DEQ raises red flags in 2 Saipan beaches

Posted on Jan 14 2000

The Division of Environmental Quality has raised red flags in two Saipan beaches after tests of water samples from these areas confirmed excessive concentration of bacteria.

An advisory from the DEQ noted that samples collected from the Smiling Cove Marina and the Garapan Fishing Dock contained two fecal indicator bacteria — fecal coliform and enterococci — which exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.

DEQ said the bacteria indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water, as it advised the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet from these areas for the next 48 hours.

This, even as 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, the government’s environmental protection arm, analyzes water samples from Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainage every Wednesday.

Dance vs. drug abuse

Businesmen oppose new water testings

Disclaimer: Comments are moderated. They will not appear immediately or even on the same day. Comments should be related to the topic. Off-topic comments would be deleted. Profanities are not allowed. Comments that are potentially libelous, inflammatory, or slanderous would be deleted.