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  10:27 am
Commenter: Anonymous

Harmful Algae Blooms in Lake Anna
 

It has been brought to my attention that the VDH is currently considering revisions to the HAB Advisory Protocol, and a key proposed change involves eliminating cell counts of cyanobacteria as a primary trigger for issuing a HAB Advisory.  Please reconsider this proposal.  Early warning and consistent monitoring of harmful algae is critical to the health and well being of all who visit Lake Anna.  Lake Anna is visited by 10 of thousands each year.  Since the effects of HAB's are often unknown and hidden, lake visitors could be exposed with little or no knowledge.  The health and well being of the people of Virginia is the responsibility of the Dept. of Health.  Please reconsider this proposal.  The added expense is small in comparison to the safety of 10 of thousands of people.    

CommentID: 235332