ROTA – The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality has issued a red flag advisory for two Rota sites this week and is advising the public not to swim or fish within 300 feet of either location for the next 48 hours.
The flagged sites are Tweksberry, designated R05, and West Harbor Marina, designated R06.
Samples collected from both locations showed concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria, known as enterococci, that exceeded CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards. The bacteria can indicate the presence of human or animal waste in the water.
BECQ noted that studies have shown stormwater runoff in tropical environments may also carry these bacteria from natural sources that are not directly tied to public health concerns. The agency said the red flag designation is meant to address public health risk while sampling continues.
