USVI residents and tourists warned that many beaches not safe
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| Published on Saturday, September 13, 2008 |
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By Susan Mann
Caribbean Net News US Virgin Islands Correspondent
Email: susan@caribbeannetnews.com
ST THOMAS, USVI: The US Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announced on Friday that, as a result of the recent rains throughout the Territory resulting from the significant hurricane and tropical storm activity in the Caribbean region, the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) anticipates negative environmental impact caused by the massive storm-water runoff.
The government agency issued a written warning on Friday afternoon advising the public to refrain from using the waters throughout the Territory until these effects subside, and until further notice.
The agency advised parents to instruct their children to keep away from storm-water-impacted beaches as well as areas with manholes and storm-water flooding.
“There may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in storm-water-impacted areas as a result of increased concentrations of bacteria,” said Media Relations Coordinator, James Nielsen.
Additionally, residents were advised 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, such as, guts, puddles, and drainage basins, etc.
DPNR stated that the agency will continue to monitor the impacted areas and waters.
Residents and island visitors may obtain additional information regarding the critical health alert and water quality concerns by contacting the US Virgin Islands, Division of Environmental Protection. | | | | Reads : 351 | | | |
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