The Department of Planning and Natural Resources said on Friday that of the 30 beaches it tested for water quality this week, only Coki Point proved to be unsafe for swimming and fishing. (D.P.N.R. said Stoney Ground and Grapetree Bay 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.)
All other tested waters were good to go. The include the following:
St. Croix: Cramer Park, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Rainbow, Cane Bay, Dorsch, Protestant Cay, Shoy’s, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Princess, Condo Row, Halfpenny, Buccaneer, Frederiksted Public Beach and Chenay Bay.
St. Thomas: Lindquist, Magen’s Bay, Vessup Bay, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Water Bay, Sapphire, Hull Bay, Lindbergh Bay, Bolongo Bay and Brewer’s Bay.
St. John: Oppenheimer, Great Cruz Bay, Johnson Bay, Frank Bay and Cruz 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
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