MANAGAHA beach sites have been declared “negative” of excessive concentrations of two fecal indicator bacteria on Friday, after three rounds of water sampling and laboratory analysis.
Rebecca Snider, the Division of Environmental Quality spokeswoman, said none of the three water samples collected from two beach sites contained excessive concentrations of bacteria nor exceeded the CNMI Marine Water Quality Standards.
But David Igitol, director and general manager of Tasi Tours and Transportation, Inc., the business concessionaire for all tourism activities on Managaha, said the previous water test results may have “impacted” the volume of tourists and residents visiting Managaha.
Igitol said Managaha beach sites are “still safe,” and that DEQ’s public health advisory is only for “precautionary measures.”
Five beach sites were previously declared under the red flag. After re-sampling and re-testing, two sites remained positive of bacteria.
In the latest re-sampling last Thursday, Managaha beaches #7 (east) and #09 (southwest) were found to be clear of the bacteria.
According to DEQ, one sample each was collected from beaches #7 and #9.
“None of them were tested positive so the public has nothing to worry about,” said Snider.
