The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (D.P.N.R.) announced Friday that due to heavy rains this week, the Division of Environmental Protection anticipates that negative environmental impacts will be caused by storm water runoff. Above, Ha’Penny Beach this afternoon.
The government agency is advising the public to use caution when using the coastal waters throughout the territory until further notification. D.P.N.R. is also advising parents to instruct their children to keep away from storm water-impacted beaches as well as areas with manholes and storm water flooding. There may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in storm water-impacted areas as a result of increased concentrations of bacteria, according to the release.
All persons should also be aware that storm water runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health and therefore all persons should avoid areas of storm water runoff (i.e. guts, puddles, and drainage basins). D.P.N.R. says will continue to monitor the impacted areas and waters.
For additional information regarding water quality call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 in St. Croix or 774-3320 in St. Thomas.
Tags: beach advisory, dpnr
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