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  3:54 pm
Commenter: Rick Oyler

HAB Advisory Protocol Changes
 

As a Lake Anna homeowner, I am writing to express my concerns over proposed regulation changes to the HAB advisory protocol.  Should cell counts no longer be a primary trigger, there is the potential for advisories to be delayed, creating a potential health hazard.  The value of cell counts is an early indicator of potential HAB risks and should be continued.  Furthermore, the need exists for a comprehensive advisory protocol that considers multiple lines of evidence, including cell counts, visual observations, and toxin testing.  Lake Anna is our home and both I and our community are dedicated to keeping it a safe place for water activities.  Thank you for your consideration.

CommentID: 235376