit and fact sheet templates to improve the efficiency, consistency and completeness 

of permits and fact sheets and ensure the appropriate use of the USVI Reasonable 

Potential Tool to determine whether pollutants detected in the effluent have a reasonable 

potential to exceed the USVI’s numeric water quality standards. The tool will increase 

efficiency, improve the consistency of effluent limitation development, and improve the 

completeness and transparency of the administrative record by documenting the basis for 

water quality-based effluent limitations. 

 Send a letter from the Regional Administrator to the Governor of the VI communicating 

the problems with the TPDES program and including information on the option of 

voluntary transfer of program responsibilities to EPA.

 At any time in this process, EPA can decide the USVI’s progress is not adequate and 

order a hearing under Section 123.64 and describe in the order for the hearing the 

program deficiencies. 

EPA will continue to review the USVI’s performance in the months ahead, and will respond to 

the Inspector General as to the most effective and efficient methods of improving performance in 

the CWA NPDES program in the VI, including whether to initiate withdrawal of approval of the 

USVI’s NPDES program. Please note that management of the NPDES program by EPA would 

require additional resources.
15-P-0137 41

OIG Recommendation No. 2

To correct problems with implementation of the CWA, we recommend that the Regional 

Administrator, EPA Region 2 monitor the wastewater consent decree goals and report to the 

public on whether they are being achieved on time.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Three EPA Region 2 staff already work together to 

monitor the consent decree on a consistent basis (weekly, and sometimes daily), and will 

continue to do so. At times, additional program staff have been assigned to supplement the core 

team. Oversight of the decree implementation has been conducted within the context of the 

enforcement tools of the CWA. The resources that EPA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) 

have expended over thirty years of judicial activity have provided improvement not only to the 

wastewater assets owned by the government of the VI, but also to the operation of those assets.

In 1985 (when the consent decree was entered), the government of the Virgin Islands operated 

ten sewage treatment plants that were in chronic non-compliance. At present, the USVI owns 

and/or contracts operation for eight sewage treatment plants (STP), which are operating up to 

standard. Out of the eight STPs, the court has removed from the CD five of the STPs that 

currently operate, which are in sustained compliance with the terms of the CD. Thus, only three 

plants remain under the CD, and the USVI has requested that they be removed from the CD as 

well, due to progress that has been made. In addition, DOJ and EPA began in 2010 an initiative 

to bring the VI collection system to the attention of the court. As a result of that effort, in April 

of 2013, the district court entered a Stipulated Order providing comprehensive injunctive relief to 

be implemented by the VI Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) via short, mid and long-term 

measures. Accordingly, this consent decree may be approaching its final stages, with a 

significant chance of termination during 2015. 

Reporting to the public on an ongoing basis during the implementation of a consent decree is not 

an activity that we ordinarily engage in as part of litigation activities. This is partly because the 

DOJ (not EPA) generally has the lead role in judicially filed cases. Nevertheless, in this case, the 

public in the Virgin Islands has periodically received information from EPA staff and the DOJ 

attorney relating to the implementation of or status of the consent decree. There are instances 

where the public has requested information or data, and the EPA team has mobilized resources to 

OIG Response to 1: Based upon discussions during our meeting on February 10, 2015, the region provided 

additional details on how it plans to enhance program oversight. The region plans to implement its enhanced 

oversight by March 6, 2015, and make a determination of whether to initiate withdrawal of approval of the 

USVI’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program by March 31, 2016. The region said that after 

1 year of implementing its enhanced oversight and corrective actions in the USVI, the EPA will evaluate whether 

the efforts are working and make a determination about whether to initiate withdrawal of the USVI NPDES 

program. We accept the region’s response not to initiate withdrawal at this point since it plans to reinforce its 

oversight in response to our findings, and make an independent determination of whether to initiate program 

withdrawal by March 31, 2016. The status of this recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion 

of the planned corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is required.
15-P-0137 42

make those files or information available. We intend to continue to make such information 

available as needed, while the consent decree remains open, including posting major documents 

filed or issued by the court to EPA’s website. 

Completion is estimated for the 4th Quarter FY 2015.

OIG Recommendation No. 3

To correct problems with implementation of the CWA, we recommend that the Regional 

Administrator, EPA Region 2 oversee USVI prioritization of wastewater funds to ensure the funds 

address the highest priority wastewater system needs as quickly and comprehensively as possible.

