Environmental Health and Safety

Environmental and consumer protection programs for food service and public facilities, general sanitation and on-site sewage disposal systems.

Environmentalists are responsible for a variety of law-mandated inspections. They have the primary responsibility for preventing food borne illness in the retail food sector. Through the proper application of existing laws and regulations, they endeavor to practice prevention by licensing, routinely inspecting and responding to consumer complaints against food establishments within the health district.

Food manufacturing inspections are done on bakeries, bottling plants, distilleries, food manufacturing plants, food storage warehouses, grain storage elevators and vending machines.

Environmentalists conduct investigations related to public health nuisances such as failing septic systems, rodent harborage and vectors, as well as food-borne illnesses. Regular inspections include:
 

• Food service establishments (restaurants, bars, cafeterias, concessions and seasonal food operations)

• Retail markets (supermarkets, meat markets and convenience stores)

• Hotels and motels

• Mobile homes and recreational vehicle parks

• Public buildings

• School buildings

• Septic tank cleaning vehicles

• Youth camps (day camps and residential camps)

• Public swimming pools (inspection and monitoring of water quality)

When requested, the testing of cisterns, and wells in residential homes is done. Please call 859.341.4151 for Environmental Health Services or 859.341.4246 for the On-site Sewage Program. 

Childhood Lead Poisoning Investigations 
The Northern Kentucky Health Department encourages all children under the age of 6 to be screened for lead poisoning. Screenings can be done through your private physician or at one of the Health Department’s four county health centers. For more information on lead, visit the lead screening page or call 859.341.4151.

Food Manager Certification Classes 
A certification program has been implemented for all food service managers. Local regulations require a certified manager to be on duty during all hours of operation. Please call 859.341.4151 for more information. For a schedule of class times and a printable registration form, please click here.

Rabies Control
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal and affecting the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. Visit our rabies page for more information.

Radon and Indoor Air Quality Education 
Free radon test kits as well as general information concerning radon or indoor air quality is available on request by calling 859.341.4151, ext. 2022. Or you can e-mail your name and address to Laura Strevels. Visit our radon page for more information.

Septic Systems 
Environmentalists issue permits and conduct inspections on septic systems. Contact the On-site Sewage Program at 859.341.4246.