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The Division of Environmental Health promotes the health, welfare, and safety
of county residents primarily through the enforcement of New York State and Rensselaer
County Sanitary Code regulations. Programs administered by this division include
the following:
Children’s Camp Program
The health and safety of children attending summer day and overnight children’s
camps are enhanced by department inspections to keep them in compliance with
the New York State Sanitary Code. Camp programs are evaluated to insure proper
supervision, general program safety, fire safety, aquatics safety and supervision,
medical qualifications and adequate sanitary facilities.
Camps receive a minimum of two inspections per year, one in the preseason and
one during operation of the camping season. Compliance with the New York State
and Rensselaer County Sanitary Codes results in issuance of a Permit to Operate
for the season. Each camp must receive a Permit to Operate annually.
State Sanitary Code Subpart 7-2, Children's Camps
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Food Service Sanitation
This program is designed to protect the public health by ensuring that operators of food service facilities including restaurants, schools, day care centers, temporary food stands, fairs and festivals, caters and mobile food vendors provide food in such a way as to avoid health hazards.
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Individual Wastewater Treatment
Plans for wastewater disposal systems proposed for building lots not served by
public sewage disposal systems are submitted to the health department by New
York State licensed design professionals. Upon design approval by this department,
a permit to construct is issued by the department. Environmental Health Division
staff witness soil tests, review plans, collect water samples and conduct inspections
to ascertain compliance with New York State and Rensselaer County sanitary code
regulations. Prior to health department certification, the design professional
must certify that the project has been completed in accordance with the approved
plan.
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Individual Water Supplies
Private water supplies (i.e. residential wells) are routinely evaluated in conjunction
with sewage disposal plan reviews. County residents may receive assistance upon
request regarding a variety of well water issues.
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Lead Hazard Abatement
The Environmental Health Division provides environmental assessments of dwellings
where children with evaluated blood lead levels reside. The assessments include
x-ray fluorescence analysis of painted surfaces, education, interim remediation,
abatement recommendations and techniques, and final clearance of abatement procedures.
The Environmental Health Division works in conjunction with the Division of Nursing
to provide comprehensive lead prevention services.
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Migrant Labor Camps
A permit must be obtained to operate a migrant labor camp in accordance with
New York State sanitary code regulations, renewed annually. Inspections are conducted
by Environmental Health Division staff.
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Public Health Nuisances
Vermin (i.e. rats and cockroaches), sewage overflows, and mosquito breeding are
but a few types of potential public health issues defined as “public health
nuisances.” Environmental Health Division staff respond to public health
nuisance complaints in accordance with Article 2 of the Rensselaer County Sanitary
Code, however the city, town or village code enforcement officer must be notified
first. Involving the city, town, village in which the nuisance is present assures
that they have knowledge and involvement in the resolution from the beginning.
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Public Water Program
Assuring the distribution of safe, potable drinking water to all residents of
the county is the main objective of the Public Water Supply Program. All water
supplies are required to submit water samples for analysis to the Environmental
Health Division for review. Water supplies serving the public are routinely sampled
for bacteriological contaminants, radiological, lead and copper levels, synthetic,
volatile organic and inorganic compounds, as well as a variety other compounds.
Annual inspections and numerous field visits are conducted by this office to
assure compliance with the New York State Sanitary Code, Part 5-1.
Approved New York State Department of Health Burea of Public Water Supply Protection forms are availble. To access please click the link below:
Public Water Supply Protection Forms
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Realty Subdivision Program
Plans for proposed subdivisions are submitted to the Environmental Health Division
by New York State licensed professionals (usually professional engineers) for
review in an ongoing effort to ensure safe drinking water and safe wastewater
disposal for the proposed communities. Environmental Health Division staff also
conduct inspections to facilitate the process in accordance with New York State
and Rensselaer County sanitary code regulations.
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Smoking Restrictions
The New York State Clean Indoor Air Act requires the local health department
to enforce indoor air regulations pertaining to smoking of tobacco products.
Smoking in public places, schools, restaurants and the work place and sale of
tobacco products to minors (Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act) are primary
areas of regulatory activities.
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Swimming Pools and Bathing Beaches
The purpose of this program is to assure a sanitary, healthful and safe environment
for the public when using public swimming pools and bathing beaches. Water recreation
facilities are required to submit monthly operation reports, safety plans, emergency
plans and lifeguard certification information, all of which are reviewed by the
Environmental Health Division for compliance with the New York State Sanitary
Code. Facilities require a permit from this department to operate, renewed annually.
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Tattoo and Body Piercing
Any business established for the purpose of providing tattoos or body piercing
in Rensselaer County must first obtain a Permit to Operate from the health department.
Environmental Health Division staff conduct inspections on an annual and complaint
basis to minimize the risk of bloodborne pathogens. A Permit to Operate must
be renewed annually and with a change in owner or operator.
Temporary Residences
Temporary residences (hotels, motels, trailer parks and campgrounds) are routinely
inspected to insure adequate sanitation, fire safety, safe drinking water, satisfactory
food service and aquatic facilities and control of vermin. These facilities are
under permit by the department, which must be renewed annually and with a change
in owner or operator.
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