Harrison County Health Department

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The environmental health program is a mandated state program that is administered at  the local level by the local health department.  It is part of the core public health contract and is monitored by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

Due to department reorganization and reduction of state environmental staff, there are very few state environmental staff left in the DHSS Environmental Program for conducting field inspections.  All local jurisdictions that fall under the Core Public Health Contract are required to regulate the environmental activities below following the state guidelines.

Harrison County environmental services include regular inspections of restaurants, daycares, schools, taverns, hotels, grocery stores, caterers; temporary food stands at fairs and other events.  The county currently has approximately 58 food establishments including 26 restaurants, 6 schools, 13 convenience stores, 3 taverns, 5 grocery stores, one senior center, and 4 miscellaneous.  There were approximately 105 inspections completed in 2006 including all types of establishments.

There were approximately 2 onsite sewage related issues in 2006.  The majority of these had to do with commercial development and have been time-consuming issues.

Complaint investigations are also an important part of the job.  Environmental complaints include unsafe eating establishments, on-site sewage complaints, and refuse complaints.  Every complaint is investigated.  There were 3 complaints investigated in 2006.

The Health Department is also mandated to inspect truck wrecks that contain food for human consumptions and disaster investigations such as a fire at a grocery store, extended power outages, floods, or other disasters that could threaten the establishment's food supply.  There were two  truck wrecks in 2006 that required inspection.  The local health department must respond to these events in a timely manner, including off hours, and stay on site until the food product is in a secure location.

The local environmental program also provides technical assistance.  There are many questions and concerns about subjects such as private drinking water (test kits are available at a minimal fee).  Citizens can check their private wells for bacteria.  Currently, residents may also request a free radon test kit so that they may check their home for unsafe radon levels.  Technical assistance is also provided on such subjects as mold remediation, lead based paint issues, on-site sewage systems, and food manufacturing.

Chris Stiens
Environmental Public Health Specialist