Sept. 13, 2004 – Halfpenny Bay is not safe for swimming or other recreational uses right now. The bay has been placed on the list of recreational beaches that do not meet V.I. beach water-quality standards.
According to a release issued Monday by Dean C. Plaskett, commissioner of the Planning and Natural Resources Department, the agency regularly tests Virgin Islands beaches to determine compliance with the Division of Environmental Protection's beach water-quality monitoring program.
The testing evaluates the potential impact on recreational beaches' water quality from sewage leaks, spills, bypasses in the municipal sewage system or conventional home septic systems, Plaskett said. It also identifies areas that meet the criteria of the beach water-quality monitoring program.
Plaskett advised the public to be aware of health risks due to increased concentration of bacteria on the south shore beach.
"The public should refrain from using waters that do not meet DEP criteria until the problem is corrected and the health problem is alleviated," Plaskett said.
DEP has been testing the waters surrounding St. Croix since August 2004 and periodically issues water quality warnings for public beaches, according to Plaskett.
DPNR will continue to monitor the water at Halfpenny Bay and continue to inform the public if the water quality improves. For more information contact the division at 773-1082.
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