Ocean Point Terminals Fails to Halt Water Distribution Program

On Tuesday, District Court Judge Wilma Lewis rejected a motion by Limetree Bay Terminals, currently known as Ocean Point Terminals, to pause the implementation of a court-mandated water distribution program.

Earlier in January 2023, plaintiffs on St. Croix initiated a motion proposing the creation of a water distribution system, responding to concerns that the 2021 flare from the refinery might have compromised the local water supply. Recognizing the complexity of the issue, the District Court decided in February to approach the motion in two phases: determining the entitlement and then outlining the scope and structure.

After an exhaustive four-day evidentiary hearing in April, the court determined, through its phase one opinion, that there was indeed a justified need for such a water distribution program, particularly for individuals who couldn't procure clean water without sacrificing other basic essentials.

July 2023 saw another series of comprehensive hearings focused on the program's logistics. Following these discussions, the District Court introduced the water distribution program based on its phase two opinion.

However, this decision didn’t sit well with Ocean Point. On August 7, the company lodged a notice of appeal against the preliminary injunction orders and subsequently presented a motion to stay the next day, aiming to suspend the preliminary injunction during the appeal process.