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DEQ probes Tanapag creek’s contamination
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Posted on Nov 08 2005
The Division of Environmental Quality is investigating the source of sewage contamination at the Tanapag creek where several fish were recently found dead.
Citing water-sampling tests by the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., DEQ marine biologist Peter Houk said the results turned out to be positive for bacteria.
Houk also said that the creek water changed in color some weeks ago, based on his interview with nearby residents.
The Saipan Tribune visited the site two Saturdays ago and noticed that the water, which leads to the beach, was brownish and murky. This reporter also saw some dead fish. The Ruak family, which lives by the creek, said the water used to be clear.
Houk said he visited the site last Thursday and added that the water was green, an indication of the presence of dead plankton. He said there were no dead fish at the site at that time.
Houk said the DEQ would meet with the CUC to find out how the utility firm’s sewerline works. But he said the DEQ is also looking at other possible sources of contamination, such as houses that drain sewage into the creek and upland contaminants.
“We have to know all the possibilities before pointing fingers at anybody,” Houk said.
