Environmental Programs - Who We Are
Welcome to the Environmental Division of the Huron County General Health District!
This division of the health department employs Registered Sanitarians, commonly referred to as “health inspectors.” The primary role of a Registered Sanitarian is to reduce the risk of and/or prevent illness and injury (such as food borne or water borne illnesses) to the public through the enforcement of state and local regulations while providing education on environmental health. Please visit all the website pages of the Environmental Division to learn more about our programs.
How do you become a Registered Sanitarian?
A Registered Sanitarian (R.S.) must have a four-year college degree with an emphasis in the sciences, spend two years in training under the supervision of an R.S., and must pass a 250 question state exam. Upon obtaining R.S. certification, all sanitarians must receive at least 18 Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) annually to maintain their certification. For additional information visit http://sanitarian.ohio.gov/faq.stm
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do the restaurants know when you are coming to inspect them?
No. Our food inspections (with the exception of vending machines) are unannounced and unscheduled.
Do you “shut restaurants down” if they have a violation?
Very seldom do we need to enforce our ability to close a facility. Most operators want to cooperate with us and will frequently correct any violations while we are still present. Closing a facility would require violations found to cause imminent danger to public health.
Can I make an anonymous call to complain about a property/nuisance?
No. Our office currently requires that the complaint be made to our office in writing with a signature from the person filing the complaint. We will make every effort to maintain your confidence, but in a court of law, all files in the Environmental Health division are subject to public knowledge. The Public Health Nuisance Complaint Form is attached as hchd226 Nuisance form
What are your fees?
Our office has put together a fee summary for all the Environmental Division’s programs and services. Members of the District Licensing Council (DLC) reviews fees of state mandated programs. The District Advisory Council appoints DLC members with one of the members being appointed to sit on the Board of Health. The group meets annually and all meetings are considered open to the public.
Represented programs of current council members: Swimming Pools, Manufactured Home Parks, Food Service Operations, Tattoo/Body Piercing Parlors, Park/Campgrounds, and Retail Food Establishments.
To contact license council members send an email to information@huroncohealth.com. View our Environmental Fee Summary.
How do I get a hold of my Township Trustee and Zoning Inspector?
The Huron County Commissioner’s have a printer friendly list on their website at http://www.hccommissioners.com/html/township_detail.html.
Can I install my own septic system?
Yes. You don’t have to get registered; however, you do have to pass the test. The test is given through Operator Training Committee of Ohio, Inc (OTCO). There is a fee $15.00 fee to take the test in our office and a $60.00 fee to take it online at http://www.ohiowater.org/otco/pages/STS.htm. The test is open book. If you choose to come to our office, please arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. You will need to provide us with a copy of the receipt. We can provide a copy of the rules to use for the test or you may print your own: Chapter 29 Sewage Treatment Rules
How can I test my home for Radon?
The Huron County General Health District is currently participating in the State Indoor Radon Grant with Seneca County. Seneca County has provided the health district with Radon Test Kits for residents of Huron County. Please contact the Environmental Division to sign-up for a test kit. Results are most accurate when the test is done during the winter months when radon gases can be trapped in the home. Visit the Radon Information Center http://www.radon.com for additional information.
