Caption: Mr. Carlito Somersall of RS Watertech Solutions Gives an explanation to Mr. Mark Mingo and other Harbour Executives on the water quality testing methods to be used to monitor the health of the Simpson Bay Lagoon
In Simpson Bay Lagoon and Along Great Bay Beach
The St. Maarten Nature Foundation and the Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority (SLAC) will be partnering with RS Watertech Solutions to install remote water quality testing devices at various points in the Simpson Bay Lagoon and Great Bay. Recently the Nature Foundation tested high levels of pollutants in the Simpson Bay Lagoon as part of their ongoing water quality testing program and suggested that residents avoid contact with the water. The levels of pollution in the Cole Bay section of the Lagoon have subsided but there is a need for constant monitoring to both take measures to curb the pollution and to inform the public on what is happening in the waters of St. Maarten.
In order to better monitor the health of St. Maarten’s inland and coastal waters the Nature Foundation, supported SLAC and using equipment made available by RS Watertech Solutions, will be installing various remote monitoring stations were specialized equipment will be used to monitor the real-time water quality. The Nature Foundation will be able to check on a round-the-clock basis whether or not there is a problem with the quality of the water. "This is a huge step for the monitoring of the health of the water not only in the Simpson Bay Lagoon but also along our beaches. Instead of us having to go out in the field to test once or twice a month, we will be able to constantly keep track of the quality of the water along our beaches and inside of the Lagoon. When there is an oil spill for example we will now know of a problem much earlier than we know now and we will be better equipped to take actions to save wildlife or recommend that certain areas be avoided," read a Nature Foundation statement.
The Water Quality Monitoring Equipment is installed on the bottom of the seafloor and transmits directly to the computers and cellular telephones of registered users. The Nature Foundation and SLAC will be partnering on various initiatives in the Simpson Bay Lagoon, including wreck removal and water circulation programs, in the next coming months.