• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

ERIS

The Environmental Research Institute of the States

  • Research
  • Projects
  • Events
  • Tools
  • About
    • Special Recognition Awards

HABs Risk Communication Hub

Risk communication is a critical step in addressing contaminants of emerging concern. There are differences in the messaging and methods by which environmental agencies and health departments share information with various audiences.

In June 2018, the Environmental Council of States (ECOS) and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), under a Memorandum of Agreement with U.S. EPA, published case studies and hosted webinars to highlight state-level risk communication of waterborne contaminants, including PFAS and harmful algal blooms (HABs). ECOS and ASTHO interviewed environmental and health agency staff from 13 states regarding their risk communication strategies and lessons learned for these two contaminants. Compiled information includes background on site contamination, development of guidance values and health advisories, rollout of advisories and relevant resources, key messages for the public, and challenges and gaps. The case studies’ key findings offer considerations to other states and stakeholders seeking to implement or improve their risk communication practices.

The case studies can be found here. Below are additional resources on HABs from state and federal partners. The PFAS Risk Communication Hub, including additional state resources and fact sheets, can be found here.

Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality

  • HABs Management Plan

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • HAB Online Resources List

Kansas Department of Health and Environment:

  • HABs Toolkit

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality:

  • Algae Brochure
  • Information on HABs

National Institute of Health:

  • NIEHS HABs Webpage

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Ecological Society of America:

  • Harmful Algal Research and Response: A National Environmental Science Strategy, 2005–2015

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services:

  • Recreational Exposure to Cyanobacteria
  • Current Beach Advisory Maps
  • Sample Press Release: State Issues Cyanobacteria Warning for Turtle Pond

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency:

  • Public Water System Harmful Algal Bloom Response Strategy

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

  • Incident Action Checklist
    • Provides information on preparedness and response actions water utilities can take during a harmful algal bloom incident.
  • Cyanotoxin Risk Communication Toolbox for Drinking Water
  •  Recreational Water Communication Toolbox for Cyanobacterial Blooms

U.S. Geological Survey and Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Environmental Studies:

  • Understanding Algal Blooms FAQ

Utah Department of Environmental Quality:

  • HABs Homepage
    • Updates on the conditions for each waterbody are listed, including toxin levels, cyanobacteria cell-count concentrations, data sheets, and location and dates for sampling.
  • HABs Risk Communication Strategies PowerPoint
  • HABs Frequently Asked Questions
  • Utah HABs Guidance Summary
  • Single Overriding Communications Objective (SOCO) Work Sheet
  • Data buoys (real-time info)
  • Response Plans
    • Drinking Water Response Plan
    • Utah Department of Agriculture Response Plan
  • “Protect Yourself” Health Advisory
  • Health Effects
  • Recreation

Water Research Foundation:

  • Presentation: Development of a Risk Communication Tool Kit for Cyanotoxins

Have resources you would like to share?

Email ECOS at slongsworth@ecos.org

  • Contact Us
  • ECOS
  • @ERIStates
  • News

Footer

ERIS is a 501(c)3 education and research nonprofit that supports the Environmental Council of the States.

Site by Rocketkoi