Environmental Health & Food Inspections

Lead

Environmental Health staff investigate lead concerns and recommend abatement measures when nursing or epidemiology staff request support.

• https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/leadsafe/

 

Private Water and Wastewater Services

Environmental Health staff assist residents who want to install or currently use a private well or on‑site sewage system on their property. Staff guide residents through the activities, referrals, and documentation needed to obtain required permits for on‑site sewage disposal. They also conduct harmful algal bloom investigations as part of this program.

• Check this site to find an onsite system designer or installer
• File an application for well and/or septic
• Read the Water and Wastewater Regulations.
• Harmful Algal Bloom
• Reporting Form for Harmful Algal Bloom

 

Food Safety and Inspections 

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Food Safety Program works with restaurant operators to ensure safe food handling and reduce risk factors that can cause foodborne illness. VDH partners with food establishments to support safe and satisfying food service across the Commonwealth. Restaurant owners, operators, managers, and employees can find information about permitting, inspections, training, and other food safety resources here.

• You can view routine food inspections of your favorite food facility.
• Apply for a food facility permit
• If you are interested in applying for a permit for a temporary event, please visit our page on Temporary Food Establishments. This must be done at least 10 days before your event.
  • Event Coordinators Application 

Tourist Establishment Regulations

For information about permitting and inspections, select one of the following:

• Pool and Spa Safety
• Campgrounds
• Lodging - Hotel, Motels, and Bed and Breakfasts

 

Rabies Control 

Our environmental and nursing professionals work together whenever there is the potential for human rabies. Our environmental health professionals also oversee animal confinement and quarantine, collect specimens for lab analysis, and often participate in rabies vaccination clinics.

• Rabies Fact Sheet
• Rabies Control

If you are bitten by an animal:

• Stay calm and wash the wound thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. Thorough washing greatly reduces the chance of infection. Provide first aid as you would for any wound.
• If you can do so safely, capture the animal under a large box or container, or make sure you can identify it before it leaves the area. Do not try to pick up the animal. Call animal control or law enforcement to handle it.
• Contact your healthcare provider right away and explain how the bite occurred. Your provider will want to know whether the animal has been captured. They will examine your wound and determine whether you need anti‑rabies treatment or other care.
• Report the bite to your local health department.