Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Conduct Open Water Monitoring Aligns to EPHEPR Function 14
Hurricanes can have a profound impact on open water systems, including coastal waters, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. The intense rainfall, storm surge, and flooding associated with hurricanes can lead to significant contamination of these water bodies, posing serious risks to human health through direct contact with water or consumption of fish and shellfish. 1. Key hurricane-related challenges for open water monitoring include: 2. Widespread contamination of water bodies with flood waters, sewage, and debris 3. Increased runoff leading to elevated levels of pollutants and pathogens in water systems 4. Potential for chemical spills or releases from damaged industrial facilities into open waters 5. Disruption of normal ecosystems, potentially affecting fish and shellfish populations 6. Increased risk of harmful algal blooms due to nutrient loading from runoff 7. Challenges in accessing and sampling water bodies due to storm damage or flooding 8. Potential for long-term impacts on water quality and aquatic life Tasks Design and conduct a ppropriate environmental sampling and fish and shellfish sampling in open water systems affected by the hurricane. Implement a water quality monitoring program to test for contaminants in open water bodies due to flooding, sewage overflows, or industrial releases. Identify and mitigate potential contamination sources, such as leaking septic systems, agricultural runoff, or industrial effluents affecting open waters. Assess coastal areas, rivers, and lakes to identify and document hazardous debris, oil spills, or other contaminants. Mobilize and equip personnel with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and direct sampling and monitoring strategies in a manner that protects public and environmental safety after a contaminant is identified. Recommend closing or restricting the use of waters when appropriate based on sampling results and risk assessments. Communicate health risks related to open water contamination and seafood safety to the public. Post closure signs and communicate when the threat has passed for affected water bodies. Develop and disseminate educational materials to raise awareness about open water hazards, protection measures, and adherence to advisories. Coordinate with relevant agencies and personnel to respond to open water quality issues and seafood safety concerns. Ensure compliance with open water quality regulations, monitoring, reporting, and standards. Train local health workers, monitoring personnel, and community members on open water safety, sampling techniques, and hazard identification. Establish a long-term monitoring and management plan to address persistent water quality issues and ensure the safety of open water systems and seafood. Identify risks and implement mitigation measures for health and safety risks to emergency response personnel involved in open water monitoring.
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