Shane BradtITRC strategies for preventing, managing, and responding to harmful cyanobacteria – an online presentation given on March 23, 2021 by Angela Shambaugh retired from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
Abstract
Cyanobacteria blooms are a common occurrence across North America and elsewhere. No management strategy will be effective in every water body or watershed. Local characteristics, environmental triggers, and human activities must all be considered to use HCB prevention and management strategies successfully. Monitoring is key to identifying what supports cyanobacteria growth and evaluating whether your strategies have been successful. Consistent, informative, effective communication helps protect your community and builds supports for implementation of your cyanobacteria response plan.
The Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council’s (ITRC) HCB team has developed a guidance document for state regulators and others managing HCBs in freshwater systems. Our guidance is intended to help you select monitoring, communication, in-lake management, and nutrient reduction approaches that are suitable for use in your water body and community. We also recognize the need for rapid response during bloom events, highlighting information and actions that are key when time is critical. During our presentation, we will introduce you to the guidance document, embedded selection tools, and resources that will be available to assist you when responding to HCB events.
