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Red flag raised on two Rota beaches
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Posted on Jul 30 2004
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on two Rota beach sites, the Guata Beach and the Swimming Hole.
DEQ said the samples collected from the following locations contained excessive concentrations of two fecal indicator bacteria (fecal coliform and enterococci) 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.
In order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ has given the two Rota beaches a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
DEQ analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 12 locations on Rota.
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.
