Sept. 17, 2005 – Commissioner Dean C. Plaskett, Esq., of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces that the Division of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program, which evaluates weekly water quality at 43 popular swimming beaches throughout the Territory, advises the public of the following:
DPNR-DEP performed water quality analysis at the 43 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of September 12- September 16, 2005. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Stony Ground
Princess (Condo Row)
Dorsch
Protestant Cay
Teague Bay
Chenay Bay
NewFort(Ft. Louise Augusta)
Spratt Hall
Buccaneer
Davis Bay
CaneBay
Cramer Park
Grapetree Bay
Pelican Cove (Comorant)
Gentle Winds
Rainbow
Columbus Landing
Shoy's
Frederiksted Public Beach (First Target)
Halfpenny
St. Thomas
Water Bay
Limetree
Lindquist
Sapphire
Magens Bay
Vessup Bay
Bluebeards
Coki Point
Bolongo Bay
Frenchman's Bay
Lindberg Bay
Brewers Bay
Hull Bay
Morningstar
St. John
Oppenhiemer
Francis Bay
Klain Bay
Hart Bay
Chocolate Hole
Frank Bay
Cruz Bay
Great Cruz Bay
However, the following beach does not meet the water quality standards for swimming or fishing:
ST. Thomas
Secret Harbor
Commissioner Plaskett is advising the public to refrain from using the waters at the beach mentioned above. This includes activities such as fishing and bathing. The Commissioner is also advising parents to please instruct their children to keep away from the above-mentioned area.
There may be an increased health risk to anyone swimming in these areas as a result of an increased concentration of bacteria. All persons should also 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).
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.
