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Red flag raised on 5 Saipan beaches
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Posted on Dec 14 2006
After analyzing samples collected from Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainages on Saipan, the Division of Environmental Quality found five areas with excessive fecal indicator bacteria.
According to DEQ, samples collected from beaches off South Puerto Rico dump, American Memorial Park drainage, Drainage #2 (Hafa-Adai Hotel drainage) Garapan Fishing Dock and Garapan Beach drainage contained excessive concentrations of enterococci that exceed the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
“These bacteria can indicate the presence of human waste in the water,” DEQ said in its report. “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 advises the public to refrain from fishing or swimming within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until further notice.
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. [I][B](PR)[/B][/I]
