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DEQ starts water status alert posts
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Posted on Mar 30 1999
Beginning today, the Division of Environmental Quality will set up the first 10 signs on the beach areas between Dai-Ichi and Hyatt Regency hotels to alert the public on the quality of waters.
This was mandated under the CNMI Local Law known as the Recreation-Environmental Safety Zone Act which requires DEQ to post signs informing the public on the environmental quality of the waters.
Since last year, the Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands has been planning to post warnings on the quality of waters in their various establishments to prevent being sued by tourists who might get sick after swimming in the beaches.
HANMI has raised alarm on the serious water pollution which may destroy the image of the Northern Marianas abroad since it is being marketed as a beach destination for its crystal clear waters and clean environment.
The signs will be color-coded for ease of understanding. A red placard on any sign means the water is a probable health hazard and people should not swim or fish within 800 meters of the sign. A yellow placard means that swimmers and fishermen should use caution in the area, while a green placard means “enjoy the water.”
DEQ Director Ignacio Cabrera clarified that the new beach signs are meant not meant to alarm visitors or residents but promote healthy and safe environment.
“Saipan’s waters are pristine and only a few spots on the island are considered “hot spots” due to their close proximity to storm water drains. We’ve been regularly testing the recreational beaches for a number of years so that aspect has not changed at all,” said Cabrera.
He added that this is an effective way to inform the people of the quality of water as DEQ regularly conducts water quality testing.
The Marianas Visitors Authority has been working closely with DEQ to develop the supporting materials in a number of languages that will help explain the new signs to the tourists.
