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Food, Lodging, and Institution 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, tattoo parlors, jails and educational institutions. These inspections cover such items as cleanliness, good food-handling practices and proper food protection during preparation, storage and transportation. To aid establishments in obtaining and maintaining quality sanitary standards, the Environmental Health section conducts ongoing education in sanitary practices, operation, personal hygiene, food quality, and personnel management. Reviewing plans of new construction and remodeling projects helps to obtain good quality operation and sanitation. To aid restaurants and other food handling establishments, the Environmental Health Section conducts safe food-handling courses. The Serve Safe food-handling course is offered approximately three times per year.
On-Site Waste Water
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 of the Jackson County Department of Public Health, 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. A fee is charged for this service.
Lead Investigations
Lead poisoning is one of the most prevalent and preventable childhood health problems today. The Jackson County Department of Public Health Environmental Health Section conducts investigations to determine possible sources of exposure and develops strategies to abate the hazard.
Radon Testing
The United States Surgeon General has determined that radon gas presents a substantial risk to the health of United States citizens. Radon gas is known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. it is recommended that most homes be tested for the presence of radon gas. The Environmental Health Section is conducting an ongoing radon testing program for homeowners of Jackson County to minimize the risks associated with expose to radon gas. A fee is charged.
Complaint Investigation
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 nuisance, our staff will investigate the issue and make a determination. If needed, corrective action will be initiated and monitored until the abatement of the problem has occurred.
Animal Control
The Jackson County Animal Shelter is operated by the Jackson County Department of Public Health. The Animal Shelter is located near the airport in Cullowhee. The purpose of the Animal Shelter is animal control and rabies control. The shelter also provides adoption services, stray animal pick-up, and handles all animal bites. Fees are charged for adoptions. The Animal Shelter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Animal bites after-hours are handled by Jackson County Dispatch.
Jackson County Animal Shelter Website
Well Inspection Program
The Jackson County Board of Health has adopted rules and regulations designed to protect and advance the public’s health by enforcing reasonable standards and requirements as may be necessary to protect the groundwater resources of Jackson County. All aspects of the well drilling process such as grouting placement, casing placement, disinfection, and wellhead protection are inspected to insure compliance with these rules and regulations.
A well permit must be obtained prior to drilling. The cost is $200.00 per well. The well location must be approved before the permit can be issued. Safe set back distances from potential sources of contamination are strictly adhered to. After the well is complete, a water sample is collected at no additional charge and the water is tested for bacteria to determine if the water is safe for consumption.
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