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2 beach sites red-flagged
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Posted on Sep 29 2005
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag at two beach sites on Saipan—Drainage #2 (Hafa Adai Hotel Drainage) and Sugar Dock—after samples collected showed excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
In a statement issued yesterday, DEQ said that samples it collected from these locations contained concentrations of fecal coliform and enterococci that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards. These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
“Therefore, in order to adequately address public health concerns, DEQ has given the following 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 Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainages every Wednesday.
It obtains samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 38 locations on the Saipan’s Coast.
Meantime, DEQ also analyzed water samples collected from Managaha and Tinian’s recreational beaches and storm water drainages this week as part of the regularly scheduled sampling. None of the samples contained excessive concentration of fecal indicator bacteria nor did they exceed the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
“Therefore, DEQ assigns all of the sampled beach sites a green flag. Enjoy our waters.”
The agency analyzed samples collected from 10 locations on Tinian.
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.
