Red flag up at Jeffries Beach

Posted on Jul 09 2008

The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on Jeffries Beach and is warning the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of this location for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.

The division said samples collected from Jeffries Beach were found to contain concentrations of enterocci, a fecal indicator bacteria, 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 red flag is, therefore, being issued as a precautionary measure.

DEQ analyzed samples taken from 12 Saipan east and south recreational beaches this week.

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 about this matter. [B][I](DEQ)[/I][/B]

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