Large slimy blue-green algae (BGA) blooms have been found inLake Okeechobee and waters flowing downstream. Florida’s governmentwants to strengthen water quality policies to address this issue.You are an environmental health specialist that has been asked touse your scientific expertise to testify in front of the StateLegislature as to why they should vote to pass the recent bill.
In your testimony, you need to define what BGA is, its effect onthe environment, and its health effects on humans and animals.Explain the factors that cause BGA blooms, and what factorscontinue their spread. Using each of the four major components tobe considered in policy development (harm, risk, impacts, andsocial costs), discuss how the new water policies will affect thesocial and economic health of Florida.
