EPA has installed air monitoring equipment at three locations where the biggest impacts of air pollution from HOVENSA and other facilities are expected, and the agency will measure levels of a class of air pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which have serious health effects.
The community air toxic monitoring study will provide information to EPA and local residents on whether air quality near the monitoring locations poses health concerns and to guide the strategies for reducing local air pollution.
EPA selected three representative areas likely to be impacted by air pollution from the HOVENSA oil refinery and other facilities, and the VOC air monitors are located at Central High School RFD #2 Kingshill, Bethlehem Village, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s facilities at Mannings Bay in western St Croix.
Particulate matter on the island is monitored by the Virgin Islands Department of Natural Resources and sulfur dioxide from HOVENSA is monitored by the refinery, and that information will also be reviewed.
Following standard EPA scientific protocols, air quality monitors at the three locations will collect outdoor air samples over three months to provide a representative snapshot of air quality in the community.
