SAIPAN — The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality has placed red flags at Hidden Beach and Jeffrey’s Beach on Saipan’s east side, advising the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of either location for 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
Water samples collected from the two beaches this week contained concentrations of enterococci, a fecal indicator bacteria, exceeding CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards, the bureau said.
The bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. The bureau said studies have shown that stormwater runoff in tropical environments may also carry these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns, and that the red flags are issued to adequately address public health concerns.
BECQ analyzed samples from 12 east and south recreational beaches on Saipan this week. Hidden Beach is sampling site NEB 07; Jeffrey’s Beach is NEB 03.
