SAIPAN — The Division of Environmental Quality has placed two Saipan West Coast beach sampling sites under red flag advisory after this week’s water samples exceeded CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards, the agency said.
The two sites under advisory are Central Repair (WB 08) and AMP Drainage (WB 12.1). The public is advised not to swim or fish within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours, or until otherwise notified.
Samples from both locations contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria known as enterococci. These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water, DEQ said. However, the agency noted that studies have shown stormwater runoff in tropical environments may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns. To address public health concerns out of caution, DEQ issues the red flag advisory.
The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality analyzed samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 38 locations along Saipan’s West Coast as part of the weekly monitoring program.
Full Marine Water Quality Reports are available at deq.gov.mp/beach-advisories.html. The public is encouraged to contact BECQ at (670) 664-8500 with any inquiries regarding beach water quality.
