ST. CROIX — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announced Friday that two of the territory’s beaches –both in St. Croix — are not safe for swimming and fishing this weekend, following the agency’s weekly testing of waters in the islands.
Chenay Bay and Grapetree Bay did not meet D.P.N.R.’s water quality standards because they exceeded the established enterococci bacteria threshold and therefore are not considered to be safe for swimming or fishing.
Most beaches were deemed safe, however, including the following waters in 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.
In St. Croix, the safe beaches are: Stoney Ground, Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Dorsch, Frederiksted Public Beach, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Shoy’s, Rainbow, Cane Bay, A – Mill Harbour, Halfpenny and Princess (Condo Row).
And in St. John, the safe beaches are: Oppenhiemer, Johnson Bay, Frank 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: chenay bay, grapetree bay, st croix
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