The Department of Planning and Natural Resources said Friday that 28 of the 30 beaches it tested this week are safe for swimming and fishing. The department said only Coki Point in St. Thomas and Johnson’s Bay in St. John failed the test. D.P.N.R. did not test Stoney Ground and Grapetree Bay on St. Croix and Frenchman’s Bay on St. Thomas, therefore the water quality the aforementioned is unknown.
The safe beaches on St. Croix are: Cramer Park, Shoy’s, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Buccaneer, Chenay Bay, Halfpenny, Dorsch, Frederiksted Public Beach, Cane Bay, Pelican Cove (Cormorant), Protestant Cay, Rainbow and Princess Condo Row.
On St. Thomas, the safe beaches are: Magen’s Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Lindbergh Bay, Hull Bay, Vessup Bay, Bolongo Bay, Sapphire, Water Bay, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Water Bay and Lindquist.
The safe beaches on St. John are: Frank Bay, Oppenheimer, Great Cruz 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 and irresponsible recreational use. Runoff can consist of sediment, pesticides, animal feces and oil & grease, all of which are harmful to the waters of the territory, the department said.
D.P.N.R. added that it will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. It recommended that residents 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 in St. Croix.
Tags: beach advisory, usvi
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