Disaster and Disease
The Monongalia County Health Department provides a wide range of services dealing with disaster and disease, with rabies investigations being one of the most widely known. Between 125 and 150 animal encounter investigations are investigated each year with 50 to 75 samples being submitted for rabies testing. Monongalia County has been endemic with rabies since the early 1990’s and has always taken a pro-active approach with this program. Since 2002, the MCHD collaborated with the State Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program and their Oral Rabies Vaccine (ORV) baiting program and distributed over 2100 Rabies Vaccine Baits by hand in an 11 square mile area of Monongalia County.
West Nile Virus (WNV) investigations are also conducted. People become infected from the bite of certain kinds of mosquitoes that are infected with the virus. Mosquitoes get it when they bite, or take a blood meal from, birds infected with the virus. The mosquitoes then transmit the virus to people and other animals when biting to take blood. WNV cases occur primarily in the late summer or early autumn. The public should contact the Health Department with sightings of dead birds.
Other areas of this program include Disaster Preparedness/Response, Disease control/Epidemiology, Tattoo/Body Piercing Studio inspections, Vector Control complaints, Radon, Asbestos, Lead, Indoor Air Quality and the enforcement of Monongalia County Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, and Community Health Promotion.
West Nile Virus (WNV) investigations are also conducted. People become infected from the bite of certain kinds of mosquitoes that are infected with the virus. Mosquitoes get it when they bite, or take a blood meal from, birds infected with the virus. The mosquitoes then transmit the virus to people and other animals when biting to take blood. WNV cases occur primarily in the late summer or early autumn. The public should contact the Health Department with sightings of dead birds.
Other areas of this program include Disaster Preparedness/Response, Disease control/Epidemiology, Tattoo/Body Piercing Studio inspections, Vector Control complaints, Radon, Asbestos, Lead, Indoor Air Quality and the enforcement of Monongalia County Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, and Community Health Promotion.
Disaster and Disease Control
Food There are over 650 permitted food establishments in Monongalia County. The WV Food Establishment Rule, effective July 1, 2008, governs retail food establishments such as restaurants, bars, grocery stores, schools, hospitals, day cares, temporary food stands, etc. The rule incorporates, by reference, the majority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 2005 Model Food Code.
Environmental Health services staff conduct a minimum of two inspections of all food establishments yearly and responds to complaints with immediate investigations. The purpose of the inspections is to assure that the food is being handled properly from storage to preparation and serving. Inspectors observe all workers’ food handling practices; assure equipment is working properly, take food temperatures, inspect all refrigeration and storage areas, assure water temperatures, and correct level and uses of sanitizers. Any violations that are noted are discussed with the Person in Charge and a plan of action is put into place to correct critical violations immediately and to correct non-critical violations before the next inspection.
Environmental Health is responsible for promoting and protecting the public’s health by ensuring that the county’s food supply is safe and sanitary. The Sanitarian staff is trained on the 2005 Model Food Code and is well versed on the inspection process as well as educating food facility management and the consumer. The MCHD food safety program's number one goal is to help protect the public from food borne illness.
All food establishments must obtain and complete the Plan Review Packet prior to being issued a food permit. To download a printable copy this document please click Plan Review Packet.
Sponsors of bake sales are required to register with the MCHD. Please complete the Bake Sale Form and return it to the MCHD prior to the bake sale.
Emergency Procedures for Retail Food Establishments
In the event disaster strikes, do you know what your organization’s emergency procedures are? A food establishment manager (or the Person-in-charge) is responsible for conducting both initial and ongoing assessments to ensure consistent compliance with food safety requirements. The following document is designed to provide guidance in the development of emergency procedures for retail food establishments. Individual establishments can use this resource to develop procedures that meet the needs of their specific organization. Click Retail Food Emergency Flip Chart for a printable copy of the guidance.
Environmental Health services staff conduct a minimum of two inspections of all food establishments yearly and responds to complaints with immediate investigations. The purpose of the inspections is to assure that the food is being handled properly from storage to preparation and serving. Inspectors observe all workers’ food handling practices; assure equipment is working properly, take food temperatures, inspect all refrigeration and storage areas, assure water temperatures, and correct level and uses of sanitizers. Any violations that are noted are discussed with the Person in Charge and a plan of action is put into place to correct critical violations immediately and to correct non-critical violations before the next inspection.
Environmental Health is responsible for promoting and protecting the public’s health by ensuring that the county’s food supply is safe and sanitary. The Sanitarian staff is trained on the 2005 Model Food Code and is well versed on the inspection process as well as educating food facility management and the consumer. The MCHD food safety program's number one goal is to help protect the public from food borne illness.
