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DEQ raises red flag on two Tinian sites
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Posted on Apr 08 2009
The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on two beach sites on Tinian—Unai Masalok Beach and Leprosarium II—and advised the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
DEQ said samples from the two locations contained 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 public health concerns.
DEQ analyzes water samples collected from Tinian’s recreational beaches and storm drainage every Wednesday. This week, the agency analyzed samples from 10 locations on the island.
DEQ raised the green flag on the waters surrounding Managaha Island after none of the samples collected contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria nor did they exceed the CNMI marine Water Quality Standards. DEQ also assigned a green flag to Saipan beaches.
Marine water reports are also provided at www.deq.gov.mp and www.cnmicoralreef.net. Interested individuals and organizations can also receive e-mail notifications of the weekly marine water quality reports. To do so, send an e-mail to environment@deq.gov.mp.
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.[B][I] (PR)[/I][/B]
