EPA warns of storm water contamination

by Nick Delgado

Guam – The Guam Environmental Protection Agency announces that 24 beaches are polluted above the accepted bacteriological standards this week. These waters include Gun Beach, Gognga Beach, Dungca's Beach, East Hagåtña Bay - Alupang Towers Beach, East Hagåtña Bay- Trinchera Beach, Padre Palomo Park Beach, Adelup Beach Park, Asan Bay Beach, Piti Bay, Santos Memorial Park, Outhouse Beach,  Togcha Beach - near Namo River, Togcha Beach - Agat Park Beach, Togcha Beach - near Southern Christian Academy, Bangi Beach, Nimitz Beach, Umatac Bay, Toguan Bay, Merizo Pier at Mamaon Channel, Inarajan Bay,  Talofofo Bay, Togcha Bay,  and Pago Bay. GEPA also reports West Hagatrna Bay remains closed due to the fractured outfall at the Hagatna sewage treatment plant. In addition, Guam EPA notes the large amount of stormwater runoff on Friday may contain bacteria causing shoreline contamination. Particular areas to avoid during high stormwater runoff events include the shoreline from Dungca's Beach in East Hagåtña Bay to Padre Palomo Park Beach, and West Hagåtña Bay from Paseo to Adelup Beach Park. GEPA officials continue sampling water in these areas.