All food establishments must obtain and complete the Plan Review Packet prior to being issued a food permit. To download a printable copy this document please click Plan Review Packet.
Sponsors of bake sales are required to register with the MCHD. Please complete the Bake Sale Form and return it to the MCHD prior to the bake sale.
Emergency Procedures for Retail Food Establishments
In the event disaster strikes, do you know what your organization’s emergency procedures are? A food establishment manager (or the Person-in-charge) is responsible for conducting both initial and ongoing assessments to ensure consistent compliance with food safety requirements. The following document is designed to provide guidance in the development of emergency procedures for retail food establishments. Individual establishments can use this resource to develop procedures that meet the needs of their specific organization. Click Retail Food Emergency Flip Chart for a printable copy of the guidance.
Housing
Housing encompasses a wide range of programs. While Child Care Facilities and Mobile Home parks have their own rules and regulations, the other programs such as Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels/Motels, Public and Private Schools, and Public Facilities are governed by the state's General Sanitation Regulation.
The main purpose of any program in the housing division is to ensure a clean, safe and sanitary environment. All permitted establishments in each program are inspected a minimum of two times a year, except public schools, which are inspected bi-annually. The MCHD permits 26 Child Care Centers, 2 Bed and Breakfasts, 98 Mobile Home Parks, 19 Hotel/Motels, and 32 Public and private Schools.
Evaluations of water and sewage systems for lending institutions are also conducted. Lending institutions require that a home with a septic system be inspected and approved before the closing of the sale. This is not a state mandated program, however the MCHD has for many years offered this important service to report the actual conditions found, regardless of who requests the service. The evaluation service is provided for a fee of $150.00.
The main purpose of any program in the housing division is to ensure a clean, safe and sanitary environment. All permitted establishments in each program are inspected a minimum of two times a year, except public schools, which are inspected bi-annually. The MCHD permits 26 Child Care Centers, 2 Bed and Breakfasts, 98 Mobile Home Parks, 19 Hotel/Motels, and 32 Public and private Schools.
Evaluations of water and sewage systems for lending institutions are also conducted. Lending institutions require that a home with a septic system be inspected and approved before the closing of the sale. This is not a state mandated program, however the MCHD has for many years offered this important service to report the actual conditions found, regardless of who requests the service. The evaluation service is provided for a fee of $150.00.
Recreation
The Recreation Program deals mainly with summertime outdoor programs, with the exception of the Indoor Water Facilities. Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and bathing beaches are governed by the new State Bureau of Public Health Recreational Water Facilities Rule which came into effect July 1, 2002. The MCHD inspects over 75 water facilities in the county. All facilities are inspected a minimum of two times a year with a series of Bacteriological Water Samples taken throughout the swimming season. All of the facilities must have a qualified water facility operator available for consultation at all times when the facility is open for use.
Other programs include campgrounds, organized camps, parks and fairs/festivals/mass gatherings. All these programs are governed by the WV Division of Health General Sanitation Rule.
Other programs include campgrounds, organized camps, parks and fairs/festivals/mass gatherings. All these programs are governed by the WV Division of Health General Sanitation Rule.
Sewage
Many residents of Monongalia County utilize individual home sewage disposal systems since sanitary sewers are not accessible to all parts of the county. MCHD staff work hard to ensure that sewage disposal systems function properly and do not compromise drinking and ground water quality.
Before a sewage permit can be issued, the soil on the property must be evaluated to determine the acceptability for a septic tank/soil absorption field sewage system. A percolation (perk) test is the first step. Perk tests are conducted to determine the suitability of a site to accept wastewater discharge from a septic system. Once a landowner has submitted an application, a sanitarian will contact the landowner and/or the certified septic installer to set a meeting on the property to evaluate the perk test and six foot hole. Many factors determine the best location for the septic system, such as soil structure, the distance to ground water or rock, the topography of the land, and the future location of the home and utilities. Once the system has been installed, an inspection is conducted to insure the system was installed properly prior to covering the sewage system.
This program also includes evaluation of property splits where subdivisions are created. Lots that are not accessible to a public sewage system must be evaluated and found acceptable for private sewage disposal before a septic system will be approved.
The sewage program provides technical assistance and rule interpretation for conventional and non-conventional on-site sewage systems. Non-conventional systems include home aeration systems, low pressure dosing systems, holding tanks and re-circulating sand filters. These "alternative systems" are used when a conventional system such as a septic tank has failed and cannot be repaired by conventional means. "Alternative systems" may also be considered for new construction on lots two acres or larger in size.