Region 2 Proposed Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Region 2 agrees it has an oversight role in the 

USVI’s use of wastewater funds, however, EPA lacks the authority to oversee USVI’s 

prioritization of such funds. Region 2 awards wastewater treatment construction grants to the 

USVI for its Capital Improvement Grants Program pursuant to CWA Section 201(g)(1) and 

applicable 40 CFR Part 35, Subpart I regulations. EPA’s role regarding the project priority 

ranking system is clearly set forth in 40 CFR 35.2015(e): 

(e) Regional Administrator review. The State must submit its priority system, project 

priority list and revisions of the priority system or priority list to the Regional 

Administrator for review. The State must also submit each year, by August 31, a new 

priority list for use in the next fiscal year. (1) After submission and approval of the initial 

priority system and submission and acceptance of the project priority lists under 

paragraph (c) of this section, the State may revise its priority system and list as 

necessary. (2) The Regional Administrator shall review the State priority system and any 

revisions to insure that they are designed to obtain compliance with the criteria 

established in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (d) of this section and the enforceable 

requirements of the Act as defined in § 35.2005(b)(15).The Regional Administrator shall 

complete review of the priority system within 30 days of receipt of the system from the 

State and will notify the State in writing of approval or disapproval of the priority system, 

stating any reasons for disapproval. (3) The Regional Administrator will review the 

project priority list and any revisions to insure compliance with the State’s approved 

priority system and the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section. The Regional 

Administrator will complete review of the project priority list within 30 days of receipt 

OIG Response to 2 (NOTE: This is Recommendation 4 in the final report): Based upon discussions 

during our meeting on February 10, 2015, the region provided additional clarification on its response. The 

region said that the EPA will make information available on the Region 2 Internet Virgin Islands page while the 

consent decree and stipulated order remain in effect, including information about the status of major 

milestones under the consent decree and stipulated order. They said they will post this information on a 

quarterly basis, beginning in the third quarter of FY 2015. The region’s proposed corrective actions meet the 

intent of the recommendation. The status of this recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion 

of the planned corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is required.
15-P-0137 43

from the State and will notify the State in writing of acceptance or rejection, stating the 

reasons for the rejection. Any project which is not contained on an accepted current 

priority list will not receive funding.

After the project priority list (PPL) is submitted by the Government of the Virgin Islands, EPA 

will review the PPL and any revisions to ensure compliance with the USVI’s approved priority 

system and the PPL requirements of 40 CFR 35.2015 (c). The RA will complete review of the 

PPL within 30 days of receipt from the USVI and will notify the USVI in writing of acceptance 

or rejection, stating the reasons for the rejection. Any project which is not contained on an 

accepted current PPL will not receive funding. Region 2’s presence will ensure the timely and 

proficient completion of the USVI approved process. 

Completion is estimated for the 4th Quarter FY 2015. 

OIG Recommendation No. 4

To correct problems with the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), we 

recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 immediately complete a data 

verification for the USVI drinking water program and make corrections as necessary to ensure 

that (a) DPNR correctly classifies public water systems’ source water and (b) public water 

systems are adhering to the appropriate drinking water rules and monitoring schemes.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Region 2 will conduct a Data Verification of the 

USVI drinking water program. Completion is estimated for the 3rd Quarter FY 2015.

OIG Recommendation No. 5

To correct problems with the implementation of the SDWA, we recommend that the Regional 

Administrator, EPA Region 2 complete an analysis of SDWA workplan items to ensure that 

DPNR self-certified information for the end-of-year reports is accurate and implementation

milestones are set, monitored and met for the USVI operator certification program; and review a 

sample of sanitary surveys for compliance with EPA guidance providing the USVI with 

corrections and advice where the sample sanitary surveys do not comply.

OIG Response to 3 (NOTE: This is Recommendation 5 in the final report): The proposed action meets 

the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion of the 

planned corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is required.

OIG Response to 4 (NOTE: This is recommendation no. 6 in the final report): The proposed action 

meets the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion of 

the planned corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is required.
15-P-0137 44

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. As part of the FY 2014 End of Year Review and the 

Data Verification to be conducted, Region 2 will complete an analysis of the year end reports to 

ensure that SDWA workplan items were completed and that the data is accurate and sanitary 

surveys are corrected, where necessary. 

Completion is estimated for the 4th Quarter FY 2015.

OIG Recommendation No. 6

To address problems with the implementation of the Clean Air Act (CAA), we recommend that 

the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 make a determination as to whether the USVI is 

adequately administering or enforcing its Title V operating permit program and, if it is not, 

notify USVI of this determination in accordance with 40 CFR 70.10(b)(1).

