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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 135. Recreational Advisories
12/22/2024

12VAC5-135-40. Procedures for beach monitoring.

The procedures for beach monitoring are as follows:

1. The department shall collect public beach water samples on a weekly basis from the middle of May through September or as otherwise determined by the department based on factors such as the size of the beach-going population and the climate at any particular public beach.

2. The department shall analyze public beach water samples using methods approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

3. If the department does not collect and test a public beach water sample as scheduled, the commissioner shall issue a beach warning, or if there is an existing beach advisory, the commissioner shall continue the beach advisory.

4. If multiple public beach water samples are taken at several sites within public beach water, the department may average and compare the samples with the BAV. If the average result of the public beach water samples is equal to or greater than the BAV, then the commissioner shall issue a beach advisory.

5. If a public beach water sample is equal to or greater than the BAV, the commissioner-issued beach advisory shall remain in effect until follow-up samples can be taken that demonstrate that levels are less than the BAV.

6. In the event of the issuance of a beach advisory, the department shall collect and analyze follow-up public beach water samples as soon as reasonably possible. Follow-up public beach water samples that are equal to or greater than the BAV shall result in a continuation of the beach advisory.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-12 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 26, eff. October 3, 2019.

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