The Department of Planning and Natural Resources, through its weekly beach advisory issued on Friday, made known that two beaches on St. Croix were designated as unsafe for swimming and fishing this weekend, as they failed to meet water quality standards considered safe.
Chenay Bay and Shoy’s were listed as unsafe following tests conducted by the government agency.
Meanwhile, D.P.N.R. said St. Thomas beaches were not sampled, but failed to give a reason why. Water quaility of beaches in St. Thomas were therefore designated as unknown, D.P.N.R. said.
Safe beaches on St. Croix are: Stoney Ground, Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Dorsch, Frederiksted Public Beach, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Rainbow, Cane Bay, Princess (Condo Row), A – Mill Harbour, Halfpenny, Princess (Condo Row) and B – Breezez Grapetree Bay.
The safe beaches on St. John 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.
Feature Image: Shoy’s.
Tags: beach advisory, us virgin islands
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