The Department of Planning and Natural Resources said in its weekly beach advisory that out of the 34 beaches it tested this week, only one proved to be unsafe for swimming and fishing: Frank Bay in St. John. The beach was deemed unsafe because it exceeded the established enterococci bacteria threshold considered safe.
All other tested waters were deemed safe, including the following:
St. Croix: Cramer Park, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Rainbow, Chenay Bay, Cane Bay, Stoney Ground, Frederiksted Public Beach (seen above), Dorsch, Princess, Condo Row, Shoy’s, Halfpenny, Spratt Hall, Grapetree Bay, Protestant Cay, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Buccaneer and Columbus Landing.
St. Thomas: Bolongo Bay, Lindquist, Magen’s Bay, Vessup Bay, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Brewer’s Bay, Sapphire, Lindbergh Bay, Hull Bay, Coki Point and Water Bay.
St. John: Cruz Bay, Oppenheimer, Great Cruz Bay and Johnson Bay.
D.P.N.R. said 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.
The agency says it will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. D.P.N.R. also recommends that beachgoers use their own 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 on St. Croix.
Tags: beach advisory, usvi
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