|
|
Health Dept. - Environmental Health
440 Third Street • Columbus, IN 47201
Phone: (812) 379-1550 • Fax: (812) 379-1040
Programs
FOOD PROTECTION PROGRAM
- Plan Review - Review all architectural
plans of proposed remodeled retail food establishment for compliance
with equipment and facility design criteria in accordance with
410 IAC 7-20.
- License - Issue annual retail food establishment
licenses in accordance with Bartholomew County Code Chapter 3,
Article 2, Section 3-35.
- Investigations - Investigate reported
cases of food-born illness outbreaks and public reports of code
violations.
- Inspections - Conduct biannual routine
inspections and re-inspections in accordance with state and county
codes. Administrative hearings are conducted for non-complying
establishments.
- Food Service Sanitation Programs - Present
programs geared to educate those working in the food service industry
in sanitary food handling techniques. Upon passing a written exam,
food service workers are issued a Food Sanitation Certificate.
ON-SITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROGRAM
- Site Evaluations - review certified soil
analysis to ascertain the soil characteristics profile and loading
rate to determine the suitability for an on-site wastewater treatment
system.
- Permits - The type of permit issued is
based on the plat status of the property and whether it has been
developed or not.
- Site Assessment: This document may approve
or deny the use of an on-site system based on the data collected
from the site evaluation.
- Preliminary Permits: Issued for properties
that are undeveloped and going through the platting process.
Will specify system requirements per bedroom.
- Conditional Permits: Issued for properties
that have an existing septic system. Most frequently, this
will state that the septic system does not appear to be malfunctioning
and will be repaired according to state and county codes in
the event that it ever malfunctions.
- Construction Permits: Issued for repairs
or new construction of on-site wastewater treatment systems.
Will specify system requirements and location.
- Inspections - Inspect all septic system
installations for compliance with Bartholomew County Code Chapter
6, Article 11, and 410 IAC 6-8.1. A diagram of the system is kept
on file and a copy is issued to the owner with maintenance instructions.
- Investigations - Investigate reports
of malfunctioning septic systems. Take samples and check potential
source with tracer dye.
- Registration - Administer tests and educate
installers on system installations so that they may be registered
to install on-site wastewater treatment systems in Bartholomew
County. A current list of Registered Contractors is kept on file
at the office.
- Education - Programs and workshops are
given for the public, septic contractors, builders, and realtors
as needed.
VECTOR ABATEMENT PROGRAM
- Animal Bite Reporting - Report and track
all warm blooded animal bite incidents in accordance with state
and county codes.
- Investigation/Identification - Investigate
all vector reports and issue corrective orders for arthropod and
rodent investigations. Identify specimens for the public and participate
in the Ball State University and State Department of Health tick
programs.
- Mosquito Control - Conduct routine surveys to identify mosquito harborages and provide follow-up with larvaciding control measures. Conduct a ULV application of adulticide in areas historically proven to have large populations of adult mosquitoes.
- Education - Educate citizens through multimedia
public service announcements, newspaper articles, brochures, and
school and public presentations.
HOUSING PROGRAM
- Home Loan Inspections - Conduct well
water and septic system inspections for the transfer of residential
properties and give educational programs to realtors and lending
institutions.
- Minimum Standards - In accordance with
Bartholomew County Code Chapter 5, Article 2, investigate reports
of substandard rental housing. Issue orders of corrective action
and condemn those of noncompliance.
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAM
- Environmental Disease - Conduct investigations
of reported environmental illnesses, sample if necessary, and
track all reports geographically.
- Pool Inspections - Inspect all public
access swimming pools for water quality to ensure against disease
transmission; enforce pool safety rules.
- Indoor Air Testing - Test for indoor
air pollutants using the Draeger Hand Pump and/or other equipment
in residential and commercial facilities.
- Chemical Spills and Hazardous Wastes
- Work with county, state, and federal agencies on hazardous materials
investigations and chemical spills.
- Complaints/Investigations - Conduct a
variety of miscellaneous tests and inspections including but not
limited to, collecting water samples, investigating surface or
ground water contamination, open burning, illegal dumping, lead
paint, and asbestos. Take public complaints and document all information.
EDUCATION PROGRAM
- Job Shadowing - Allow interns and students
interested in the environmental field to job shadow with an environmental
health specialist for the day. Participate in the Hospital's Fellowship
program.
- Ordinances - Develop and enforce county
ordinances pertaining to public health.
Give presentations on environmental health issues
to schools, civic groups, professional organizations, and the regulated
community upon request. Television, radio, and newsprint are also
used to disseminate information.
|