The MCHD also issues permits for residential type waste water systems with surface water discharges which are 600 gallons/day or less and which qualify for an N.P.D.E.S. permit. The MCHD permits an average of over 150 conventional and alternative septic systems each year. To maximize the useful life of a septic system and prevent premature failure, all systems need proper care and periodic maintenance. A list of class I and II certified septic installers can be found on the WVDHHR Public Health Sanitation web site.
Waste Water Revolving Loan fund is a funding program that was developed by MCHD and funded by the Monongalia County Commission with the intent to provide Monongalia County residents with financial assistance to replace or repair failing onsite wastewater systems. The program was launched in 1999 and has flourished with over 100 loans being processed. This program is very well perceived by the citizens of Mon. County as well as the department staff with the effort towards helping our residents eliminate potential public health hazards.
Waste Water Revolving Loan Fund Application
Before a sewage permit can be issued, the soil on the property must be evaluated to determine the acceptability for a septic tank/soil absorption field sewage system. A percolation (perk) test is the first step. Perk tests are conducted to determine the suitability of a site to accept wastewater discharge from a septic system. Once a landowner has submitted an application, a sanitarian will contact the landowner and/or the certified septic installer to set a meeting on the property to evaluate the perk test and six foot hole. Many factors determine the best location for the septic system, such as soil structure, the distance to ground water or rock, the topography of the land, and the future location of the home and utilities. Once the system has been installed, an inspection is conducted to insure the system was installed properly prior to covering the sewage system.
This program also includes evaluation of property splits where subdivisions are created. Lots that are not accessible to a public sewage system must be evaluated and found acceptable for private sewage disposal before a septic system will be approved.
The sewage program provides technical assistance and rule interpretation for conventional and non-conventional on-site sewage systems. Non-conventional systems include home aeration systems, low pressure dosing systems, holding tanks and re-circulating sand filters. These "alternative systems" are used when a conventional system such as a septic tank has failed and cannot be repaired by conventional means. "Alternative systems" may also be considered for new construction on lots two acres or larger in size.
The MCHD also issues permits for residential type waste water systems with surface water discharges which are 600 gallons/day or less and which qualify for an N.P.D.E.S. permit. The MCHD permits an average of over 150 conventional and alternative septic systems each year. To maximize the useful life of a septic system and prevent premature failure, all systems need proper care and periodic maintenance. A list of class I and II certified septic installers can be found on the WVDHHR Public Health Sanitation web site.
Waste Water Revolving Loan fund is a funding program that was developed by MCHD and funded by the Monongalia County Commission with the intent to provide Monongalia County residents with financial assistance to replace or repair failing onsite wastewater systems. The program was launched in 1999 and has flourished with over 100 loans being processed. This program is very well perceived by the citizens of Mon. County as well as the department staff with the effort towards helping our residents eliminate potential public health hazards.
Waste Water Revolving Loan Fund Application
Water
The purpose of the water program is to ensure that the public's health is protected through safe drinking water, proper well and water supply system construction and site location evaluation for wells before installation. Prevention from contamination of the on-site water supply is a high priority of the program.
The program involves a permit process and the identification of the specific type of supply, public or private. Water supplies are classified according to the number of people served and the number of service connections, and they include Community, Individual and Non-Community Water supplies. The MCHD staff also collects compliance samples from public water supplies to assure safe water quality.
Individual water wells must be drilled by licensed well drillers. A list of Approved Well Drillers can be found on the WVDHHR Environmental Engineering Division's web site. Other sources of individual water supplies include cisterns and springs; however these are not MCHD approved without the use of a chlorinator or ultraviolet light. Residents wanting to have their private water supply tested for bacteriological safety or that have questions concerning this program may call 598-5131. The fee for water testing is $45.00.
The program involves a permit process and the identification of the specific type of supply, public or private. Water supplies are classified according to the number of people served and the number of service connections, and they include Community, Individual and Non-Community Water supplies. The MCHD staff also collects compliance samples from public water supplies to assure safe water quality.
Individual water wells must be drilled by licensed well drillers. A list of Approved Well Drillers can be found on the WVDHHR Environmental Engineering Division's web site. Other sources of individual water supplies include cisterns and springs; however these are not MCHD approved without the use of a chlorinator or ultraviolet light. Residents wanting to have their private water supply tested for bacteriological safety or that have questions concerning this program may call 598-5131. The fee for water testing is $45.00.
Contact
Environmental Health Services
304-598-5131
Centers for Disease Control
Environmental Protection Agency
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
West Virginia Office of Epidemiology and Health Promotion
304-598-5131
Centers for Disease Control
Environmental Protection Agency
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
West Virginia Office of Epidemiology and Health Promotion
