Beach Advisory: D.P.N.R. Expects Negative Environmental Impacts Caused By Stormwater Runoff; Urges Residents To Use Caution

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (D.P.N.R.) in a press release issued Friday said that due to heavy rains this week, the Division of Environmental Protection (D.E.P.) anticipates that negative environmental impacts would be caused by stormwater runoff.

DPNR advised the public to use caution when using the coastal waters throughout the territory until further notification, according to the release. The government agency also advised parents to instruct their children to keep away from stormwater impacted beaches as well as areas with manholes and stormwater flooding.

There may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in stormwater impacted areas as a result of increased concentrations of bacteria.

Additionally, all persons should 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 it will continue to monitor the impacted areas and waters.

For additional information regarding water quality, call the D.E.P. at 773-1082 in St. Croix or 774-3320 in St. Thomas.