Once again the Great Bay channel was opened to lower levels in Fresh Pond (see related story) after the recent heavy rainfall. Tuesday close to noon a notice was sent out advising against all water-based activities at the beach of Philipsburg for the next 24 hours.
The question can be asked how realistic this is, considering the scheduled presence of no fewer than five cruise ships from early today, Wednesday, bringing thousands of passengers to the down town shopping area and Boardwalk Boulevard. Unless told they shouldn’t when still on board, many undoubtedly intend to take a dip in the sea.
The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning. Environment and Infrastructure VROMI issues these warnings because of the potential presence of polluted and/or contaminated water in Fresh Pond. The latter is due not so much to the wastewater purification plant located there, but rather run-off from other sources that includes raw sewage.
However, it remains a very undesirable situation particularly near the capital and port of a tourist destination. Using pumps on Salt Pond combined with the floodgates at A.Th. Illidge Road is no answer either, because Rolandus Channel empties precisely near the busiest part of Great Bay.
The current spread of “brown” water once in the sea does not seem all that vast to the naked eye, although that’s a matter best left up to experts. They must determine whether perhaps limiting the swimming-ban to one side of the beach might be safe enough.
The problem will become even more acute if plans for a Planet Hollywood at the former Great Bay Resort site are finally realised. Opening the adjacent channel especially during the high season is not something any visitor accommodation would be happy with.
The apparent need exists for a sustainable solution.
