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7 beach sites red-flagged
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Posted on Jan 21 2005
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on five beach sites on Saipan after samples collected showed excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
The sites are the Plumeria Hotel Beach, the Grotto Cave, Jeffry’s Beach, Hidden Beach and Ladder Beach.
On Rota, the agency also red-flagged two sites—East Harbor and Dist #2 Storm Drainage—for the same reason.
In order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ 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 that samples collected from these locations contained concentrations of the 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.
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.
