We were greatly disturbed by the actions taken by the executive director of the 28th legislature when he violated the federal Clean Water Act of 1972, the federal Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and the V.I. Coastal Zone Management Act of 1978 by undertaking a beach nourishment project in front of the V.I. Legislature Building without federal or territorial permits.

We applaud the quick action and transparency of Sen. Adlah Donastorg Jr. and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel for the Legislature Yvonne Tharpes.

However, their actions do not excuse V.I. senators or Senate staff who were involved in this illegal act.

A clear message must be sent by both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources that no entity or person (including the V.I. government or government employees) can operate outside the law without facing the legal consequences.

We call upon DPNR and the Corps of Engineers to prosecute to the full extent of federal and territorial law all individuals who planned, approved and supervised the project, as well as the contractors who completed the illegal beach nourishment project.

- Jason Budsan is president of the V.I. Conservation Society and acting president of the Environmental Association St. Thomas - St. John.