The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), through its Division of Environmental Protection (DEP), in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), responded to community reports of a suspected pollutant discharge coming from the vicinity of the Prosperity Farm and Distillery and flowing into the ocean across from Mahogany Road.
Following an investigation, DEP and Coastal Zone Management staff collected water samples from the affected runoff. Laboratory results confirmed that the beach area directly across from Prosperity Farm and Distillery does not meet established water quality standards and is currently unsafe for swimming or fishing.
As a precaution, DPNR advises the public to avoid recreational activities at this location until further notice. Exposure to waters contaminated by sewage, stormwater runoff, or excessive sargassum can pose serious health risks due to elevated levels of bacteria and other pollutants. Members of the public are urged to avoid areas that:
- Appear discolored
- Emit foul odors
- Contain large amounts of sargassum
- Are near drainage basins, guts, or puddles
DPNR will continue to monitor water quality and provide updates as necessary.
For more information, please contact the Division of Environmental Protection at:
(340) 773-1082 – St. Croix or (340) 774-3320 – St. Thomas.
