SAIPAN – The CNMI Division of Environmental Quality has issued a red-flag advisory for four locations along Saipan’s west coast for the week of May 19, advising the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the affected sites for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
The red-flagged locations are Tanapag Meeting Hall (WB 07), Central Repair Shop (WB 08), DPW Channel Bridge (WB 10) and AMP Drainage (WB 12.1).
Samples collected from those sites contained excessive concentrations of enterococci, a fecal indicator bacteria that can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water, DEQ said. The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality tested samples from 38 marine recreational and storm drainage locations on Saipan’s west coast as part of the weekly monitoring program.
Studies have shown that stormwater runoff in tropical environments may also contain these bacteria from natural sources that are not directly associated with public health concerns, the agency noted. DEQ issues red-flag advisories out of an abundance of caution when readings exceed CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
Weekly water quality reports are posted at deq.gov.mp/beach-advisories. The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality can be reached at 670-664-8500 for inquiries about beach water quality.