Environmental Health Division

The Environmental Health Division (EH) 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.

Environmental Health Essential Services during COVID-19

Guidance and Information for Holding Food Service and Catered Events with More than 50 persons in attendance

NY State recently updated Food Service Guidance to allow events with more than 50 people in attendance. Please consult our EH COVID-19 page for detailed guidance and information on how to hold a food service event in Tompkins County.

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
• Open burning regulations in Tompkins County

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".
  NEW: Effective 1/1/2012, a permit is required for replacing a septic tank. Details here...

• Procedure for obtaining a permit to construct a sewage treatment system
• Lot size and permit requirements for constructing a sewage treatment system
• Application for sewage system construction permit
• Fee Schedule (PDF, 222KB)
• Permit Fee Waiver Policy, June 2014 (PDF, 517KB)
• 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 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
• Comments submitted to the NYSDEC regarding the draft SGEIS for gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale: Click Here

West Nile Virus:

• For information regarding West Nile Virus click here.

Some activities are partly funded by user fees. Download a fee schedule (PDF) or contact the Environmental Health office.