Dec. 2, 2003 – The most recent testing of water at four St. Thomas beach areas that had earlier been found to have quality problems after recent heavy rains and flooding now shows them to be in compliance with V.I. standards, the Planning and Natural Resources Department announced on Tuesday.
They are the waters at beaches in Crown Bay, Haulover Cut, Hull Bay and the St. Thomas harbor (Cay Bay).
DPNR began testing the territory's waters on Nov. 18 "to evaluate the impact of sewage leaks, spills and bypasses in the municipal sewage system or conventional home septic systems," the release stated.
The standards established for the waters along public beaches are to ensure that they are safe for swimming and fishing, it said.
The release also noted that standing water in puddles, guts and drainage basins may contain harmful contaminants as a result of stormwater runoff and should be avoided.
More information may be obtained by calling the DPNR Environmental Protection Division at 773-1082.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
