ST. CROIX — Good news for residents looking to enjoy a good swim or fishing trip this weekend: all the islands’ beaches, bar Princess (Condo Row), has been declared as safe for swimming and fishing this weekend by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), the government agency responsible for, among other things, monitoring the territory’s coastal waters.
In a press release issued today, DPNR said it performed water quality analysis at 38 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of December 14-18, and found that the following beaches met water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix: Stoney Ground, Protestant Cay, Chenay Bay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park, Rainbow, Shoy’s, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Halfpenny, Princess (Condo Row) B – Breezes, Columbus Landing, Dorsch Frederiksted Public Beach, Sprat Hall, Cane Bay, Pelican Cove (Comorant) and Gentle Winds.
St. Thomas: Hull Bay, Sapphire, Vessup Bay, Magen’s Bay, Secret Harbor, Bluebeards, Brewer’s Bay, Lindbergh Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Bolongo Bay, Coki Point, Water Bay, Linquist Limetree and Bay Morningstar.
St. John: Cruz Bay, Oppenhiemer, Great Cruz Bay, Frank Bay and Johnson Bay.
The release stated that high levels of enterococci bacteria and turbidity may be caused by runoff due to heavy rains, heavy marine vessel traffic, high wave activity near the shoreline, irresponsible recreational use, etc. Runoff can consist of sediment, pesticides, animal feces and oil & grease, all of which are harmful to the waters of the territory.
The department, led by Commissioner Dawn L. Henry, added that it would continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. DPNR also recommends that residents use their discretion when swimming or fishing at the designated beaches. If the waters appear muddy or murky or have foul odors, do not swim or fish.
For additional information regarding water quality, call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 in St. Croix.
Feature Image: Rainbow Beach, St. Croix.
Tags: beaches, department of planning and natural resources, dprn
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