Environmental Health

Environmental Health Department / Sanitarian

The Environmental Health Department is responsible for the environmental health for the citizens of Jefferson County.

Septic Duties

• Provide enforcement of and information about the County Ordinance regarding septic systems (PDF file).
• Specify, permit and inspect all new septic systems.
• Provide septic inspections at Time of Transfer (all applicable transfer of property must have a septic system inspection)
  Note: As of July 1, 2009, the State of Iowa has jurisdiction over Time of Transfer inspections (See State website).
  Criteria for Time of Transfer Septic System Inspection (PDF).
  Time of Transfer Inspection Exemptions (PDF).
  Note: The new owner must apply for a new Discharge Authorization Permit
  The Notice of Intent Form is on the DNR website (This form goes to the County Sanitarian).
• Provide information about septic system use and maintenance:
  Caring for Your Septic System and More Caring information (PDF files).

Document Downloads

(click to download/view PDF)

Well Duties

• Approve permits for new wells. 
• Oversee State Grant for old well reconstruction or plugging and filling cisterns. For information and to receive grant funds call 641-472-2561.
• Conducts (free) well-water testing. For well-water information, see the University of Iowa Well Testing Basics web page.

Radon Duties

• RADON – Provide information about radon.
  January of each year is Radon Action Month which is a good time to test your home for radon.
  Radon test kits can be purchased locally or by going to www.lchh.org.
  Go here for more information or here, or lung.org
  or call the Iowa Dept. of Public Health Radon Hot Line: 800-383-5992

Tanning / Tatoo / Pools

• Inspect tanning salons and provide owner/management testing. For information, see the Iowa Department of Public Health website
• Inspect tattoo establishments. For information, see the Iowa Department of Public Health website
• Public Pool Inspections info

Food Inspections

• Food inspections in Jefferson County are conducted by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. For information or an inspection, call 515-281-6538.   The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is responsible for administering and enforcing the Iowa Food Code. (Updated 10/20/15)   Visit their website here
• Note: The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation provides on-line courses:
  For ServSafe Manager:
  For ServSafe Food Handler

Related Links & Resources (Offsite):

Iowa Department of Public Health Website
For Healthy Homes, from the Iowa Dept of Health

Mold information

• Iowa Department of Public Health
• Iowa Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health. – FAQs about Mold (PDF).
• From the EPA Mold and Moisture website

Bed Bug information

• Iowa Dept of Public Health
• EPA – Bed Bugs-Get Them Out and Keep Them Out
• Illinois Dept of Public Health
• A Beyond Pesticides Factsheet
• Central Ohio Bed Bug Task Force
• Vermont Dept of Health, about bedbugs

Other

New – Lyme Disease, from the Iowa Department of Health website

West Nile Virus, from the Iowa Department of Public Health

Zika Virus, from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Lead Poisoning: How to Protect Iowa Families, the brochure, has been updated and approved by EPA for continued use in Iowa –

Rabies information, from the Iowa Dept of Health

Asbestos, from a website from the United States Environmental Protection Agency where you can learn about Asbestos

Avian Influenza Information, from the CDC

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