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8 beach sites red-flagged
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Posted on Jan 05 2006
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on six locations on Saipan and advised 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 water samples collected from Nikko Hotel Beach, Tanapag Meeting Hall Beach, South Puerto Rico Dump, American Memorial Park Drainage, Drainage #2, and Garapan Fishing Dock contained excessive concentrations of 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.
The agency also raised the red flag on two locations on Rota, saying that water samples collected from Dist #2 Storm Drainage and Veterans Memorial contained excessive concentrations of two fecal indicator bacteria—fecal coliform and enterococci.
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.
DEQ analyzes water samples collected from Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainages every Wednesday. The agency analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 38 locations on the Saipan’s Coast. DEQ analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 12 locations on Rota.
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. (PR)
