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Two beach sites red-flagged
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Posted on Aug 27 2005
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on two beach sites on Saipan after samples collected from the areas showed excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria. The affected beach sites are Jeffries Beach and Old Man by the Sea beach.
In an advisory issued Friday, 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 sites until Sunday, or until the agency notifies the public.
DEQ said the bacteria found in the samples indicate 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.
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 38 locations on Saipan’s coast. The division welcomes all inquiries regarding the quality of the beach water in their areas. Contact DEQ at 664-8500 for further information. (Marconi Calindas)
