DEQ raises red flag on 6 locations

Water samples collected by the Division of Environmental Quality from six recreational beaches and storm drainage on Saipan contained excessive concentrations of two fecal indicator bacteria (fecal coliform and enterococci), that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.

These bacteria 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.

Nikko Hotel Beach

Plumeria Hotel Beach

Tanapag Meeting Hall

Chalan LauLau Beach

Chalan Piao Beach

Pacific Islands Club Beach

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.

Aqua Resort Hotel Beach

Garapan Beach

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 give these locations a YELLOW FLAG and recommends that individuals use caution and avoid full body submersion within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.