The Department of Planning and Natural Resources said on Friday that it only performed water quality tests on 13 beaches — all of which are in the St. Croix District.
D.P.N.R. hardly ever gives a reason why it fails to perform tests, so if you intended on visiting the beach today, or had fishing plans, you’ll be doing so at your own risk.
The safe beaches on St. Croix are: Cramer’s Park, Shoy’s, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Chenay Bay, Princess, Condo Row, Dorsch, Frederiksted Public Beach, Halfpenny, Cane Bay, Pelican Cove (Cormorant), Protestant Cay, Rainbow and Buccaneer. Stoney Ground was not tested.
D.P.N.R. said all persons should be aware that storm water runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health and therefore all persons should avoid areas of storm water runoff (i.e. guts, puddles, and drainage basins) or if any area appears discolored or has foul odors. DPNR will continue to monitor the impacted areas and waters.
For additional information regarding water quality call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 in St. Croix or 774-3320 in St. Thomas.