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Rota beach red-flagged
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Posted on Jul 27 2005
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on Rota’s Guata Beach after samples collected from the site showed excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
DEQ said that samples collected from the location were found to contain concentrations of enterococci bacteria that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards. The bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
“In order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ has given [Guata Beach] a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of this location for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified,” the agency said in a statement.
Studies have shown, though, that storm water runoff in tropical environment may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
DEQ analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainages water from 12 locations on Rota Island.
DEQ welcomes all inquiries as to the quality of the beach water. The public is encouraged to contact DEQ at 6648500 with any questions about this matter.
