Environmental Health

What does Environmental Health do?

Investigations: Environmental Health responds to and investigates nuisance concerns and complaints that affect the environment and public health. This includes:

• General nuisance complaints
• Animal bites and rabies follow up
• Illegal dumping
• Ground water contamination
• Hazardous conditions
• Natural disasters

Septic Systems: Marion County has adopted and enforces Chapter 69 of the Iowa Administrative Code. Environmental Health is responsible for inspecting and permitting all private septic systems within the county.

Well Water: Environmental Health is responsible for ensuring proper installation and testing of wells and for the plugging of abandoned wells. This department can provide financial assistance for testing and plugging with grant money obtained from the State of Iowa.

Pools and Tattoo: Environmental Health is responsible for inspection of these licensed facilities in Marion County under a contract for service by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Radon: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. Environmental Health can provide information on how to reduce radon levels in the home and where to find a testing kit.

Food: The Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals currently provides restaurant inspections within Marion County. Marion County receives complaints and relays them on to the IDIA assigned field staff.