As a result of the recent rains throughout the territory, the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) anticipates negative environmental impacts caused by storm-water runoff, according to a press release issued Wednesday by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. DPNR advises the public to refrain from using the waters throughout the territory until these effects subside. It is also advises 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. All persons should also be aware that storm-water runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health; 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 on St. Croix or 774-3320 on St. Thomas.