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Seven beach sites red-flagged
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Posted on Mar 28 2005
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on seven beach sites on Saipan after samples collected from the area showed excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
The public is being advised to refrain from swimming or fishing within 300 feet of Wing Beach, Pau Pau Beach, and the beaches along Nikko Hotel, South Puerto Rico Dump, Dai-ichi Beach Hotel drainage, Hafa Adai Hotel drainage, and the Garapan fishing dock.
In an advisory issued yesterday, DEQ said that water samples taken from these sites contained concentrations of enterococci bacteria that exceeded the acceptable limits set by the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
The DEQ advised the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the contaminated beach site until Sunday, or until the agency notifies the public.
DEQ said the bacteria found in the samples indicates the presence of human and animal waste in the water. It added, though, that storm water runoff in tropical environments might also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which might not be directly associated with public health concerns.
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 38 locations on Saipan coast. The division welcomes all inquiries regarding the quality of the beach water in their areas. Contact DEQ at 664-8500 for further information.
