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DEQ raises warning on 5 beach areas
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Posted on Jan 05 2001
Samples collected by the Division of Environmental Quality from the five locations contained excessive concentrations of two fecal indicator bacteria (fecal coliform and enterococci), that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
Since these bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water DEQ has given all five locations a RED FLAG.
DEQ advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified in order to adequately address public health concerns, .
The five locations are: Beach At Dai-Ichi Hotel; Garapan Fishing Dock; Beach At Civic Center; Beach At Sugar Dock; and the C.K. District #4 Lally Beach
Also, samples collected from the beach at Tanapag Meeting Hall contained excessive concentrations of at least one of the bacteriological indicators, which exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
Although the bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water, 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 raised the Yellow Flag at the beach at Tanapag Meeting Hall 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.
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 20 locations on the Saipan’s coast. 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.
