(BECQ) — The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality analyzes water samples collected from Managaha’s recreational beaches this week.
Samples collected from the north of pier contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria or enterococci that exceeded CNMI marine water quality standards. These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water.
However, studies have shown that storm water runoff in tropical environments may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
Still, to adequately address public health concerns, BECQ has given the north of pier a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the location for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
On Rota, samples collected from Dist. #2 Drainage also contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria enterococci that exceeded CNMI marine water quality standards.
BECQ has likewise given Dist. #2 Drainage a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
