Oct. 6, 2007 — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) issued two public statements advising the public to avoid areas that may be harmful to human health.
The first statement advised the public to avoid the area of Plots No. 304 and 278 in Estate Williams Delight, Frederiksted. A sewage gravity line recently failed in that area, discharging sewage into an open construction trench.
The second statement advised the public to refrain from swimming, fishing and bathing in coastal waters that have been impacted by storm-water runoff. This warning is issued in light of the heavy rains recently experienced in the territory. Parents should keep children away from storm water-impacted beaches and areas with manholes and storm-water flooding. There may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in such areas as a result of increased concentrations 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 update the public. For additional information regarding water quality call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 on St. Croix or 774-3320 on St. Thomas.
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