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. The next Title V audit of the VI operating permits 

program is scheduled for the 4th quarter of FY 2015. Based on the outcome of that audit, Region 

2 will make an appropriate decision with regard to the issuance of a Notice of Deficiency 

(NOD). 

Please note that this action could lead to EPA taking back the Title V program within 18 months 

of the notification, which would result in creation of a large backlog because Region 2 does not 

have the resources, including staff and finances, to implement a Title V program in one or more 

of the states within its jurisdiction. 

Completion is estimated for the 2nd Quarter FY 2016.

OIG Recommendation No. 7

To address problems with the implementation of the CAA, we recommend that the Regional 

Administrator, EPA Region 2 develop a listing of all delegations and other agreements for 

implementing air programs in the USVI to be posted on the Region 2 website.

OIG Response to 6 (NOTE: This is Recommendation 2 in the final report): The proposed action meets 

the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion of the 

planned corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is required.

OIG Response to 5 (NOTE: This is Recommendation 7 in the final report): The proposed action meets 

the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion of the 

planned corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is required.
15-P-0137 45

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Region 2 will post all Clean Air Act (CAA) 

delegations on the Region 2 website. 

Completion is estimated for the 3rd Quarter FY 2015.

OIG Recommendation No. 8

To address problems with the implementation of the CAA, we recommend that the Regional 

Administrator, EPA Region 2 establish a timeframe for Region 2 to complete end-of-year grant 

performance evaluations.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. VIDPNR’s CAA grant’s terms and conditions 

currently state that the end-of-year report is due within 30 days after the expiration of the 

agreement. In order to ensure compliance with the end-of-year reporting requirements, Region 2 

will discuss the status and/or requirements during the quarterly conference calls and/or meetings 

that are being conducted with DPNR staff. The following timeframe will be followed by 

Region 2 to complete end-of-year grant performance evaluations:

 Region 2 will initiate the review of the end-of-year report by November 1st (based on 

current grant condition that requires submittal of the report by October 30th).

 Region 2 will conduct conference calls and/or meetings with VIDPNR staff as needed, to 

discuss preliminary comments on the end-of-year report and/or seek clarification on the 

content of the report during Region 2’s performance evaluation period. 

 Region 2 will issue a letter to VIDPNR formalizing the regional review by December 30th

(60 days after receipt of the end-of-year report).

 Region 2 will conduct an end-of-year meeting with VIDPNR by January 30th (30 days 

after submittal of Region 2’s letter). 

Completion is estimated for the 4th Quarter FY 2016.

OIG Response to 7 (NOTE: This is Recommendation 8 in the final report): The proposed action meets 

the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion of the 

planned corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is required.

OIG Response to 8 (NOTE: This is Recommendation 9 in the final report): The proposed action meets 

the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion of the 

planned corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is required.
15-P-0137 46

OIG Recommendation No. 9

To address problems with the implementation of the CAA, we recommend that the Regional 

Administrator, EPA Region 2 during the next required 5-year network assessment of the USVI’s 

ambient air quality monitoring network, determine whether the EPA should continue to provide 

grant funding to the USVI to operate the network as it is currently structured.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. The next scheduled five-year network assessment 

will take place in the spring of 2015, during which time we will work with VIDPNR to 

determine appropriate next steps. Based on the outcome of the assessment and associated 

discussions, Region 2 will make appropriate modifications to the grant funding. 

Completion is estimated for the 4th Quarter FY 2015.

OIG Recommendation No. 10

To address problems with the implementation of the Underground Storage Tank (UST)/Leaking 

Underground Storage Tank (LUST) programs, we recommend that the Regional Administrator, 

EPA Region 2 implement management controls to verify compliance with EPAct 2005 and EPA 

grant guideline provisions, including (a) verification of inspection of all sites in USVI’s actual 

UST inventory every 3 years and (b) completion of required USVI operator training.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Region 2 funded, as an in-kind activity in VIDPNR's 

Cooperative Agreements, development and ongoing support for a comprehensive UST/LUST 

database. The database is now fully functional and is located in the "cloud", thereby allowing 

Region 2 real time access to all functions. Region 2 is currently reviewing facility UST 

inspection reports (including operator training verification), enforcement, and LUST site 

information in the database and communicating findings (e.g. incomplete data entry, omissions, 

etc.) to VIDPNR by email with follow-up discussion during conference calls. FY 2015 LUSTPrevention (UST) and LUST Corrective Action Cooperative Agreements will include a Term 

and Condition requiring that information in the database be complete and accurate. EPA has also 

instructed VIDPNR to submit results of a Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) review 

of its data, including verification that the UST inventory has been inspected every three years. 

