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Three Saipan beaches red-flagged
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Posted on Mar 13 2009
The Division of Environment Quality has raised the red flag on beach sites fronting the Tanapag Meeting Hall, Central Repair Shop, and DPW Channel Bridge and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
The agency raised the red flag after samples collected on these sites were found to contain excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci) that exceed 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.
Tinian, on the other hand, got a green flag this week, with its waters declared safe for fishing and swimming.
DEQ analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water taken from 38 locations on Saipan’s coast this week as part of routine sampling.
Marine Water Quality Reports are also provided at www.deq.gov.mp and www.cnmicoralreef.net 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]
