§ 1222 — Cyanobacteria monitoring and notification

(a) As used in this section:
(1) “Cyanobacteria” means photosynthetic bacteria that have two photosystems, produce molecular oxygen, and use water as an electron-donating substrate in photosynthesis, including microcystis, anabaena, and aphanizomenon.
(2) “Waters” shall have the same meaning as used in 10 V.S.A. § 1251.
(b) The Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Secretary of Natural Resources, shall coordinate efforts to monitor the presence of cyanobacteria in the waters of the State.
(c) The Department of Health shall maintain a publicly accessible Internet site that provides information concerning the presence of cyanobacteria in areas known to be used for recreation, including swimming or boating. Within one hour of a determination that the presence of cyanobacteria in a recreation area is a public health hazard, the Commissioner of Health shall conduct public outreach describing the area affected and the nature of the public health hazard in the area. (Added 2015, No. 86 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.)