Sept. 23, 2004 – In the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Jeanne only five of 17 St. Croix beaches tested for water quality were deemed safe for swimming. All beaches tested Wednesday met water quality standards set by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Protection.
On St. Thomas and St. John, the division found four beaches not meeting water quality standards. They are Limetree, Hull Bay, Morningstar and Hart Bay beaches.
In a Sept. 23 press release, Dean C. Plaskett, commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, outlined the continuing efforts of the division to monitor water quality.
The following St. Croix beaches were tested and found safe for swimming: Frederiksted, Altona Lagoon, Condo Row (Mill Harbor), Cormorant, Columbus Landing, Gentle Winds, Cane Bay, Carambola, Protestant Cay, Chenay Bay, Dorsch, Ha'penny, Divi, Princess (Condo Row), Cramers Park, Duggan's Reef, Shoy's, Buccaneer, Little Bay and Rainbow beaches.
He said water quality analysis around the islands of St. Thomas and St. John on Sept. 22, showed the following beaches are safe for swimming: Lindbergh Bay, Water Bay, John Brewers Bay, Sapphire, Coki Point, Vessup, Magens Bay (west end only), Bluebeard's, Secret Harbor, Bolongo Bay, Frenchman's Bay, Cruz Bay, Oppenheimer, Francis Bay, Klain Bay, Chocolate Hole and Frank Bay Beach.
DPNR again cautioned in the press release that the public refrain from using the waters in the beaches that do not meet water quality standards. This includes activities such as fishing and bathing. DPNR is also advising parents to instruct their children to keep away from areas where there has been manholes overflowing or storm water flooding,
There may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in these areas as a result of an increased concentration of bacteria.
DPNR will continue to monitor the waters. For additional information regarding water quality call 773-1082 in St. Croix and 774-3320 in St, Thomas.
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