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Red flag up at Rota beach
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Posted on May 13 2009
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on the Teweksberry 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.
DEQ said samples collected from this location 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.
DEQ analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainages water from 12 locations on Rota. Marine Water Reports are also provided at www.deq.gov.mp/section.aspx?secID=4 and http://www.cnmicoralreef.net/wq/beachcloseweeklyresults.htm. Interested individuals and organizations may also receive e-mail notifications of the weekly marine water quality reports. To do so, send an e-mail to environment@deq.gov.mp.
For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. [B][I](DEQ)[/I][/B]
