Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Comments

Virginia Department of Health

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.

Previous Comment Next Comment Back to List of Comments

5/16/25 8:53 am

Commenter: Katherine LaVelle

Cell counts important for HAB detection at Lake Anna

I am very concerned about the proposal to remove cyanobacteria cell counts as an early indicator of harmful algae blooms and the trigger for issuing HAB advisories in Lake Anna. The counts are highly valuable, as they serve as a critical component of the proactive and precautionary approach to HAB management. virginia needs a comprehensive advisory protocol that considers multiple lines of evidence, including cell counts, visual observations, and toxin testing for this growing, harmful issue. Please donnot eliminate cell counts!

CommentID: 235317