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Red flag raised on 9 beach sites
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Posted on Jul 08 2004
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on seven beach sites on Saipan and two on Tinian, saying that samples collected from these sites were found to contain excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
On Saipan, the beach sites declared off limits are Wing Beach, South Puerto Rico Dump, Hyatt Hotel Beach, Dai-Ichi Hotel Beach, Drainage #1, Garapan Fishing Dock, and Sugar Dock. On Tinian, the off-limits apply to Unai Dangkolo and Tachogna Beach.
In a statement, DEQ said that concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria—fecal coliform and enterococci—found on samples collected from these sites exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards. These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
“In order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ has given [these] 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,” the DEQ statement said.
The agency was quick to add, though, that 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.
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 38 locations on Saipan’s Coast and from 10 locations on Tinian Island.
Meantime, the agency also analyzed water samples collected from Managaha’s recreational beaches and dock and none of the samples collected contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
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.
