Environmental Health Division
The Environmental Health Division of South Central Public Health District works closely with other state and local agencies to ensure safe drinking water, safe food, and healthful environments in the communities in which we live. Environmental Health Specialists in each of our offices issue permits and make environmental assessments for a variety of programs including food establishments, child care centers, swimming pools, sewage disposal systems, and drinking water. Staff carry out important educational and prevention functions, as well as regulatory functions, by conducting classes for food service workers and others. |
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Environmental Health Programs and Services |
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Fee Schedule
Environmental Health Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2009. (pdf)
Other Environmental Questions
Who should you call when you have an environmental question?
Here is a resource list of Idaho agencies that handle environmental issues.
Child Care
Environmental Health Specialists provide technical assistance relative to disease prevention and general hygienic practices for child care operators. We also conduct inspections for licensed child care facilities and for child care providers registered with the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP). Classes for C.P.R. and first aid are available through South Central Public Health District.
The Idaho State Training and Registry System ( IdahoSTARS ) is devoted to increasing public awareness about the importance of quality child care. Parents can view childcare public service announcements and newsletters, print off provider checklists, take a survey, and access many other resources on this website.
Child Care Facility Inspections
Food Protection Services
Environmental Health Specialists inspect, permit, and provide consultative services to food service establishments. We also review applications for temporary food operations and review plans for new food establishments.
We develop training curriculum and provide training classes for food service workers. Our training classes are offered with Spanish and Bosnian interpretation assistance upon request.
Food Establishment Inspections
Food Safety Coalition
Community members working together to advocate, collaborate and educate (ACE) people about food safety.
More Food Safety Coalition Information
Hot Topics
Flood Information
If flooding or other natural disasters occur in your area, the following link provides information about how to protect your home and help you assess your food and water supply. The Environmental Health division of South Central Public Health District handles well and septic system questions, as well as food supply information for businesses. Environmental Health inspectors and subject matter experts work in SCPHD offices in Bellevue, Burley, Gooding, Jerome, Rupert, and Twin Falls.
Coal-Fired Power Plants
A proposal to build a coal-fired power plant in south central Idaho in 2006 engendered many questions from the public regarding the health, environmental, and permitting issues involved with such a facility. South Central Public Health District, in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Health, prepared answers to some of the most common questions the community raised regarding coal-fired plants. Follow the link below for more information.
Indoor Air Quality
Environmental Health Specialists provide information on a variety of indoor air contaminants that are asthma triggers and environmental health hazards. This section covers secondhand smoke, dust mites, mold, radon, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, asbestos, lead, sanitation, chemical storage, and child safety in the home. Information provided explains the health effects, how to test for various contaminants, what precautions to take, and where to get additional information.
Radon Testing Kits
Radon testing kits are available from South Central Public Health District. For your free kit, call your local public health office.
Land Development
Environmental Health Specialists review applications and provide consultations and inspection services to facilitate the removal of sanitary restrictions on subdivisions. For more information, contact an Environmental Health Specialist in your local South Central Public Health District office.
Public Drinking Water Monitoring
Environmental Health Specialists provide technical assistance and monitoring oversight for small public drinking water systems. For further information contact the Drinking Water Coordinator or call your local South Central Public Health District office.
Sewage Disposal
Environmental Health Specialists review applications and issue permits for new and repaired subsurface sewage disposal systems (septic tanks). South Central Public Health District also provides education, testing, and licensing for subsurface sewage installers.
South Central Public Health District provides lists of installers and pumpers as a public service, but does not certify or recommend any contractors on the list. We suggest you thoroughly research a firm's qualifications and history before contracting with it.
Solid Waste
South Central Public Health District conducts licensing and inspection of municipal solid waste facilities and transfer stations. We also provide technical assistance regarding disposal of miscellaneous products.
Swimming Pools
Environmental Health Specialists review plans for new and remodeled pools. We also provide consultations and annual inspection services for public swimming pools.
Vector Control
Environmental Health Specialists provide technical assistance for the control of mice, ticks, mosquitoes, or other known vectors of disease. For further information contact the Vector Control Coordinator or call your local South Central Public Health District office.
Mosquito Abatement
If you would like more information about mosquito abatement districts, please click the link below to review Idaho statutes regarding the formation and operation of districts.
Well Testing
South Central Public Health District does not test wells, but we can provide you with the tools to test your own well. For free sample collection bottles and technical assistance, contact your local public health office.