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Advisories for July 16, 2021
Contact: Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services Division
Phone: (671) 300-4751/9027 | Email: beach.report@epa.guam.gov
Website: epa.guam.gov | Twitter: @GuamEPA | Instagram: guamepa
Beach Advisories: 9
The results of 43 samples taken by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency on July 15, 2021, identified that the following recreational waters were polluted above the accepted bacteriological standards:
Agat Bangi Beach; Nimitz Beach; North of Agat Marina, south of Chaligan Creek; Togcha Beach – Agat; Togcha Beach - Namo
Chalan Pago: Pago Bay
Hagatna: Hagatna Bayside Park; Hagatna Channel - Outrigger Ramp; Talofofo Talofofo Bay
Swimming, fishing or playing in unsafe waters may result in minor illnesses such as sore throats or diarrhea. It may 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 Recreational Waters Pollution Report is compiled by Guam EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services (EMAS) Division. Guam EPA has performed this community service weekly since 1974. The EMAS Division takes water samples of 43 recreational beaches every Thursday* and analyzes the samples for concentrations of the enterococcus bacteria indicator. Advisories are based on a Statistical Threshold Value (STV) of 130 enterococci/100mL and a geometric mean standard of not greater than 35 enterococci/100 mL. *Adjustments are made during official holidays.
Fish/Shellfish Advisories: 3 (Issued by the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services)
• 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 biphenyls (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 biphenyls (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.
• 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 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
in the Lagoon along the Cocos Island shoreline is suspected to have come from the former U.S. Coast Guard Long Range Navigation (LORAN) station on Cocos Island.
Additional advisory issued by Guam EPA
• Tanguisson Beach: No harvesting or consumption of seaweed, fish or marine organisms is allowed at Tanguisson Beach.
Contact: Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services Division
Phone: (671) 300-4751/9027 | Email: beach.report@epa.guam.gov
Website: epa.guam.gov | Twitter: @GuamEPA | Instagram: guamepa
Beach Advisories: 9
The results of 43 samples taken by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency on July 15, 2021, identified that the following recreational waters were polluted above the accepted bacteriological standards:
Agat Bangi Beach; Nimitz Beach; North of Agat Marina, south of Chaligan Creek; Togcha Beach – Agat; Togcha Beach - Namo
Chalan Pago: Pago Bay
Hagatna: Hagatna Bayside Park; Hagatna Channel - Outrigger Ramp; Talofofo Talofofo Bay
Swimming, fishing or playing in unsafe waters may result in minor illnesses such as sore throats or diarrhea. It may 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 Recreational Waters Pollution Report is compiled by Guam EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services (EMAS) Division. Guam EPA has performed this community service weekly since 1974. The EMAS Division takes water samples of 43 recreational beaches every Thursday* and analyzes the samples for concentrations of the enterococcus bacteria indicator. Advisories are based on a Statistical Threshold Value (STV) of 130 enterococci/100mL and a geometric mean standard of not greater than 35 enterococci/100 mL. *Adjustments are made during official holidays.
Fish/Shellfish Advisories: 3 (Issued by the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services)
• 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 biphenyls (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 biphenyls (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.
• 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 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
in the Lagoon along the Cocos Island shoreline is suspected to have come from the former U.S. Coast Guard Long Range Navigation (LORAN) station on Cocos Island.
Additional advisory issued by Guam EPA
• Tanguisson Beach: No harvesting or consumption of seaweed, fish or marine organisms is allowed at Tanguisson Beach.
