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DEQ raises red flag on 13 NMI beach sites
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Posted on Sep 09 2004
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on 11 beach sites on Saipan, plus one each on Tinian and Rota after samples collected from the sites were found to contain excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria. Managaha Island was given a green flag.
In its latest Marine Water Quality report for the week, the 11 Saipan beach sites that were designated red flag zones are Wing Beach, Pau-Pau Beach, Nikko Hotel Beach, DPW Channel Bridge, Micro Beach, Samoa Housing Beach, Hafa-Adai Hotel Beach, Drainage #2, Garapan Fishing Dock, Garapan Beach, and the San Antonio Lift Station Beach. On Tinian, the affected waters are those within the island’s harbor, while on Rota, the red flag zone covers the Guata Beach.
DEQ said that samples collected from these 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 also 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.
Meanwhile, the agency has given the Managaha Island a green flag after samples collected showed no excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria. “Therefore, DEQ assigns all of the sampled beach sites a green flag. Enjoy our waters.”
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 37 locations on Saipan’s Coast. On Tinian, it collected samples from 10 locations, while on Rota, it obtained samples from 12 sites. The agency analyzed a total of 11 samples from the shore surrounding Managaha.
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.
