The Department of Planning and Natural Resources said on Friday that out of the 28 beaches it tested this week, only three proved to be unsafe for swimming and fishing: Bolongo Bay and Lindbergh Bay on St. Thomas, and Frank Bay on St. John.
The safe beaches are:
St. Croix: Cramer Park, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Rainbow, Chenay Bay, Cane Bay, Frederiksted Public Beach, Dorsch, Halfpenny, Spratt Hall, Buccaneer and Columbus Landing.
St. Thomas: Lindquist, Magen’s Bay, Vessup Bay, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Brewer’s Bay, Sapphire, 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 adivsory, us virgin islands
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