Concerns raised about
polluting of Lagoon
Water in Simpson Bay Lagoon dark brown
PHILIPSBURG--Serious concerns was raised Thursday about the extensive polluting of Simpson Bay Lagoon.
One member of the public, who sent The Daily Herald several pictures of the latest pollution taking place in the lagoon, said what she saw Thursday had really scared her.
“I saw something today that really scared me. While stopping at the bakery to pick up lunch I noticed the strange colour of Simpson Bay Lagoon and stepped out on the dock to check it out. It was dark brown – not tea-coloured, but thick and cloudy. It’s also starting to smell. I’m afraid there could be a massive fish kill if something is not done about it,” she said.
The water in the lagoon is usually blue.
Referring to the photographs she shared with this newspaper, she continued, “Has the lagoon looked like this before? I don’t ever recall it looking that bad.”
It was “definitely a health hazard,” she said.
Prosecutor Paul Mooij, who takes a special interest in environmental matters, appealed last night to members of the public who might have information about this latest polluting of the lagoon to step forward and get in touch with the relevant authorities.
“Because of the lack of staff, it would help if the public would help us to find the source of this pollution. The lagoon is already, locally, very polluted, while it is also a tourist product,” Mooij said.
He said persons could always contact Nature Foundation, tel. 542-0267, the Department of Environmental Development and Property Management ROB, tel. 542-6735, or the Prosecutor's Office, tel. 543-0109, if they know something about the polluting of the lagoon.
“It is known that a lot of businesses and apartment complexes around the lagoon are also using the lagoon as their dump, septic and soak-away, but we will confront these people with their behaviour sooner or later,” Mooij said.
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