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DEQ cites firm for bacteria violations
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Posted on Feb 27 2006
The Division of Environmental Quality issued a notice of violation to Mirage Garment for violating the Maximum Contaminant Level for Total Coliform Bacteria. Mirage Garment exceeded the maximum contaminant level for total coliform, with three out of five samples positive in February 2006.
All Public Water Systems are required to analyze for bacteriological contamination monthly. The CNMI Safe Drinking Water Regulations state that no more than one positive total coliform bacteria sample shall be detected for the systems that are collecting less than 40 samples per month.
Total coliform bacteria are generally not harmful themselves. Coliforms are bacteria, which are naturally present in the environment and are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Since coliforms were found in more samples than allowed, this is an indication of potential problems.
Public water systems in companies such as Mirage Garment are required to collect five routine samples in the following month as well as issue public notice within 30 days of the DEQ notice of violation.
Should the company fail to meet the requirements stated in their respective notice of violations, they shall be placed on the significant noncompliance list or an administrative order shall be issued.
The division said it will proceed with enforcement and regulatory actions in order to best serve the public in protecting public health and the environment.
For more information about water quality standards, contact the Safe Drinking Water program at 664-8500. (PR)
