Jackson County Department of Public Health, Sylva, NC

Environmental Health

Food, Lodging and Institutional Sanitation

The goal of the Environmental Health section, in this program, is to ensure that the establishments operating in Jackson County meet the minimum sanitation standards as required by the Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources.

This program consists of frequent inspections of all cafes, restaurants, motels, hotels, summer camps, food and drink stands, meat markets, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, rest homes, daycare centers, swimming pools and spas, tattoo parlors, jails and educational institutions.  Each of these facilities are governed by laws and rules established by the Commission for Health Services through the legislative process.  To aid establishments in obtaining and maintaining quality sanitary standard, the Environmental Health section conducts ongoing education in sanitary practices, operation, personal hygiene, food quality and personnel management.

The following link will access all the rules for the above named establishments as well as recalls for food related items, time in lieu of temperature application, plan review application and other material related to food, lodging and institutional sanitation:  www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs.

Some fees are charged for these services.

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Food, Lodging Inspections Grades

This site provides complete data, including specific violations and inspection scores for establishments operating in Jackson County.

https://webapp.cdp-ky.com/NCENVPBL/ESTABLISHMENT/ShowESTABLISHMENTTablePage.aspx?ESTTST_CTY=50

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On-site WasteWater

North Carolina General Statutes state that a person owning or controlling a residence, place of business or place of public assembly shall provide an approved sanitary sewage system.  As a result, the Commission for Health Services has compiled rules and regulations addressing the placement, design, installation and maintenance of subsurface ground absorption sewage disposal systems (septic tank systems).

The Environmental Health section, as authorized agents of the Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources, ensures that these rules and regulations are enforced and the public’s health is protected.

The following link will access these rules and regulations and other information concerning sewage disposal:  http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/osww_new/new1//index.htm.

Fees are charged for this service.

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Wells and Water Sampling

North Carolina General Statutes state that each county, through the local health department that serves the county, shall implement a private drinking water well permitting, inspection and testing program.  As a result, a permit must be obtained from the local health department before any well is located, constructed, repaired or abandoned.

The Environmental Health section conducts a field evaluation of a proposed well site to determine if the proper distances can be obtained from any potential source of groundwater contamination prior to issuance of a permit to construct a well.  An inspection is conducted after the construction or repair of a well to ensure compliance with the permit and the rules for the issuance of a certificate of completion.  A water sample must be obtained from the well and tested for bacteria, nitrates, nitrites and inorganic chemicals.

The Environmental Health section also offers the same testing and consultation for existing wells that were drilled before permits were required.  The following link will access the rules and regulation governing wells and water sampling: http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/osww_new/new1//index.htm.

Fees are charged for this service.

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Animal Control

The Environmental Health section is responsible for the enforcement of the Jackson County Animal Control ordinance and the operation of the Jackson County Animal Shelter.

The primary purpose of the Animal Shelter is the prevention of rabies through animal control.  The shelter also provides adoption services, stray animal pick-up and investigates all animal bites.

All animal bites are required to be reported to the Animal Control Department.  Animal bites after hours are handled through Jackson County Dispatch.  Animal Shelter website:  www.jacksonanimalshelter.org

Fees are charged for adoptions.

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Lead Investigation

Lead poisoning is one of the most preventable childhood health problems today.  The Environmental Health section conducts investigations to determine possible sources of lead exposure and develops strategies to abate lead hazards.

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Complaint Investigations

Complaint investigation encompasses all the programs implemented and maintained by the Environmental Health Section of the Jackson County Department of Public Health.  If a resident within Jackson County feels that an issue or occurrence might be a public health hazard or threat, an investigation will occur and a determination made.  If needed, corrective action will be initiated and monitored until the abatement of the problem has occurred.

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Environmental Health Staff

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Available Forms and information sheets

Application for septic system and or well* Page 1 Page 2

Property preparation checklist (must accompany application) (DOC)

General Information (DOC)

Information Sheet for Wells (DOC)

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*If applicant is not the owner of the property, the section of Application titled

“Authorization to Act as Agent” must be completed

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NOTICE:  ALL SEPTIC SYSTEM INSTALLERS MUST BE CERTIFIED FOR THE TYPE SYSTEM

BEING INSTALLED