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  2:16 pm
Commenter: Mary Lou Nawrocki

HAB protocol for Lake Anna
 

Hello, I am writing because I am concerned about the proposed changes.

We've been coming to the lake for almost 40 years, bought property in Windwood Coves shortly after it opened & were able to build here finally in 2021. We love the lake and have been encouraged by the progress being made over the last few years in keeping the water clean & safe. We joined LACA to support that work & believe it is important, especially with our warmer weather. My understanding is that cell counts are early indicator of potential HAB risks and there is potential for delayed advisories if cell counts are no longer a primary trigger. The "no swim" areas seem to be including more & more of the lake. Concern for the health of my grandchildren as well as friends and neighbors makes me speak up. 

   This is not my area of expertise (I am a nurse) but I believe in the importance of a proactive and precautionary approach to public health protection. Please continue the active funding and ongoing efforts to maintain a healthy environment for us all to thrive in here at Lake Anna.

Thank you.

 

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