ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
rachel.moresea@fairfieldcountyohio.gov
The Fairfield County Environmental Health Division is committed to protecting and improving the lives of residents by investigating health problems and environmental public health hazards, and enforcing public health laws.
Our staff of experienced registered environmental health specialists, environmental health specialists in training and clerical staff work hard to keep our division running smoothly.
Rabies is a serious but preventable viral disease that affects mammals and is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal. The virus attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Protecting yourself and your family starts with vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wildlife, and seeking immediate medical care after any animal bite.
Tattooing and body piercing carry serious health risks if proper sanitation is not followed. To protect public health, all body art establishments in Fairfield County are licensed and inspected by the local board of health in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 3701.9. Registered Sanitarians conduct annual inspections and investigate complaints to ensure operators follow required safety, sterilization, and infection prevention standards.
Campgrounds and resident camps in Fairfield County are licensed and inspected to help ensure safe, healthy recreational environments. The Fairfield County Health Department conducts plan reviews for temporary and resident camps, while permanent campground plan reviews are administered through the Ohio Department of Health.
The Food Safety Program works to protect public health by inspecting restaurants, grocery stores, schools, healthcare facilities, and mobile and temporary food operations throughout Fairfield County. Through routine inspections and education, the program helps prevent foodborne illness and promotes safe food handling practices, contributing to a strong record of food safety within the community.
Indoor air quality plays a major role in overall health, especially since most people spend the majority of their time indoors. Pollutants such as mold, radon, lead, asbestos, and household chemicals can build up inside homes and workplaces, sometimes at levels far higher than outdoors. Understanding common indoor air hazards, how they spread, and ways to reduce exposure can help protect your family and create a healthier indoor environment.
The Fairfield County Health Department provides land lot inspections and subdivision review to help determine whether property can be developed for residential or commercial use. Through on-site evaluations and soil analysis, staff assess lot suitability for sewage treatment systems and overall compliance with health regulations. This process applies to existing lots, proposed lot splits, and new subdivisions, ensuring land is properly evaluated before development or survey work begins.
The Fairfield County Health Department works to reduce the risk of mosquito borne and tick borne diseases through prevention, education, and active control efforts. This program focuses on minimizing exposure to disease carrying insects, monitoring local populations, and providing guidance to help residents protect themselves, their families, and their homes.
The Plumbing Program at the Fairfield County Health Department supports public health by overseeing commercial and residential plumbing systems through education, permitting, and inspections. Established under local regulation effective January 1, 2006, the program provides guidance for contractors and homeowners, including registration requirements, permit applications, plan reviews, and inspection scheduling.
The Fairfield County Health Department inspects public swimming pools, spas, and special use pools to help prevent injuries, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and ensure safe aquatic environments for the community. These facilities are regulated under Ohio Administrative Code 3701-31 and must also comply with federal safety requirements, including the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. In addition to inspections and enforcement, this program provides education and resources to promote healthy swimming practices and reduce the spread of recreational water illnesses.
It is a common misconception that a home inspection is required before a property can be sold. While Ohio law does not require an inspection prior to sale, many lending institutions request one as part of the buying process. The Fairfield County Health Department offers real estate inspections for a fee, which may include evaluation of the household sewage treatment system and inspection and testing of the private water system to help identify potential public health concerns.
The Fairfield County Health Department Inspection Website. The Environmental Division promotes public health by addressing many of the environmental factors that can affect human health. The primary role of the environmental staff is to prevent human illness or injury through public education, regulation and advocacy. Sanitarians in the department perform a wide variety of public health functions which include inspection, regulation, and enforcement of multiple programs.
Ohio’s sewage treatment regulations, effective January 1, 2015, establish standards for the installation and oversight of onsite sewage systems. As Fairfield County continues to grow, the Fairfield County Health Department manages permitting, inspections, and compliance for household and small flow sewage treatment systems to help protect public health and the environment. Resources, applications, and guidance are provided to assist property owners through the process.
Fairfield County’s Solid Waste Regulations provide guidance on proper waste handling, disposal, and recycling to help protect public health and the environment. This section includes information on local recycling options, state approved recycling programs, and resources for safely managing household and commercial waste. You will also find links for nuisance complaints, disposal of special items such as paint and sharps, and regulations related to open burning and tattoo facilities. These resources are designed to help residents and businesses stay informed and compliant with waste management requirements.
The Private Water Systems Program oversees wells, springs, cisterns, and ponds used as drinking water sources to help ensure safe and reliable water for Fairfield County residents. This state mandated program requires permits for new wells and well alterations, along with water sampling to verify that drinking water meets health standards. Samples are tested for contaminants such as coliform bacteria, E. coli, and nitrates before approval is granted. All well drillers operating in Ohio are registered and inspected annually by the Ohio Department of Health to maintain proper licensing and compliance.
