Victor Poretti Section Chief NJDEP - Bureau of Freshwater & Biological Monitoring (BFBM) Division of Water Monitoring & Standards (DWM&S) Citizen Science Public Forum The Watershed Institute October 23, 2018
Topics What are HABs/ Background NJDEP HAB Strategy Website Oveview Reported HABs/ Responses
Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Freshwater Recreational Response Strategy What is a HAB? Cyanobacteria Cyanotoxins Freshwater cyanobacteria growing in abundance are known as cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Freshwater Recreational Response Strategy What is the Risk? Cells can cause adverse effects even if toxins are not present. People: flu-like symptoms, rash, and/or allergic reactions. Animals: Many cases of wildlife, pets, and livestock sickness and death.
What Causes Algal Blooms? Many environmental factors influence the occurrence of algal blooms. In general, an algal bloom indicates an ecosystem imbalance. After Graham and others, 2016, USGS OFR 2016-1174 http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161174
Need For State Capacity Building & Preparedness for Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Increasing global concern and incidence High profile blooms In NY - HABs confirmed in > 700 waterbodies since 2012 Today ~ 30 states have HAB strategies &/or public info. resources. In 2012, NJ lacked lab capacity, monitoring, and unified HAB response 2013 NJDEP began capacity building, equipment, response development NJ Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)Freshwater Recreational Response Strategy and Guidance released August 2017.
Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Freshwater Recreational Response Strategy and Guidance PURPOSE Provide a unified statewide approach for responding to HABs in freshwater recreational waters and sources of drinking water. Identify programs and define actions for appropriate response. Coordinated by Freshwater Monitoring
Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Freshwater Recreational Response Strategy and Guidance HAB MONITORING AND RESPONSE If State owned water body or drinking water source - NJDEP/BFBM direct sampling and analysis response If other public or private water body, including licensed freshwater bathing beaches (>380), DEP will notify and coordinate with appropriate local government agency. Any bathing beach or youth camp - DEP will notify local HD and State DOH. NJDEP/BFBM will assist in response coordination. Note: licensed bathing beaches are under NJDOH regulation. New Jersey State Sanitary Code Chapter IX Public Recreational Bathing N.J.A.C. 8:26
Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)Freshwater Recreational Response Strategy What are the common toxins? Most common cyanotoxins in the U.S Microcystins o Group of > 100 toxin variants, of which Microcystin-LR is the most common. Primarily liver toxins. Cylindrospermopsins. Primarily liver toxins. Anatoxins. Primarily nerve toxins
HAB Freshwater Recreational Response Strategy HUMAN HEALTH RECREATIONAL THRESHOLDS Developed by NJDEP Division of Science and Research Cell counts > 20,000 cells/ ml Or toxins; Microcystins: 3 μg/l Cylindrospermopsin: 8 μg/l Anatoxin-a: 27 μg/l DEP will review and assess EPA s Draft Human Health Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria and/or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin when finalized. (Anatoxin no included at this time)
Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM ADVISORIES
CyanoHABs Website https://www.state.nj.us/dep/wms//bfbm/cyanohabhome.html
Website Updates: Photo Gallery https://www.state.nj.us/dep/wms//bfbm/cyanohabspics.html
Website Updates: Outreach Materials https://www.state.nj.us/dep/wms//bfbm/outreachmaterials.html
Ongoing Efforts, Monitoring & Research HAB Workgroup Update Strategy and Website accordingly HAB Research Committee With DEP DSR Explore consistent approach to cell counts Develop phycocyanin ranges for field meters Relative Fluorescence Units. Convert to Phyco concentration Relate to cell counts use as indicator for immediate response actions
HAB Responses (locations by municipality) 2018 (to date) 2017 28 Reports 16 HABs 12 Non-HABs 30 Reports 22 HABs 8 Non-HABs 4 - Same Lakes Each Year
Contact Information Victor Poretti Section Chief NJDEP Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring Victor.Poretti@dep.nj.gov Phone 609-292-0427 Web site - http://www.state.nj.us/dep/wms//bfbm/