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Red flag raised on seven beach sites
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Posted on Jul 09 2005
The Division of Environment Quality has raised the red flag on three beach sites on Tinian after samples collected from these locations were found to contain excessive concentration of fecal indicator bacteria.
The beach sites are Unai Dangkolo, Unai Babui, and Unai Chulu.
The agency also red-flagged four locations on Saipan—Wing Beach, DPW Channel Bridge, American Memorial Park drainage, and Drainage#1 (Dai-Ichi Hotel Drainage.
DEQ said that samples collected from these sites had concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria—enterococci—that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standard.
These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. However, studies have shown that storm water runoff in tropical environment may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concern.
“Therefore, in order to adequately address public health concern, DEQ has given the[se] locations a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these location for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified,” DEQ said.
The DEQ analyzes sample of marine recreation and storm drainage water from 10 location on Tinian Island. DEQ welcome all inquiries as to the quality of the beach water. The public is encouraged to contact DEQ at 664-8500 with any questions.
