The Environmental Health (EH) Division is an educational and regulatory agency dedicated to protect, preserve, and promote the health of the residents of Tompkins County through the natural and man-made environments.
Some activities are partly funded by user fees; Click here to download a fee schedule, call the Environmental Health office at (607) 274-6688, or inquire by email.
Guidance & Information for COVID-19 restrictions
Please consult our EH COVID-19 page for current guidance and information gatherings and business operations in Tompkins County.
PERMITS & PAYMENTS:
Click Here to access online services
Save Time! Understand the process before you submit your permit for the following services:
- Food Service Permits
- Temporary Food Service Permits
- Public Water System Payments
- Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Permits
- Children’s Camps Permits
- Swimming Pool & Bathing Beach Permits
EH Administration:
- Contact us by phone (607) 274-6688, or Email.
- Fee Schedule (PDF)
» operating permit, plan review, development, and other fees - Annual Reports (PDF downloads): 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
Air Quality:
- Indoor Mold Concerns
- Indoor Carbon Monoxide
- Exterior Paint Removal Guidelines
- Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) compliance
Children's Camps
Communicable Disease Control:
- Investigate and analyze all food and water-borne illnesses.
Environmental Health Emergencies:
- Investigate situations which may cause public health problems.
Food Program:
Issues permits, inspects facilities and reviews and approves plans. Provides educational information (handouts, posters, stickers, etc.), seminars and training.
New! Renew your FSE Permit online: CLICK HERE
- Temporary Food Service Permits for serving food to the public at events
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Course information.
- Food Handler Course for Food Service Employees and Volunteers.
- Inspection data for all permitted food service facilities.
- Restaurant Owner's Manual
- For more information on our food program, plus additional links, click here.
Mobile Home Parks:
- Inspect for safety, sanitation, and drinking water quality.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS):
Ensure systems are designed and constructed to protect neighborhoods and county water resources. Previously referred to as "Sewage Systems".
- Procedure for obtaining a permit to construct a sewage treatment system
- Apply for a sewage system construction permit
- Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Details and Specifications
- Sewage system maintenance for homeowners
Rabies Control:
Investigates potential rabies exposures, coordinates post exposure treatment for members of the community, and organizes free rabies clinics. Provides educational information, alerts, and monthly reports.
- Rabies Program Services
- Rabies Vaccination Clinics - All pets must be vaccinated against rabies. EH sponsors free rabies vaccination clinics at locations throughout the county 3 times a year; spring, fall, and winter.
- Reporting Dog or Cat Bites
- Rabies Vaccination Law in New York State
- Reporting Possible Cases of Rabies in Wildlife
- Bats in the Home
- Rabies for Medical Providers
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recreation Facilities:
- Inspect for adequate staffing, fire safety, drinking and swimming water quality.
- Children's Camps
Residential Development:
- Approve residential developments, sewer and water extensions, and treatment plants to ensure safe and healthy communities.
Sewage: See Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS)
Swimming Facilities
- Permits and inspects annually all public swimming pools and beaches.
Tobacco Regulations:
Enforce laws in worksites, public places, and retail sales to minors (ATUPA.) Investigate complaints and educate.
- Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) compliance.
- Use of Electronic Cigarettes or other ENDS in public places.
- ATUPA information and violations.
- Tobacco-21 Information. Effective July 1, 2017, the minimum legal age for tobacco sales is 21 years in Tompkins County.
Water:
Monitor public water systems to ensure safe drinking water quality and to aid homeowners with water problems.
- Your Private Water Well
- Coliform Bacteria and Your Drilled Well
- Shock Disinfection of Water Supply Systems
- Blue-green Algae (HABs, Harmful Algal Blooms)
- Annual Water Week activities
West Nile Virus:
- For information regarding West Nile Virus click here.
