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Red flag raised on 12 Saipan beaches
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Posted on Aug 14 2008
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on 12 Saipan beach sites 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 affected sites are San Roque School, DPW Channel Ridge, S. Puerto Rico Dump, Dai-Ichi drainage, Hafa-Adai Hotel, Hafa-Adai drainage, Garapan Fishing Dock, Garapan Beach, Garapan Beach drainage, Comm. School Beach, Sugar Dock, and San Antonio Lift Station.
Samples collected from these locations contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci) 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.
DEQ analyzes water samples collected from Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainages every Wednesday. This week, the division analyzed samples taken from 38 locations on Saipan’s coast.
For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]
