TWO beach sites on Managaha still have excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria, but “it’s still safe to go there and there’s nothing to worry about,” according to Tasi Tours.
The Division of Environmental Quality on Monday said Managaha beaches #07 (east) and #09 (southwest) had fecal indicator bacteria that exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
In a marine water quality report issued yesterday, DEQ laboratory supervisor Clarissa T. Bearden advised the public “not to fish or swim within 300 ft. of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.”
This is in line with DEQ’s responsibility to adequately address public health concerns, she said.
On Thursday, DEQ took water samples from 11 beach sites of Managaha—five had excessive bacteria. DEQ re-sampled these sites on Monday.
Aside from beaches #7 and #9, the other areas under the red flag are swimming areas A3 (northwest), B4 (north) and beach #10.
Bearden told Variety that DEQ would return to Managaha today to get water samples from these beach sites and re-test them.
Managaha Island is frequented daily by hundreds of tourists and residents.
The Marianas Visitors Authority, however, is mum on the possible impact of the water test results on the tourism industry.
Acting MVA Managing Director Vicky I. Benavente said she would meet with DEQ officials regarding the issue.
Tasi Tours and Transportation, Inc., the business concessionaire for all tourism activities on Managaha, said the water test results could adversely affect the tourism industry.
David Igitol, director and general manager of Tasi Tours, yesterday said Managaha waters “are still safe,” and that DEQ’s public health advisory is only for “precautionary measures.”
“It’s still safe to go there, and there’s nothing to worry about. The water testing is no different from the tests conducted by DEQ at other beach sites on Saipan,” Igitol said in a separate interview.
Igitol said Managaha Beach #7 and #9 “are not as popular” as the other beach sites on the island.
DEQ, in the report, said the bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
Studies have shown that storm water runoff in tropical environments may contain these bacteria from the natural environment, and this may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
“However, in keeping with DEQ’s policy to be more protective toward public health, DEQ recommends that individuals use caution and avoid full body submersion within 300 ft. of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified,” DEQ said.
