A portion of the St. Thomas waterfront (Veterans Drive).
The V.I. Waste Management Authority on Monday confirmed the collapse of a major 42-inch underground gravity sewer line along Veterans Drive. The incident, which poses a risk of sanitary sewer overflow, may lead to sewer-related issues in the downtown St. Thomas area.
According to a statement released Monday, the affected infrastructure is part of an aging cast-iron pipe network that is already scheduled for full replacement. WMA says the planned upgrades will help improve system reliability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Motorists and pedestrians have been urged to exercise caution when traveling through the area. The authority warned that exposure to wastewater runoff poses serious health risks due to the potential presence of harmful contaminants. Residents are advised to avoid any locations where they observe discolored water, strong odors, or runoff near manholes, gutters, or drainage paths.
Crews from VIWMA are currently working to restore full operations “as quickly and safely as possible,” according to the release. The authority thanked the community for its patience and understanding as repairs continue.
