Odor From Refinery Shuts Down St. Croix Schools Again

ST. CROIX, USVI – Three St. Croix District schools were dismissed early today, May 6, due to a gaseous odor affecting the air quality on the campuses. Limetree Bay confirmed that the odors are emanating from the refinery.

A representative from Limetree Bay Refinery said, “Limetree Bay has become aware of an odor affecting areas west of the facility. We are conducting maintenance activity at the Coker unit, which has resulted in light hydrocarbon odors. We will continue to monitor the situation, but there is the potential for additional odors while maintenance continues. We apologize for any impact this may have caused the community.”

Schools impacted include:

• Eulalie R. Rivera K-8
• Arthur A. Richards K-8
• St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center.

Students attending classes in-person have been asked to continue via virtual learning for the remainder of the day. The Department of Education will determine later today when students can return to campuses.

The source of the gaseous odor is under investigation by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

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