Guam EPA Weekly Beach Report: Advisories on 16 Beaches

Guam – The Guam Environmental Protection Agency’s weekly Beach Report lists advisories on 16 beaches.

Swimming, fishing or playing in unsafe waters may result in minor illnesses such as sore throats or diarrhea. It might also result in more serious illnesses such as meningitis, encephalitis, or severe gastroenteritis.

Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems have a greater chance of getting sick when they come in contact with contaminated water.

The results of  44 samples taken by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday Marchn 6, identified that the following recreational waters as polluted above the accepted bacteriological standards.

BEACH ADVISORIES:  16

* TALOFOFO:  Talofofo Bay

* TANGUISSON:  No harvesting or consumption of seaweed, fish or marine organisms is allowed at Tanguisson Beach.

(Place names as spelled in United States Geological Survey [USGS] maps.)

BEACHES CLOSED: 0

Fish/shellfish Advisories: 3 (Issued by the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services)

COCOS LAGOON: A fish consumption advisory for Cocos Lagoon has been in effect since 2006. The advisory stems from fish tissue sampling conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard that indicated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) above the U.S. EPA recommended screening value for those fishing in recreational waters. The advisory only applies to consuming fish and does not cover swimming, wading or other recreational activities in the lagoon. PCB contamination along Cocos Island shoreline is suspected to have come from the former U.S. Coast Guard Long Range Navigation (LORAN) station on Cocos Island.

OROTE POINT: A seafood advisory was issued in 2001 for the west side of Orote Peninsula (Rizal Beach to Spanish Steps) and Gabgab beach in Apra Harbor.  The advisory extends 600 feet from shore.  Seafood caught in these areas may contain polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides or dioxins at levels that are not safe to eat. This includes fish, shellfish and algae or sea grapes. Fish samples were taken in 2001. The landfill has been cleaned and capped with a low permeability cover. The Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) advises choosing younger, smaller fish and other seafood to reduce exposure to contaminates whenever possible. Residents are also encouraged to remove skin, fatty tissue in the belly and along the side and internal organs of seafood to reduce potential exposure to chemicals.  

AGANA SWAMP: An advisory was issued regarding fish and shellfish in the Agana swamp and river in 2000. The advisory was issued after test results showed fish and eels in the river and swamp area had higher levels of Polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs). PCBs were used at the Agana Power Plant and were found in the soil near the electric transformers at the plant and in the Agana Swamp.

About the Guam EPA Weekly Beach Report:
The Recreational Waters Pollution Report is compiled by Guam EPA’s Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services Division which takes water samples at 42 recreational beaches every Thursday [adjustments are made during official holidays].

The samples are analyzed for concentrations of the enterococcus bacteria indicator.

Advisories are based on an instantaneous standard of not greater than 104 enterococci/100 ml and a geometric mean standard of not greater than 35 enterococci/100 ml.

Advisories are based on an instantaneous standard of not greater than 104 enterococci/100 ml and a geometric mean standard of not greater than 35 enterococci/100 ml.

Since 1974, Guam EPA has performed this community service weekly. The Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services Division takes water samples of 42 recreational beaches every Thursday [ adjustments are made during official holidays] and analyzes the samples for concentrations of the enterococcus bacteria indicator.

Questions about the Recreational Waters Pollution Report should be directed to the Guam EPA Monitoring Section at  300-4751.

For more information, please also visit http://www.epa.gov/ostwater/beaches/local/sum2.html