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Red flag up at 11 Saipan beaches
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Posted on Oct 16 2008
The Division of Environment Quality has raised the red flag on 11 beach sites on Saipan and is warning the public not fish or swim 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
The affected sites are Pau Pau Beach, Tanapag Meeting Hall, Central Repair Shop, DPW Channel Bridge, South Puerto Rico, American Memorial Park, Hafa Adai Hotel, Hafa Adai drainage, Garapan Fishing Dock, Garapan Beach drainage, and Chalan Kanoa Dist #2 drainage.
Samples collected from these locations were found to contain 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. 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 the public health concerns.
DEQ analyzes water samples collected from Saipan’s recreational beaches and storm drainages every Wednesday. This week, the division analyzed samples taken from 38 locations on Saipan’s coast.
DEQ welcomes all inquires as to quality of the beach water. The public is encouraged to contact DEQ at 664-8500 with any questions concerning this matter. [B][I](DEQ)[/I][/B]
