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DEQ raises red flag on Rota beach site
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Posted on Jun 18 2004
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on a beach site on Rota after samples collected from the location was found to contain excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
The agency said that samples it collected from District #2 Storm Drainage, Guata Beach showed high concentrations of enterococci bacteria 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 the location a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the [site] for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified,” said the agency in a statement.
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 12 locations on Rota Island every week.
The agency has also analyzed water samples collected from Tinian’s recreational beaches and storm water drainages and none of the samples collected contained excessive concentration of fecal indicator bacteria nor did they exceed the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
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.
