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Red flag raised on three Saipan beaches
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Posted on Feb 12 2005
After analyzing samples collected from various beaches and storm drainages on Saipan, the Division of Environmental Quality found three areas with excessive fecal indicator bacteria.
According to DEQ, samples collected from beaches off Central Repair Shop, South Puerto Rico dumpsite, and the Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach contained excessive concentrations of enterococci that exceed the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
“These bacteria can indicate the presence of human waste in the water,” DEQ said in its report. “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.”
DEQ advises the public to refrain from fishing or swimming within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until further notice.
DEQ indicated that none of the samples collected from the shore surrounding Managaha Island, as well as from beaches and storm drainages on Tinian exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
DEQ collected samples from 10 locations on Tinian and 37 locations on Saipan. About 11 samples from Managaha were analyzed.
