SAIPAN — The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality has red-flagged two east Saipan beaches after water samples collected this week contained concentrations of enterococci bacteria exceeding CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards, advising the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
The flagged locations are Jeffrey’s Beach (NEB 03) and Old Man by the Sea (NEB 04).
Enterococci are fecal indicator bacteria that can signal the presence of human and animal waste in the water. BECQ noted that studies have shown storm water runoff in tropical environments may also carry these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns. The advisory follows a week of heavy rainfall across Saipan.
The bureau analyzed samples from 11 east and south Saipan recreational beaches this week.
