Office of the Commissioner 
 
 
GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES 
--------0-------- 
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES 
            4611 Tutu Park Mall  
 
              45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted 
            Suite 300, 2nd Floor 
                                       St. Croix, VI 00840 
            St. Thomas, VI  00802                                                       (340) 773-1082 
            (340) 774-3320   
 
                                                    dpnr.vi.gov 
 
CONTACT: Jamal Nielsen, Media Relations Coordinator 
jamal.nielsen@dpnr.vi.gov 
 
Friday, August 16, 2024 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
  STORM-WATER ADVISORY 
 
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources performed water quality analysis at 
7 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of August 12 – August 
16, 2024. Due to the significant rainfall this week from Tropical Storm Ernesto and the 
potential for more over the weekend, the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) 
anticipates negative environmental impacts from storm-water runoff, high surf zones, 
and possible sewer system overflows. Therefore, the department advises the following: 
 
• 
Exercise caution when using coastal waters and beaches throughout the Territory 
until further notice. 
 
• 
Parents should instruct children to avoid storm water-impacted beaches, 
manholes, and areas with storm water flooding. 
 
• 
Swimming in storm water-impacted areas poses an elevated health risk due to 
increased bacteria concentrations. 
 
• 
Stormwater runoff may contain harmful contaminants or pollutants. Avoid areas 
of stormwater runoff (e.g., guts, puddles, drainage basins) or any area that appears 
discolored or has foul odors. 
 
The following beaches met water quality standards and were considered safe for 
swimming and fishing: 
 
St. Croix 
 
Dorsch Beach  
Halfpenny Beach 
New Fort (Ft. Louise 
Augusta) 
Frederiksted Public Beach 
Buccaneer Beach 
 
Chenay Bay 
Shoy’s