SMLA Responds to Virginia Department of Health’s Proposed HAB Testing Change

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA – Smith Mountain Lake Association has submitted comments to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) regarding the proposed change to the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) response protocols. SMLA, the longest serving advocate for a clean and safe lake, objects to the proposed change over concern it may  not be as protective of human health.

From 2021-2024, VDH used a hybrid approach to determine whether a HAB required that a recreational or swimming advisory be placed on portions or all of a water body. This hybrid approach included the collection and analysis of water samples for both cell concentrations of bin cyanobacteria (aka blue-green algae) and toxin levels. If either of these measurements exceeded an established advisory level, an advisory was triggered.

VDH now proposes to remove the cell concentration assessment and trigger from their response protocol and will rely solely upon the toxin analysis. For reference, in summer 2023 when Smith Mountain Lake experienced HABs, no samples collected contained toxins above the advisory levels. However, many samples exceeded the cell concentration advisory levels.

“It’s critical that all available data is evaluated when it affects human health,” said Keri Green, SMLA Lake Quality Council Chair. “We owe that to everyone who swims in Smith Mountain Lake and other inland waterways in Virginia.”

No data exists that definitively points to when a HAB produces toxins. But exposure to elevated concentrations of cyanobacteria cells can trigger health concerns. By eliminating this important measure of analysis, users of the lake may not be protected from the potential  health effects caused by contact with elevated levels of cyanobacteria, even when a bloom is not producing toxins. These include skin irritation, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal distress.