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Red flag raised on three beach sites
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Posted on Oct 15 2004
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on three beach sites on Saipan as part of its weekly water monitoring activity.
The red flag is being raised at the San Roque School Beach, Tanapag Meeting Hall Beach, and Drainage #1.
DEQ said that samples collected from these locations contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (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.
“Therefore, in order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ has given [these] locations 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,” the agency said in a statement.
Relatedly, the agency raised the green flag on Managaha Island and Tinian beach sites this week. None of the samples collected from both places contained excessive concentration of fecal indicator bacteria nor did they exceed the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
“Therefore, DEQ assigns all of the sampled beach sites a green flag. Enjoy our waters,” it said.
DEQ analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 37 locations on Saipan’s coast and 11 samples from the shore surrounding Managaha this week. It also analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 10 locations on Tinian Island.
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.
