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11 Saipan beaches red-flagged
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Posted on Apr 29 2005
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on 11 beach sites on Saipan after samples taken from these areas showed excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
The beach sites are those near the Tanapag Meeting Hall, Sea Plane Ramp, DPW Channel Bridge, South Puerto Rico dump, Outer Cove Marina, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Da-Ichi Hotel drainage, Hafa Adai Hotel drainage, Chalan Kanoa District 2 drainage, Chalan Piao, and the San Antonio lift station.
DEQ said that samples collected from thee locations contained 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 the[se] 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 analyzes water samples collected from 38 locations along Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainages every Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the agency has cleared the beaches on Rota, giving all sampled sites a green flag. DEQ analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 12 locations on Rota 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. (PR)
