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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES In the Matter of Steele well St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. ORDER On July 7, 1987, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) was contacted by Mr. Eric Tillett, President of Tutu Waters, in regard to an odor emanating from the raw well water on his property located at Anna's Retreat #126, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. As such, DPNR recommended to Mr. Tillett that immediate investigation be implemented into this matter. Upon investigation, said company voluntarily ceased pumping operations on July 8, 1987. On July 10, 1987, DPNR requested that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide technical support to carry out its investigation of possible contamination of all wells in the Tutu and Turpentine Run areas of St. Thomas. Samples were taken by EPA/TAT (Technical Assistance Team) on July 22 and August 10, 1987, of several wells in the affected areas and analyzed at an independent EPA-certified laboratory. Results of said analyses indicated that Tetrachloroethylene and Trichloroethylene, among other contaminants, was present in said samples in quantities above the drinking water limits established by DPNR. It has been established that the potential exists for wells in this area to be used as potable water supplies. Title 12, Section 188 of the Virgin Islands Water Pollution Control Act states that the Commissioner of DPNR *64444* 64444 Order - may take such action as he deems necessary to protect the public health or welfare when he finds that a pollution source or combination of sources.is presenting an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons or to the welfare of such persons where such endangerment is to the livelihood of such persons. Based on the analyses results referenced above, the Commissioner has determined that a water pollution emergency exists requiring the immediate action taken by this Order to protect the public health or welfare. Therefore, pursuant to my authority under Title 12, Section 188 of the Virgin Islands Water Pollution Control Act and based upon results of analyses conducted on August 10, 1987, indicating the presence of contaminants in your well; and because operation of said well may present an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons or to the welfare of such persons where such endangerment is to the livelihood of such persons, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that ____all____________ well(s) located at #5A Annas Retreat___St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. be closed and that all pumping cease until further notice. >ATE Alan tJX/Smrth Commissioner !"UT OO3 O/'Y-v