The Department of Planning and Natural Resources said on Friday that all 29 beaches tested this week were deemed safe for swimming and fishing.
They include the following:
St. Croix: Cramer Park, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Rainbow, Chenay Bay, Cane Bay, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Dorsch, Protestant Cay, Frederiksted Public Beach, Grapetree Bay, Princess, Condo Row and Halfpenny.
St. Thomas: Lindquist, Magen’s Bay, Vessup Bay, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Water Bay, Sapphire, Hull Bay, Lindbergh Bay, Bolongo Bay, Coki Point and Brewer’s Bay.
St. John: Oppenheimer, Great Cruz Bay, Johnson Bay, Frank Bay and Cruz Bay.
The department said Stoney Ground, Shoy’s Beach and Buccaneer Beach on St. Croix and Frenchman’s Bay on St. Thomas could not be sampled this week, therefore, the water quality of these beaches is unknown.
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
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