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Grotto Cave red-flagged
The Division of Environmental Quality has given the Grotto Cave a red flag and advised the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the location for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
The division said samples taken from the location was found to contain excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (entrococci) that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. However, studies have shown that storm water runoff in tropical environments may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
DEQ analyzes water samples collected from 12 Saipan east and south recreational beaches this week.
Marine Water Quality Reports are also provided at www.deq.gov.mp/sec.asp?secD=52. Interested individuals and organizations can also receive email notifications for the weekly marine water quality reports. To do so, please send an email to waterqualityreport@deq.gov.mp
DEQ welcomes all inquiries as to the quality of the beach water. The public is encouraged to contact DEQ at 664-8500 with any questions concerning this matter.
