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DEQ raises red flags for Tinian beaches
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Posted on Feb 05 2005
After analyzing samples collected from recreational beaches and storm drainage areas on Tinian, the Division of Environmental Quality issued red flags on four sites and advises the public to refrain from entering their waters.
DEQ advises the public not to swim or fish within 300 feet pf Unai Dangkolo, Unai Chulu, Leprosarium Beach I and II for the next 48 hours after samples from the areas contained 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,” DEQ said. “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.”
Meanwhile, DEQ raised green flags for beaches on Saipan and Managaha after none of the samples collected were in excess of the mentioned bacteria.
Samples from 10 locations on Tinian were analyzed, 11 on Managaha, and 38 on Saipan.
For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. (Shan Seman)
