Environmental Health
EHHD works to protect the health of the community through providing a variety of environmental health services. Most building projects require approval from the local health district before a building permit is issued. This is a critical step to insure a safe and sanitary project that will pose no risks to you, your neighbors, or future owners of the property. Additionally, Health District services pertaining to food service licensing and inspections are designed to uphold the sanitary code with regards to food service establishments.
Prevention Services
Septic Systems
EHHD provides oversight of all septic repair and installation plans.
- Application for Plan Review - needed when submitting plans for review of new septic system designs, repair system plans, alterations and septic tank replacements
- B100a Application - for building conversion, change of use, building addition, accessory structure and lot line change
- Septic System Application - Application for Permit to Construct or Repair a Sewage Disposal System
- Septic System As-Built Plan - needed when permitted installation is completed and approved. An accurate as-built helps homeowners find the septic tank and leaching field components for easier maintenance and care of the system
Other resources for Septic Systems
- So Now You Own a Septic System
- Care and Feeding of Your Septic System
- Groundwater Protection and Your Septic System
Water Quality
The Bathing Water Program at Eastern Highlands Health District tests the E. coli level in the water at 20 different bathing sites in the ten towns to assure that these areas are safe to swim in. The samples are taken once per week from mid-May through the end of August. The Commissioner of Health Services has established that concentrations of the E. coli indicator organism less than or equal to 235 per 100 milliliters of water is generally considered satisfactory for a single sample from a bathing area. A single sample with a concentration of this organism greater than 235 per 100 milliliters of water is in excess of that which is normally considered acceptable for bathing and a resample is required. If the resample comes back high, the beach will be shut down until the levels return to normal. Factors that may influence the growth of this organism include large populations of waterfowl, the number of bathers, and the amount of rainfall received at the time of testing.
Food Services
Other Resources for Water Quality
- Maintenance and Servicing of Water Related Appliances
- DPH List of Approved Environmental Laboratories (pdf format)
Soil Testing
Soil tests provide sanitarians with baseline data that help determine the suitability of a project in relation to the proposed area. A soil test is needed when submitting plans for new property development, subdivision, septic system repair, and B100a soil testing. Only a sanitarian can make the final determination if a soil test is needed. Please call or email to inquire.
Public Bathing Areas
All public bathing areas are inspected throughout the swimming season. Samples are collected from each area once per week for swimming water quality. Results are available to the public.
Housing Complaints
EHHD investigates complaints regarding unsafe and unsanitary conditions in rental housing and lack of essential services such as heat, hot water and electricity.
Vector Control
EHHD investigates a variety of insect and rodent problems such as mosquito breeding, rat infestation, bats and rabid raccoons.
Institutional Inspections
EHHD conducts routine school, motel, campground, daycare and group home inspections. EHHD assists the State of Connecticut with youth camp kitchen inspections.