Environmental Health Division

The Environmental Health Division is an educational and regulatory agency dedicated to protect, preserve, and promote the health of the residents of Tompkins County through the natural and man-made environments.
Some activities are partly funded by user fees; a fee schedule can be obtained from the Environmental Health office. Call (607) 274-6688, or email TCEH@tompkins-co.org.

Air Quality:

• Indoor Mold Concerns
• Indoor Carbon Monoxide
• Exterior Paint Removal Guidelines
• Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) compliance
• Open burning regulations in Tompkins County

Applications

• Temporary Food Service
   » Temp Food Svcs FAQ
• Children's Camps
• Fee Schedule (PDF, 155KB)
   » Operating permit, Plan review, Development, and other fees

Communicable Disease Control:

• Investigate and analyze all food and water-borne illnesses.

Environmental Health Emergencies:

• Investigate situations which may cause public health problems.

Food Program:

• Issues permits, inspects facilities and reviews and approves plans. Provides educational information (handouts, posters, stickers, etc.), seminars and training.

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Course information.
• Food Safety for Food Service Employees and Volunteers Course.
• Monthly Inspection Highlights of permitted food service facilities.
• Restaurant Owner's Manual
• For more information on our food program, plus additional links, click here.

Mobile Home Parks:

• Inspect for safety, sanitation, and drinking water quality.

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS):

• Ensure systems are designed and constructed to protect neighborhoods and county water resources. Previously referred to as "Sewage Systems".
  NEW: Effective 1/1/2012, a permit is required for replacing a septic tank. Details here...

• Procedure for obtaining a permit to construct a sewage treatment system
• Lot size and permit requirements for constructing a sewage treatment system
• Application for sewage system construction permit
• Sewage system maintenance for homeowners

Rabies Control:

• Investigate exposures and provide vaccinations for dogs and cats to prevent human rabies.

• Fact sheet: Our Rabies Information Sheet contains important phone numbers, rabies information and mandatory pet vaccination information.
• Vaccination clinics: All pets must be vaccinated against rabies. EH sponsors free rabies vaccination clinics at locations throughout the county. Click here for a schedule of upcoming rabies clinics.

Recreation Facilities:

• Inspect for adequate staffing, fire safety, drinking and swimming water quality. Children's Camps

Residential Development:

• Approve residential developments, sewer and water extensions, and treatment plants to ensure safe and healthy communities.

Sewage: See OWTS

Tobacco Regulations:

• Enforce laws in worksites, public places, and retail sales to minors (ATUPA.) Investigate complaints and educate. Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) compliance.

Water Systems:

• Monitor public water systems to ensure safe drinking water quality and to aid homeowners with water problems.

• Your Private Water Well
• Coliform Bacteria and Your Drilled Well
• Shock Disinfection of Water Supply Systems
• Annual Water Week activities
• Comments submitted to the NYSDEC regarding the draft SGEIS for gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale: Click Here

West Nile Virus:

• To report dead crows call (607) 274-6688. For information regarding West Nile Virus click here.

 
Some activities are partly funded by user fees. Download a fee schedule (pdf, 29KB) or contact the Environmental Health office.

 

• Children with Special Care Needs
• Environmental Health
• Health Promotion Program
• Immunization Clinics
• Div. for Community Health
• MOMS Program
• Vital Records
• WIC (Women Infants & Children)
• Notice of Privacy Practices
• Press Room News
• Tompkins County Home
• Contact TCHD
• Map to TCHD