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Red flag up on two Rota beach sites
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Posted on Jun 15 2005
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on two beach sites on Rota after samples collected were found to contain excessive concentrations of two fecal indicator bacteria.
The agency said that samples taken from the District #2 storm drainage and Guata Beach sites contained concentrations of fecal coliform and enterococci bacteria that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
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.
“In order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ has given the[se] locations a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified,” DEQ said.
DEQ analyzes water samples collected from Rota’s recreational beaches and storm drainages every week. The agency analyzed samples taken from 12 locations on Rota.
Meanwhile, DEQ also analyzed water samples collected from Managaha’s recreational beaches and dock this week as part of the regularly scheduled sampling and none of the samples contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria. DEQ has assigned all the sampled beach sites a green flag.
The agency also assigned a green flag to Tinian beach sites after water samples collected this week showed no excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
DEQ analyzed samples taken from 10 locations on Tinian and 11 samples from the shore surrounding Managaha this week.
DEQ welcomes all inquiries as to the quality of the beach water. The public is encouraged to contact DEQ at 664-8500 with any questions concerning this matter.
