Nov. 24, 2006 – The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces that the Division of Environmental Protections (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 Nov. 20 24, 2006. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Stony Ground
Dorsch
Protestant Cay
Teague Bay
Chenay Bay
Sprat Hall
Buccaneer
Davis Bay
Cane Bay
Cramer's Park
Grapetree Bay
Gentle Winds
Rainbow
Columbus Landing
Shoys
New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
Frederiksted Public Beach (First Target)
Pelican Cove (Cormorant)
St. Thomas
Water Bay
Lindquist
Sapphire
Magens Bay
Vessup Bay
Bluebeards
Coki Point
Bolongo Bay
Frenchmans Bay
Lindberg Bay
Hull Bay
Morningstar
Brewers Bay
Limetree
Secret Harbor
St. John
Oppenhiemer
Klain Bay
Hart Bay
Chocolate Hole
Frank Bay
Cruz Bay
Great Cruz Bay
Johnsons Bay
However, the following beaches do not meet the water quality standards for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Princess (Condo Row)
Halfpenny
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.
