Smith Bay


The Smith Bay Watershed on the northeast side of St. Thomas, USVI has a history of drainage issues caused by decades of development without proper drainage infrastructure. We teamed with the Virgin Island Conservation Society, BlueFlag USVI, the VI Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and the Smith Bay Community Action Foundation to identify restoration options for reducing flooding, improving water quality, and conserving remaining nature-based infrastructure. 

Much of the attention on restoration of watershed function revolves around improving safety, minimizing property damage, and building resiliency to coastal flooding. Post-hurricane recovery efforts create an excellent opportunity to address some of these issues. Our hearts go out to our project partners, the Smith Bay community, and all Virgin Islanders, and we wish you the best in your endeavor to rebuild.

 

 

CLIENT:  VI Department of Planning and Natural Resources

PROBLEM: Flooding, water quality, environmental justice

SOLUTION: Drainage improvements, wastewater management, wetland restoration

BENEFITS: Building coastal community resilience

 

 

Anne Kitchell, LEED AP

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL, Sr. WATERSHED planner

akitchell@horsleywitten.com


“Every problem has a solution. You may not see it in front of you, but, sooner or later, a solution will appear before your eyes.

Ubaldina M. Gibbs