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1. What is Environmental Health?

The National Association of County and City Health Officials define environmental health as the discipline that "focuses on the health interrelationships between people and their environment, promotes human health and well-being, and fosters a safe and healthful environment".

2. How Does Environmental Health Serve the People of Lake County?

The Lake County Division of Environmental Health is comprised of a team of dedicated public health professionals that are focused on their mission to promote and protect the health of the people of Lake County through education and the enforcement of public health laws. Disease control and prevention are at the heart of this mission. This is done through the administration and implementation of several local public health programs such as:

1. Food Safety Program where we permit and inspect all facilities that sell food to the public including community events.
2. Recreational Health Program where we permit and inspect all public pools and spas. During the summer, we monitor public beaches for bacterial quality.
3. Land Development Program where we permit and inspect on-site sewage disposal systems and permit and inspect the construction of new water wells. We also make comments on land-use proposals to the Planning Department.
4. Hazardous Materials Management Program where we permit and inspect underground storage tanks and facilities that handle hazardous materials.
5. Solid Waste Program where we permit and inspect solid waste haulers and municipal facilities such as the landfill, the transfer station, and closed dumps.
6. State Small Water System Program where we permit and inspect public water systems between 5 and 14 connections.
7. Emergency Response and Preparedness Program where we respond and prepare for disasters and accidents. These may include hazardous materials spills, sewage spills, flood events, and other threats to public health and safety.
8. Nuisance Complaints where we respond and work to eliminate public health hazards and nuisances.
9. Body Piercing and Tattoos where we permit and inspect businesses conducting body piercing, permanent makeup, and tattoos.
10. Special Projects and working with other agencies in groundwater protection, bioterrorism response, and investigating environmental crimes.

The mandate and authority to implement these programs come from Chapter 9 of the Lake County Code and from the State Health and Safety Code.

3. How Is the Division Funded?

The Division is funded by a combination of funding sources. Currently, Environmental Health does not receive any money from the county general fund. Approximately 55 % of funds are collected from fees charged to regulated businesses and from permit services. Approximately 35% of funds come from public health realignment funds that come to local government from the State Vehicle License Fund. Approximately 10% of funds come from special grant projects.

4. What Is the Process for Getting a Vacant Lot Evaluated for an On-Site Sewage Disposal System?

Apply for a Site Evaluation and pay the required fee. Prepare the site for the evaluation by providing two profile holes measuring 2 feet wide 4 feet long with a slant and 5 feet deep in the area where you will install the initial and expansion septic systems. Be sure to secure the holes if they are going to be left open for any length of time. After the site is evaluated you will receive a written site evaluation report. Be sure to cover the profile holes. The time it takes between the time you apply and the time you receive a report varies depending on many factors including weather, time of year, building activity, etc. The time has varied from 2 weeks to up to 6 weeks.

5. Why Is an On-Site Field Inspection Required for Building a Deck?

An on-site field inspection is required when the inspector has to go out in the field to verify where the septic system is located. This may be required depending upon what information is contained in the file. There are instances where the file is incomplete or incorrect. The inspection is conducted to ensure that the proposed project will not damage the existing septic system or replacement area. No on-site field inspection is required when there is adequate information in the file.