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DEQ raises red flags in four Saipan areas
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Posted on May 27 2005
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag in four areas along the coast of Saipan and urges the public to stay away from the areas.
In a marine water quality report received Friday, DEQ disclosed that samples collected from the beach by the Central Repair Shop, as well as the Department of Public Works channel bridge, the southern section of the Puerto Rico dump, and the drainage by the Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach 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.
Studies, however, have shown that storm runoff water in tropical environments may also contain the bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
Nonetheless, DEQ still advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the mentioned locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 38 locations on Saipan.
For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. (Shan Seman)