This review is due from VIDPNR in the first quarter of 2015. Region 2 plans to perform an onsite review of VIDPNR's UST and LUST programs in the second quarter of 2015. Region 2 is 

recommending that VIDPNR include the operator training contractor cost in its FY 2015 LUSTPrevention Cooperative Agreement budget. 

OIG Response to 9 (NOTE: This is Recommendation 3 in the final report): The proposed action meets 

the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion of the 

planned corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is required.
15-P-0137 47

Completion is estimated for the 3rd Quarter FY 2015.

OIG Recommendation No. 11

To address problems with the implementation of the UST/LUST programs, we recommend that 

the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 implement management controls to monitor 

resolution of identified deficiencies and recommendations provided in the EPA’s annual reviews.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Region 2 is monitoring activities in VIDPNR's UST 

and LUST programs via VIDPNR's UST/LUST database described above, monthly conference 

calls, and an annual on-site meeting planned for February or March, 2015. 

Completion is estimated for the 2nd Quarter FY 2015.

OIG Recommendation No. 12

To address problems with the implementation of the UST/LUST programs, we recommend that 

the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 take actions necessary to resolve EPA Region 2-

initiated LUST site enforcement actions at two facilities in USVI.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Region 2 issued in January 2015 Notices of 

Violation (NOVs) to address the facility owner/operator’s failure to respond. Formal 

enforcement options will be evaluated if the owner/operator continues to be unresponsive. 

OIG Response to 10: Based upon discussions during our meeting on February 10, 2015, the region provided 

additional clarification on its response, and a revised completion date of December 31, 2015. The region 

stated that the Project Officer for DPNR UST/LUST Cooperative Agreements has independently confirmed that 

UST inspections are occurring within the 3-year EPAct requirement, and has instituted bi-weekly reviews of 

the UST/LUST database to ensure that data are entered appropriately. The region’s clarification further stated 

that during the planned on-site review of DPNR, completion of UST operator training will be addressed. With 

the region’s clarification, the proposed corrective action meets the intent of our recommendation. This 

recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion of the corrective action. No further response to 

this recommendation is needed.

OIG Response to 11: Based upon discussions during our meeting on February 10, 2015, the region provided 

additional clarification on its response, and a revised completion date of December 31, 2015. The region 

stated that during its onsite meeting with DPNR, the region will highlight any ongoing deficiencies in the 

UST/LUST program with DPNR’s Director of the Division of Environmental Protection, and discuss a plan and 

schedule for addressing each deficiency. With the region’s clarification, the proposed corrective action meets 

the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and open, pending completion of the 

corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is needed.
15-P-0137 48

Corrective action is completed. 

OIG Recommendation No. 13

To address problems with the implementation of the UST/LUST programs, we recommend that 

the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 establish an updated UST/LUST Memorandum of 

Agreement with the USVI that reflects changes and new provisions resulting from the EPAct 

2005. The Memorandum of Agreement should also outline roles, responsibilities and 

expectations.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. In its December 14, 2011 response to OIG's Draft 

Report: Controls Over State Underground Storage Tank Inspection Programs in Three EPA 

Regions are Generally Effective, Project No. 2011-0019, EPA's Office of Solid Waste and 

Emergency Response (OSWER) responded to a similar finding as follows: "We generally agree 

with the recommendation to have EPA and states enter into MOAs reflective of changes from 

EPAct and addressing oversight of municipalities conducting inspections. We are currently in 

the process of updating the UST regulations and recognize that certain proposed changes to the 

existing regulations may cause states to amend different aspects of their programs. As a result, 

we will ensure this recommendation is implemented concurrently to the process outlined in the 

proposed regulations for states to reapply for SPA." EPA’s Office of Underground Storage 

Tanks informs us that the expectation is that new MOAs will be in place within three years of the 

revised UST regulations' promulgation. The revised regulations are currently under review by 

OMB and are expected to be promulgated in 2015. 

Assuming that the UST regulations are promulgated this fiscal year, the estimated completion of 

the updated MOA is the 4th Quarter FY 2018.

OIG Response to 13: The proposed action meets the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation 

is resolved and open, pending completion of the planned corrective action. No further response to this 

recommendation is required.

