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Three sites on Saipan, one on Rota red-flagged
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Posted on Jan 13 2006
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised a red flag in three locations on Saipan and one on Rota and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
DEQ said samples collected from Jeffries Beach, Old Man by the Sea, and Hidden Beach on Saipan and Swimming Hole on Rota contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria—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 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.
The agency analyzes samples of 12 Saipan east and south recreational beaches and the same number of sites 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)
