Quick Note: DPNR To Take Action Against Cruzan Rum, Diageo For Rum Fungus

ST. CROIX — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources has made known through its Acting Commissioner Dawn Henry, that it will be pursuing action against the island’s two rum distilleries, Cruzan VIRIL, Ltd. and Diageo USVI, Inc., for the rum fungus affecting residents on the south-west side of the island.

Henry, along with DPNR officials met with members of the community at UVI on Thursday, where the acting commish made known that the department would file a notice of violation against the aforementioned firms.

The “rum fungus” or “fungus Baudoinia compniacensis” is a black mold that feeds on ethanol vapor released by liquor as it ages. The mold is most prominently seen on directional and speed limit signs on St. Croix’s highways from mid-island to Frederiksted, and on the roofs of homes.

According to Henry, once DPNR files the notice of violation, the rum companies will then respond with a plan through which they intend to mitigate the problem, which would then be examined and approved by DPNR — and implemented by Diageo and Cruzan Rum.

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Ernice Gilbert
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