OIG Response to 12: Based upon discussions during our meeting on February 10, 2015, the region provided 

additional clarification on its response, as well as a proposed milestone date for completion of September 30, 

2016. The region stated it will evaluate and pursue appropriate federal enforcement options such as an 

additional Notice of Violation, expedited settlement agreement, or administrative penalty complaint; and that

the selected option will depend on whether they receive a response to the current Notice of Violation, what 

information is provided, and the compliance status of the facility. With the region’s clarification, the proposed 

corrective action meets the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and open, 

pending completion of the corrective action. No further response to this recommendation is needed.
15-P-0137 49

OIG Recommendation No. 15

We recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 assist USVI with getting Local 

Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) fully operational.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Region 2 staff visited VIDPNR staff in December 2014 

to assess completed efforts and to determine what the needs of the LEPCs are and in what way EPA 

can provide assistance to encourage activity within the LEPCs, which are currently inactive. 

Region 2 will use the Caribbean Regional Response Team meetings to engage and train the LEPCs. 

Completion is estimated for the 4th Quarter FY 2016.

OIG Recommendation No. 16

We recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 assist USVI in implementing 

procedures to identify EPCRA Tier II non-filers.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Region 2 has initiated contractor assistance; work 

commenced in November 2014 to compile a list of inspection candidates. In addition, Region 2 

will review the U.S. Department of Commerce shipping data reviewed by the OIG. Compliance 

assistance and enforcement is anticipated into FY 2016. 

Completion is estimated for the 4th Quarter FY 2016.

OIG Recommendation No. 17

We recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 review EPCRA and other data to 

ensure that all Risk Management Program-covered facilities are reporting to the EPA.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the recommendation. Region 2’s current efforts are being conducted in 

conjunction with Recommendation No. 16. The focus will be identifying USVI wastewater 

OIG Response to 15: The proposed action meets the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation 

is resolved and open, pending completion of the planned corrective action. No further response to this 

recommendation is required.

OIG Response to 16: The proposed action meets the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation 

is resolved and open, pending completion of the planned corrective action. No further response to this 

recommendation is required.
15-P-0137 50

treatment plants storing more than a single one-ton cylinder of chlorine, identifying refrigeration 

facilities using ammonia, and any other industrial sector using RMP chemicals. If necessary, 

Region 2 will schedule Clean Air Act Section 112r inspections.

Completion is estimated for the 4th Quarter FY 2016. 

OIG Recommendation No. 19

We recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 designate a person to coordinate 

and periodically report to the Regional Administrator on the status and implementation of USVI 

financial systems, as well as environmental programs conducted on the EPA’s behalf, until such 

time that the Regional Administrator determines that sufficient progress has been made to 

discontinue periodic reporting.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 has designated the Chief, Grants and Audit Management Branch (Grants Management 

Officer) to report on an ongoing basis to the Regional Administrator as indicated above. 

Corrective action is completed.

Alternative Actions Proposed 

OIG Recommendation No. 14

To ensure that the EPA’s environmental programs are properly implemented in the USVI, we 

recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 develop a plan to ensure that the 

USVI’s environmental programs meet minimum requirements in the event that the USVI does 

not or cannot adequately implement the programs.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 agrees with the intent of the recommendation, but does not propose to implement the 

specific action recommended. Please note that Region 2’s oversight of VIDPNR performance of 

each delegated program is conducted on an individual program basis. Region 2’s actions to date 

OIG Response to 19: Action meeting the intent of our recommendation has been completed. This 

recommendation is resolved and closed. No further response to this recommendation is required.

OIG Response to 17: The proposed action meets the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation 

is resolved and open, pending completion of the planned corrective action. No further response to this 

recommendation is required.
15-P-0137 51

have been conducted with the aim of ensuring that USVI adequately implements each program. 

When that implementation falls short of goals, on a case by case basis, Region 2 takes action, 

whether by assistance and/or enforcement, with the aim to improve USVI’s implementation of 

each program. Region 2 will enhance its oversight role to ensure that corrective actions are 

timely implemented. 

OIG Recommendation No. 18

We recommend that the Regional Administrator, EPA Region 2 develop a plan to address 

currently uncompleted tasks and activities, and develop a schedule for reprogramming grant 

funds to accomplish these tasks if USVI does not or cannot complete them. Follow Office of the 

Chief Financial Officer’s Resource Management Directive System 2520-03 to determine whether 

over $16.4 million in USVI assistance agreement funds could be put to better use.

