NJ HAB Response Plan and Comprehensive Strategy
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Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring
Recreational Response Strategy
A formal Response Plan and communication strategy has been developed by multiple NJDEP, NJDOH, and NJDA programs.
2021 New Jersey Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan and Comprehensive Strategy
Purpose
The Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Freshwater Recreational Response Strategy provides a unified statewide approach to responding to HABs in recreational waters and sources of drinking water and to protect the public from risk associated with these toxins. There are no content changes to the Strategy for 2024; guidance and thresholds remain aligned with current science. The strategy will be updated in 2025.
Response Plan is a component of the Response Strategy and is designed to identify:
- Entities responsible for response and actions, including various divisions within NJDEP as well as the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH) and the NJ Department of Agriculture (NJDA)
- Recreational risk thresholds for concentrations of pertinent toxins
- Acceptable parameters and methods for assessing risk
- Appropriate monitoring and analysis for toxins
- Tiered Alert Levels
- Background and technical information
- Research needs
- Outreach/ Education
Scope
- Freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams with potential public access, recreational use, licensed bathing beaches, and sources of drinking water.
- Waterbodies may be owned by state, local, or private entities. Response will vary depending on ownership.
- Direct drinking water concerns are addressed in the NJDEP Division of Water Supply and Geoscience (DWSG) Emergency HABs Response Plan.
- Focuses on prevention and treatment of drinking water contamination, and applies to cyanobacterial HABs and toxins. DWSG will coordinate action per Plan.
- For more information on drinking water, see the DWSG's website https://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply/hab.html.
Annual Summary Reports
The Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Freshwater Recreational Response Summary Reports
Current and previous versions of the New Jersey Harmful Algal Bloom Response Plan and Comprehensive Strategy
Fact Sheets
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