Previous Story
MARINE QUALITY REPORT
|
Posted on Apr 07 2000
The Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) analyzes water samples collected from Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainage every Wednesday. Samples collected from the following locations contained excessive concentrations of two fecal indicator bacteria, fecal coliform and enterococci, that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water
Quality Standards. These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. Therefore, in order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ has given the following 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.
Beach at San Roque School
Beach at Central Repair Shop
DPW channel bridge
Smiling Cove Marina
Drainage #1
Garapan fishing dock
Beach at Chalan Piao
Also, samples collected from the following locations contained excessive concentrations of at least one of the bacteriological indicators, which exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
The 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. However, in keeping with DEQ’s policy to be more protective toward public health, DEQ has given this location a Yellow Flag and recommends that individuals use caution and avoid full body submersion within 300 feet of this location for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
North of Puerto Rico dump
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.
