5 sites on Saipan red-flagged
The Bureau Environmental and Coastal Quality has given five sites on Saipan red flags and advised the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until notified.
Samples taken from Bird Island Beach, Jeffery’s Beach, Chalan Piao Beach, DPW Channel Beach, and Hyatt Regency Saipan Beach were found to contain excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (entrococci) that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards. These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
BECQ analyzes water samples collected from Saipan’s 38 recreational beaches and storm drainages every Tuesday.
BECQ welcomes all inquiries as to the quality of the beach water. Contact DEQ at 664-8500 for more information. (PR)