Region 2 Corrective Action and Time

Region 2 is aggressively working with the VI Governor’s Office, the VI Office of Management 

and Budget, the VI Department of Finance and VIDPNR, to develop corrective actions to reduce 

the large balance of unliquidated obligations on grants. It is important to note that the 

unliquidated obligations on VIDPNR’s grants are largely associated with costs it already 

incurred but for which it has not yet been reimbursed. We are providing hands-on assistance to 

migrate VIDPNR’s QuickBooks data to a “shadow system” of the VI Enterprise Resource 

Program (ERP) system to help resolve unreconciled costs for multiple years of payroll 

charges. We are also working with VIDPNR to develop appropriate allocation methodologies 

and methods to track and charge employee labor time appropriately. We anticipate that these 

actions will resolve many of the financial issues and eliminate the bulk of the unliquidated 

balances. When the unliquidated balances are reduced, Region 2 will develop appropriate followup actions. In addition, we will continue to work with VIDPNR over the coming months to 

expand its corrective action plan to address all other internal control and grants management 

issues identified through EPA reviews and Single Audit reports. The corrective action plan will 

define specific actions, time frames and responsible VIDPNR personnel. 

Completion is estimated for the 4th Quarter FY 2018. 

OIG Response to 14: Based upon discussions during our meeting on February 10, 2015, the region provided 

additional clarification on its response. The region states that it has developed program-specific action plans, 

and uses the detailed description of the region’s enhanced oversight and enforcement plans for the CWA 

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program as an example. With the region’s clarification, the 

proposed corrective action meets the intent of our recommendation. This recommendation is resolved and 

closed. No further response to this recommendation is needed.
15-P-0137 52

OIG Response to 18: The region’s proposed corrective actions above did not state whether any amount will 

be unliquidated or reprogrammed, and the region did not state its plans for addressing the uncompleted 

grant commitments. Based on discussions during our meeting on February 10, 2015, the region provided 

additional clarifications on its response. The region stated that the unliquidated obligations are largely 

associated with costs the USVI already incurred; USVI has not been reimbursed for these costs, due to 

accounting issues. The amount of unliquidated obligations on DPNR’s open agreements is presently more 

than $37 million, which is associated with both expired and active agreements. This figure is fluid and will 

fluctuate as the region makes payments, resolves disputes and bills for collection, and awards new funds to 

the USVI. The region is continuing to work with the DPNR to address the accounting issues and reduce the 

payment backlog.

The region said DPNR currently has several years of unpaid payroll costs that must be resolved through 

DPNR’s current efforts to craft and populate a “shadow accounting system” that will align payroll costs with 

the hours shown on employee timesheets. The effort is huge, requiring reconciliations for each employee for 

each pay period in question. The goal is for DPNR to be able to claim, with proper supporting documentation, 

personnel costs for past fiscal years on all of its older grants, as the region continues to pay other types of 

eligible costs under these grants. The region also noted that awards made after the EPA’s May 2014 formal 

high risk designation of DPNR will carry balances until such time DPNR has satisfactorily corrected its 

accounting issues and implemented appropriate procedures for charging non-working hours and shared 

services costs to the agreements.

Both Region 2 and the Las Vegas Finance Center monitor the status of unliquidated balances on all assistance 

agreements closely. As the region receives payment requests and final Federal Financial Reports, it is 

liquidating balances through payments and deobligating unused funds identified in the final Federal Financial 

Reports. Region 2 senior leadership will decide on the use of these deobligated funds for other eligible 

projects after the funds are recovered through the grant closeout process. 

With respect to unfulfilled workplan commitments the region noted that the USVI’s financial issues have 

created severe restrictions on cash flow within DPNR, which has had a negative effect on the number of 

commitments completed. The region plans to develop a programmatic corrective action plan after the 

financial situation improves in DPNR and it has sufficient funds available to fully implement its environmental 

programs.

With the region’s concurrence, we revised the recommendation to reflect the current status of the 

unliquidated obligations. The region provided, and we concur with, the milestone dates for resolution. The 

region’s corrective action plan meets the intent of our recommendation and this recommendation is resolved

and open, pending completion of the correction action. No further response to this recommendation is 

required.
15-P-0137 53

Appendix B

Distribution

Office of the Administrator 

Regional Administrator, Region 2

Agency Follow-Up Official (the CFO) 

Agency Follow-Up Coordinator 

General Counsel 

Associate Administrator for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations 

Associate Administrator for Public Affairs

Deputy Regional Administrator, Region 2 

Audit Follow-Up Coordinator, Region 2