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South Laulau Beach red-flagged
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Posted on Jan 25 2009
The Division Of Environment Quality has raised a red flag in South Laulau Beach after samples collected from the site were found to contain excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci) that exceed the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
The agency advises the public not to fish or swim within 30 feet of this site for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
DEQ said enterococci 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.
Marine Water Quality Reports are provided at www.deq.gov.mp and http://www.cnmicoralreef.net/wq/beachcloseweeklyresults.htm. Interested individuals and organizations can also receive email notifications of the weekly marine water quality reports. To do so, send an email to environment@deq.gov.mp.
For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]
