ST. CROIX — In its latest beach water quality monitoring advisory, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources advised St. John residents to stay away from the island’s five most popular beaches.
According to DPNR, Oppenhiemer, Johnson Bay, Frank Bay, Cruz Bay and Great Cruz Bay were not considered safe because they exceed the established enterococci bacteria threshold.
Residents on St. Croix and St. Thomas, however, have many choices to fish swim this weekend.
On St. Croix: Dorsch, Frederiksted Public Beach, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Rainbow, Cane Bay and Gentle Winds were deemed safe. DPNR said Princess (Condo Row) A – Mill Harbor, Halfpenny, Princess (CondoRow) B – Breezez, Grapetree Bay, Shoy’s, Chenay Bay, Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park and New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta) on St. Croix could not be sampled due to dangerous high wave activity.
On St. Thomas, Lindquist, Coki point, Vessup Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Bolongo Bay, Sapphire, Water Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Hull Bay, Lindbergh Bay and Magen’s Bay are good to go.
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 release added.
DPNR says it will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. The agency also recommended that residents use their own 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: Frank Bay, St. John.
Tags: us virgin islands beaches
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
