(BECQ) — The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, Division of Environmental Quality-Water Quality Surveillance and Nonpoint Source Program advises the public that several marine water quality monitoring sites on Saipan’s east beaches remain temporarily inaccessible following the impacts of the recent Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Damaging winds, debris, erosion, and unsafe access conditions have affected the following beach monitoring locations:
• Jeffery’s Beach
• Bird Island Beach
• North Laulau Beach
• Old Man by the Sea
These beaches are monitored on a monthly and annual basis as part of the CNMI Marine Water Quality Monitoring Program. Water quality data collected from these sites are reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support public health notifications, environmental protection efforts, and long-term coastal resource management.
At this time, field access to these locations remains limited due to storm-related damage and safety concerns. BECQ-DEQ is coordinating recovery and assessment efforts and is exploring support for clearing and restoring safe access to these monitoring areas.
The public is advised to exercise caution when visiting affected coastal areas, especially near unstable grounds, fallen debris, or damaged access routes. Additional information regarding site restoration and monitoring updates will be publicized as it becomes available.
The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality routinely analyze samples from 10 recreational beaches across eastern and southern Saipan. Marine Water Quality Reports and current alerts are available at www.deq.gov.mp/beach-advisories.html/.
For more information, contact the DEQ Water Quality Branch at (670) 664-8500/8501.
