ST. CROIX — Almost all the territory’s beaches have been okayed for swimming and fishing this Easter weekend by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, news that will come as a relief to the countless residents camping at various beaches. Above, campers enjoy the 2015 Easter season at Salt River Bay.
Only Dorsh beach in St. Croix and Frank Bay in St. John are not safe for swimming and fishing because they exceeded the established enterococci bacteria threshold considered to be safe.
On St. Thomas, the safe beaches are: 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.
On St. Croix, Stoney Ground, Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Frederiksted Public Beach, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Shoy’s, Rainbow, Cane Bay, Chenay Bay, Princess (Condo Row), A – Mill Harbour, Halfpenny, Princess (Condo Row) and B – Breezez Grapetree Bay were cleared as safe.
And on St. John, the safe beaches are: Oppenhiemer, Johnson Bay, Cruz Bay and Great Cruz Bay.
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, says DPNR.
The department, led by Commissioner Dawn L. Henry, says it will 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.
Tags: beach advisory, dpnr
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
