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Red flag up at nine beaches
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Posted on Aug 05 2008
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on eight Saipan beaches and on Manahaga Island and is advising the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these sites for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
The affected beaches include S. Puerto Rico, Dai-Ichi drainage, Hafa-Adai drainage, Garapan Fishing Dock, CK Dist #4 drainage, Chalan Piao Beach, Hopwood School Beach, and the San Antonio Lift Station.
DEQ said that samples collected from these sites were found to contain excessive concentrations of the 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 analyzes water samples collected from Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainages every Wednesday. This week, it obtained samples from 38 locations on Saipan’s coast. It analyzed a total of 11 samples from the shore surrounding Managaha 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.
