Mercy,, don't go to Dawn Beach right now...

Daily Herald story Ick...

And "they" were worried about the mud on Tintamarre . . .

If you saw the testing results for several of the beaches from time to time over the years you wouldn't be happy either. Friar's Bay, Great Bay, and several others usually showed up with E coli and other nasty stuff.

Great Bay often has an issue whenever they release stuff from the salt pond, but reading this story really gave me the creeps!

Puts a new perspective on "just another sh**y day in paradise". <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Carol
At the old Dawn Beach hotel some of the rooms were "across the creek" via a bridge. The smell was horrible from the "creek" although the ducks swimming in it didn't seem to mind. So this is nothing new.

SXM??? Wendell

Friends ate at Dinghy Dock late last week and the smell was there then, and again last night at Quay Oest.

Dang, we leave for Oyster Bay Beach Resort on Dawn Beach on Saturday to celebrate our 20 Year Anniversary. Glad we just got a rental car confirmed, looks like we may be heading to some other beaches on the island for our surf & sun!

We also will be at OBBR on Saturday and this story is very alarming!
Has anyone on this board been to Dawn Beach today? If so, can you please tell us the condition of the beach? Hopefully, something will be done in quick fashion.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
Is OBBR aware of the problem?

From what I read, it's not a new problem. Hopefully enough publicity will garner attention from those responsible for correcting it.

No pun intended, but this really stinks! Will be at OBBR IN 23 days, hope this gets resolved quickly.

"Downstream an increase in sewage indicator algae has occurred" Unfortunately just checked that beach off my to do list! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Any chance this get's corrected in the next 6 months or so....?

SXM Norm, I know you're well versed on items regarding OBBR. What's your take on all of this? Thanks! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

On island time, who knows.

OBBR is not affected. This is nothing new.

The fact that this is nothing new doesn't make it any less alarming. I'm with Carol. Ick! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sick.gif" alt="" />

"This is an on-going situation that directly effects the environment of the Dutch Side since currents carry the (confirmed) raw sewage directly into St. Maarten's territory."

"Downstream an increase in sewage indicator algae has occurred. This type of algae can significantly damage coral reefs. There has also been a rise of the algae within the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area. This may be the result of a large amount of sewage entering from this particular area in Oyster Pond, said the foundation."

I believe OBBR/Dawn Beach is Dutch territory. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

The source of the problem has apparently been found and corrected.

http://thedailyherald.com/index.php?opti...s&Itemid=54

Yes, I saw that. Good news.

What about the Westin?

Sorry, not sure I understand the question, but if you mean is the source of the pollution gone as far as the Westin, I would say yes.

Went over yesterday but never got near the beach because we couldn't find any decent parking. Ended up at Orient instead. Got harassed at both places by people wanting us to take a look at the Westin! Thanks, but no thanks!

Huh? Take a look at the Westin?

They are selling some type of vacation unit or timeshares at the Westin.

They are trying to sell timeshares there.