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Red flag up on six beach sites
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Posted on Jun 27 2008
The Division of Environment Quality has raised the red flag on the South Laulau Beach on Saipan and the Coral Garden Beach on Rota and is advising the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
In addition, DEQ also warned the public against swimming and fishing at the Wing Beach, DPW Channel Bridge, Hafa Adai Drainage, and Sugar Dock on Saipan.
The division said that samples collected from these locations 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 division analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 12 locations on Rota Island this week. On Saipan, samples were taken from 12 east and south recreational beaches and 38 other coastal locations.
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. [B][I](DEQ)[/I][/B]
