Beach Monitoring
HAB Resources
Harmful Algal Bloom – Main Page
It is the official VDH-DEE-HAB website. It contains information and resources related to the Harmful Algal Bloom Program.
Harmful Algal Bloom Surveillance-Map
It reflects the status of algae blooms during HAB season (March-November), as well as the results of algae bloom samples. The map is updated weekly or as needed year around.
HAB Online Report Form
The form provides an option for online HAB report submittal. It can be utilized by the publics and environmental health professionals. It provides an easy way for the primary task force members to communicate HAB reports received by them with one another and to request assistance.
Example of a bloom webpage for featuring a bloom of significance and a link to the FAQs. These pages facilitate public outreach during bloom events.
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/alexandrium-monilatum-hab-in-lower-york-lower-james-rivers-and-chesapeake-bay/
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-alexandrium-monilatum
HAB Taskforce Response Plan (2017)
The response plan is intended as a brief, public-facing document which articulates the function, roles, and responsibilities of the primary taskforce agencies and expectations on services provided by each during HAB events.
VDH Brochures:
- Harmful Algal Blooms and other Organisms of Concern in Coastal Waters
- Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)
- Algal Blooms: Information for Virginia’s Working Waterfront
Poison Hotline & Map of Centers
Poison Control Centers may be engauged to utilize HAB talking points and specific waterbody-bloom information to the public during bloom events
HAB Process Flow
The flow chart is intended to serve as a job aide for VDH staff for the coordinating, reporting, and investigating of HAB events.
*VDH HAB Human Screening Form
Is intended to facilitate the investigation of a reported waterborne exposure, such that the local health district can more easily determine whether or not the more comprehensive OHHABS human report form is necessary.
CDC-One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS) Online Guidance and Training Resources
The newly launched OHHABS system provides a database for collecting and storing environmental, animal, and human HAB exposure information.
*OHHABS- Human Form and Guidance
May be utilized by Epi Staff when one or more exposures are reported
- One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS)
- One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS) Human Form Guidance
Event and Case Definitions
Tables offer definition of HAB event and human HAB associated case.
CDC – HAB Associated Illness and Syndromes
VDH – Marine Toxins and Associated Syndromes
VDH – Cyanobacteria Toxins and Health Effects
*Fax completed forms to DEE (804-864-8131)
VDH – Provisional Recreational Water Guidance for Microcystin and Microsystis Blooms
(2012)This document supports decision-making by public health & environmental officials in response to the occurrence of a Microcystis algal bloom in Virginia’s waters. We are currently updating the Recreational Water Guidance for Freshwater Harmful Algae Blooms. We will update this page with the working guidance as soon as possible. Check back soon for a working draft.
Link to EPA May 2019 Human Health Recreational Advisory HABs Factsheet: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-05/documents/hh-rec-criteria-habs-factsheet-2019.pdf
HAB Public Notification
Press Releases
Template press releases for issuing or lifting recreational advisories.
HAB Signs
Signs for raising HAB-awareness and posting HAB-affected waterways.
EPA – Template Social Media Posts
Issuing an advisory
Lifting an advisory
Standard Operating Procedure For Sample Collection
This document explains the safety procedures, supplies, collection, and shipping steps necessary for HAB water samples.
Visual Guide to Observing Blooms
This guide is provided by CA Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). It contains images of various HAB to help users identifying and reporting non-toxic algae versus cyanobacteria.
HAB 101 (7/25/17) – Training Video
Need a TRAIN Account?
[ARCHIVED in TRAIN – Course ID 1072636]
Note – for each viewing, you’ll need to complete a course evaluation.