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DEQ red-flags three beaches
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Posted on Jul 27 2004
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on three beach sites on Saipan—Jeffry’s Beach, Hidden Beach, and North Laulau Beach—after samples collected showed excessive concentrations of fecal indicator.
DEQ said the samples showed concentrations of 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.
“Therefore, in order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ has given these locations a red flag 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 said in a statement.
DEQ analyzed water samples taken from 12 Saipan east and south recreational beaches 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 about this matter.
