Eight Saipan beaches red-flagged

Posted on Dec 24 2005

The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on eight Saipan beaches over the holiday weekend.

DEQ indicated that excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria—fecal coliform and enterococci—that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards were found in samples taken from beach waters in Tanapag Meeting Hall, Central Repair Shop, DPW Channel Bridge, South Puerto Rico Dump, Hafa Adai Hotel, Hafa Adai Hotel Drainage #2, Garapan Fishing Dock, and Garapan Beach.

“These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water,” DEQ said.

The agency advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.

Samples on the west side of the island, however, were within the standard and thus, green flags were raised for those beaches.

DEQ analyzed water samples from 38 recreational beaches and drainage areas on Saipan, 10 locations on Tinian, and 12 locations on Rota. Fore more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500.

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