Red flags for Saipan beaches

Posted on Jan 28 2005

The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on three beaches on Saipan while issuing green flags for beaches on Tinian and Rota.

According to its weekly report, DEQ indicated that excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria—fecal coliform and enterococci—that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards were found in samples taken from Marine Beach, Ladder Beach, and Unai Beach.

“These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water,” DEQ said.

The agency advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the mentioned locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.

Samples on the west side of the island, however, were within the standard and thus, green flags were raised for those beaches.

DEQ analyzed water samples from 38 recreational beaches and drainage areas on Saipan, 10 locations on Tinian, and 12 locations on Rota.

Fore more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500.

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