Environmental Health

EH Forms & Regulations

Food Service Inspections

2013 EH Fee Schedule

2013 Food Services Fees

Public Beach Monitoring

Smoke-Free Michigan

 

 

The Environmental Health Division of the Grand Traverse County Health Department protects the public health through programs established by the Public Health Code and local Sanitary Ordinances. These programs focus on the prevention of disease and exposure to pollutants via education, inspection of facilities and enforcement of the referenced laws. Most of the prevention and abatement of environmental threats are accomplished through education of the clients and the general population. The Environmental Health Division of the department consists of seven professional environmental health staff referred to as “Sanitarians”. Sanitarians are registered by the State of Michigan to provide the services of the Division. A clerical staff of two full-time individuals acts as support staff.

**HEALTH ALERT**  Health Advisory to Properties Affected by Boardman River Flooding Warm Weather is Here:  It's Time to Protect Against Tick and Lyme Disease - read more now. What's New in Environmental Health List & Description of Programs and Services Offered Through Environmental Health

 

 

Food Service Inspections Find the most recent reports on all Food Service Establishments   Public Beach Monitoring. Read the most up to date reports here! 2011-12 Michigan Fish Advisory Wonder what to do with your old medication? Learn where to easily recycle every day items at the "Take It Back" recycle program

 

Programs/Services

 

AIR QUALITY

BEACH MONITORING INFORMATION

BODY ART LICENSING

CAMPGROUNDS

FOOD SERVICE

GROUNDWATER PROTECTION

HAZARDOUS WASTE

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS

PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL WATER SUPPLIES

SEPTIC TANK CLEANERS

SITE SURVEY

SUBDIVISION / PLAT

VECTOR CONTROL

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL WATER SUPPLIES

Well permits are issued for homes and businesses, which are not served by municipal water systems. The Sanitarian conducts field evaluations, reviews construction plans, and consults with homeowners and well drillers on proper well installations. Permits are issued for construction of new and replacement wells. The Environmental Health Division assists persons who have concerns or problems with water quality. (Authority: Safe Drinking Water Act, Act 399 of 1976; the Groundwater Quality Control Act, Part 127; State Health Code, Act 368 of P.A. 1978.)

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RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL

On-site sewage disposal permits are issued for homes and businesses, which are not served by municipal sewer systems. Field evaluations are conducted to determine the suitability of conditions for on-site disposal of sewage. The Sanitarian reviews construction plans, consults with owners and engineers on proper design and construction of on-site systems. Permits are issued for the construction of new and replacement sewage systems and final inspections are conducted to assure that systems are installed according to required rules and regulations. (Authority: Environmental Heath Regulations for Grand Traverse County Health Department.)

 

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SITE SURVEY

Site Surveys involve the evaluation of vacant property that would not be served by municipal sewer systems. The Sanitarian conducts field evaluations to determine soil types, ground water evaluations, distances to surface waters and other site conditions that would affect the suitability of the property for on-site disposal of sewage.

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SUBDIVISION / PLAT

The Grand Traverse County Health Department evaluates the proposed subdivision of property that would not be served by municipal water and sewer systems. The Sanitarian consults with land surveyors and engineers on the suitability of site conditions for the installation of on-site sewage and well systems. Field evaluations are conducted to determine soil types, distances to surface and ground water, slopes and other factors that might effect the installation of sewage and well systems. (Authority: Subdivision Control Act, Act 288 of 1967, Land Division Act, Act 591, 1977. Also, follow Department of Environmental Quality Administrative Rules R560.401 to R560.428 of Act 368 for On-Site Water Supply and Sewage Disposal for Land Divisions and Subdivisions.)

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PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS

 

The Grand Traverse County Health Department, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, conducts routine inspections of swimming pools, which are used by the public. Construction plans for new and remodeled pools are reviewed to assure compliance with State requirements. The Sanitarian consults with owners and operators on the proper operation and maintenance of public swimming pools. (Authority: Act 368 of 1978.)

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CAMPGROUNDS

Routine inspections of campgrounds are conducted to assure that conditions of the facilities are safe and meet State rules and regulations. The Sanitarian reviews plans, and consults with engineers on proposed campground construction. (Authority: Act 368 of 1978.) 

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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

The Grand Traverse County Health Department is requested to inspect certain facilities, which are licensed by the Michigan Department of Human Services. These facilities range from family day care homes to children's camps. The Sanitarian inspects the facility’s water and sewage disposal system, evaluates food handling practices and general environmental conditions of the facility.

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FOOD SERVICE

Food establishments and vending locations, which dispense food and drinks to the public, are routinely inspected. Food service operators and food service personnel are consulted on the safe handling and preparation of food. Education of the food service operator on the proper methods of safe food handling is a vital function of the Environmental Health Division. The Sanitarian reviews and approves proposed new and remodeled food service facilities and approves food service licenses. The Grand Traverse County Health Department also investigates instances of possible foodborne illness in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Agriculture. (Authority: Act No. 92 of P.A. 2000.)

Click here to find out how to apply for a food service license.

Click here to report foodborne illness

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AIR QUALITY

 

Investigation of complaints concerning indoor and outdoor air quality. Analysis of air quality for contaminants, such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and radon may be done by the Environmental Health Division.

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VECTOR CONTROL

The Environmental Health Division is involved in the investigation of complaints and conducts surveys of rodent or insect infestation and evaluates their possible effect on the health and safety of the public. Surveillance activities related to the detection of West Nile virus in the wild bird population would be an example of work in this program.

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HAZARDOUS WASTE

The Grand Traverse County Health Department coordinates with the Department of Environmental Quality concerning local problems associated with the safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. The Health Department is active in the promotion of recycling and local household hazardous waste programs.

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PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES

The Grand Traverse County Health Department contracts with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for the location and installation of water systems serving more than 25 users on a daily basis. Concerns and complaints regarding the safety of these systems are investigated by the Sanitarian.

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SEPTIC TANK CLEANERS

 

The Grand Traverse County Health Department, in cooperation with Department of Environmental Quality, inspects and licenses those businesses that clean and pump septic tanks. The vehicles and disposal sites are evaluated to determine whether they meet rules and regulations pertaining to this type of business. (Authority: Part 117 of P.A. 451 of 1994.)

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GROUNDWATER PROTECTION

The Grand Traverse County Health Department works in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to prevent groundwater contamination. The Sanitarian investigates sources of contamination that threaten groundwater quality and assists in elimination of these sources. Water supplies are sampled to determine the impact that contamination may have on the safety of the drinking water.

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BODY ART LICENSING

Those businesses and individuals who offer tattooing, body piercing, branding, and scarification procedures are licensed and inspected. These procedures have been associated with the transmission of Hepatitis B and may be potentially associated with the transmission of the HIV virus and other infections and communicable diseases. The body art facilities, equipment, and practices are evaluated to determine whether they are adequate to prevent the spread of disease. (Authority: Local Ordinance.)

TATTOO AFTERCARE BODY ART ORDINANCE

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BEACH MONITORING INFORMATION 

Please visit the following link for more information:

http://www.deq.state.mi.us/beach/public/default.aspx

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