Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Virginia Department of Health
 
Board
State Board of Health
 
Guidance Document Change: The Guidance for Cyanobacteria Bloom Recreational Advisory Management requires revision for the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) response season, beginning in April 2025. The proposed revision includes the DEQ and VDH staff recommendations, which allow for more extensive and targeted monitoring of algal toxins in recreational freshwater areas during a HAB, and for using toxin data alone for recreational advisory determinations. These recommendations are based on a review of current processes for HAB monitoring and managing recreational HAB advisories, final recommendations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on protecting human health risks from incidental ingestion while recreating in freshwaters, data collected from Virginia HAB investigations with paired cell counts and toxin assays, and budget and staff efficiencies. This approach is supported by both VDH and DEQ agency secretaries.
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5/16/25  11:41 am
Commenter: Sally Molenkamp

Proposed VDH HAB Advisory protocol
 

As a home owner on Lake Anna, I am very much concerned about the proposed changes to the VDH HAB Advisory protocol.  The plan to remove cell counts of Cyanobacteria as a primary trigger for a HAB advisory is short-sighted and dangerous.  Cell counts are very valuable as an early indicator, along with visual observations and toxin testing.  It is important to be proactive and precautionary when it concerns public health.  Without the cell counts there is the potential for delayed advisories leading to human health issues.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.  Sally Molenkamp

CommentID: 235341