James Haney, who is affiliated with the University of New Hampshire Center for Freshwater Biology, and Nancy Leland of Lim-Tex, Inc. The QAPP is based on methods created by EPA scientists and other cyanobacteria specialists, including Dr. The QAPP was developed by EPA Region 1 scientists, including Hillary Snook and others, with the goal of encouraging and facilitating widespread monitoring of cyanobacteria. Our program uses and follows the EPA’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for cyanobacteria monitoring, developed by EPA for the Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative or CMC. Formerly the Moderate Warning Tier.ĪPCC’s cyanobacteria monitoring program provides scientifically sound data on cyanobacteria composition, concentrations, and predicted toxin concentrations. A town may, at its own discretion, post a “Pet Advisory”, however practices differ in each town. Samples may be sent to the Barnstable County lab for toxin analysis as well. APCC will recommend to the contracting partner (either town or private association) that APCC be authorized to increase testing frequency to weekly of ponds in this category until conditions improve. Due to lower body masses, children and pets are more susceptible to cyanobacteria risks than adults. Children may inadvertently consume pond water while swimming and pet exposure can result from directly drinking pond water or from grooming after swimming. While these conditions pose low health risks to adults, risks are higher for children or pets, particularly if contaminated water is incidentally ingested. Monitoring results at the time and place of sampling indicate either moderate risk for potential exposure to cyanobacteria toxins or a likelihood for higher cyanobacteria risks in the near future.