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Red flag hoisted on 7 Saipan beaches
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Posted on Jul 23 2004
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on seven beach sites on Saipan and is advising the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations until further notice.
These sites are the Grotto Cave, Bird Island Beach, Jeffry’s Beach, Hidden Beach, Dai-Ichi Hotel beach, the Garapan fishing dock, and the Sugar Dock.
DEQ said that samples collected from these sites were found to contain excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria—enterococci—that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
These 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.
“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 agency said.
The DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 38 locations on Saipan’s coast.
On the other hand, Rota’s beaches were given a green flag, as reported by laboratory manager Clarissa T. Bearden.
DEQ analyzes water samples collected from 12 beaches and storm water drainages on Rota. None of the beaches contained 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 about this matter. (Cassie DLG Fejeran)
