The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ) analyzed water samples collected from Tinian’s recreational beaches this week. Samples collected from the following locations contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (enterococci) that exceeded the 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.
Therefore, in order to adequately address public health concerns, BECQ has given the following locations a RED FLAG and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
UNAI MASALOK (T01)
LEPROSARIUM I (T05)
The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality analyzed samples of marine recreational water from 10 locations on Tinian Island. Marine Water Quality Reports are also provided at www.deq.gov.mp/sec.asp?secID=52. Interested individuals and organizations can also receive email notifications of the weekly marine water quality reports. To do so, please send an email to waterqualityreport@becq.gov.mp.
BECQ welcomes all inquiries as to the quality of the beach water. The public is encouraged to contact BECQ at 286-1054 with any questions.
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