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2 Saipan beaches red-flagged
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Posted on Mar 04 2009
The Division of Environmental Quality has red-flagged the Obyan Beach and Unai Dangkulo Beach on Saipan and is urging the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until notified.
This came about after DEQ analysis of water samples collected from the two sites this week showed excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria. DEQ said the affected samples contained concentrations of 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 hat 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.
The division analyzed water taken from 12 east and south recreational beaches on Saipan as part of routine sampling. Marine Water Quality Reports are also provided at www.deq.gov.mp/section.aspx?secID=4 and http://www.cnmicoralreef.net/wq/beachcloseweeklyresults.htm. Interested individuals and organizations may also receive e-mail notifications of the weekly marine water quality reports. To do so, send an e-mail to environment@deq.gov.mp.
For more information, contact DEQ at 664-8500. [B][I](DEQ)[/I][/B]
