Environmental Health

Food Safety Program

Island County Public Health's Food Safety Program works to ensure the provision of safe food served in food establishments within the county.

Onsite Sewage (Septic) Systems

The mission of the Onsite Sewage (Septic) program is to protect public health and the environment by minimizing the threat of surface and groundwater contamination from failing or improperly designed, installed, or maintained onsite sewage systems.

Drinking Water

The Drinking Water program reviews and coordinates the approval of all new Group B public water systems. In addition, Environmental Health staff review the adequacy of potable water sources for all individual, Group B, and Group A water systems for building and sewage permits through the Water Availability Verification process.

Hydrogeology

The goal of the Hydrogeology program is to understand the complex groundwater system that serves as the primary source of drinking water for county residents.  This is accomplished by evaluating rainfall, water well, and groundwater chemistry data using computer models and other analysis tools. Additionally, all land-use projects that have the potential to impact the quality or quantity of groundwater are reviewed to ensure the protection of clean, reliable sources of drinking water for all residents of Island County.

Land Use Review

The Land Use program reviews development proposals submitted to Island County Planning and Community Development for compliance with local and state health codes. Staff associated with this program attend pre-application conferences and public hearings to present analyses and recommendations. Land use reviews are coordinated with other relevant county departments.

Outdoor Burning

The Outdoor Burning program works to ensure that outdoor burning is safe and conducted with minimal health impact. The program is responsible for issuing residential and land-clearing permits while responding to burning complaints that are detrimental to health and the environment.

Solid Waste

The Public Health Solid Waste program works to ensure the proper collection, storage, transfer, recycling, and disposal of solid waste in Island County. In addition, staff permits and inspects solid waste handling facilities, reviews plans for new or expanding facilities, monitors environmental quality adjacent to solid waste facilities, investigates and resolves solid waste complaints, and responds to a variety of public and private requests for technical assistance. 

Zoonotic Diseases and Vectors

Environmental Health staff is involved in three primary activities related to zoonotic disease: education, coordination, and surveillance.

Shellfish Harvesting

The Shellfish Resources program works to ensure the safe harvest of shellfish for all county residents and visitors to Island County. The goal of the Shellfish Protection Program is to protect the health of people in Island County by ensuring shellfish are safe to eat.

Water Recreation

The Water Recreation program monitors water quality in facilities such as pools and spas that are open to the public. Environmental Health staff inspect water recreational facilities (pools and spas) a minimum of once per year to promote proper water quality and a safe swimming environment. These efforts help to reduce the risk of water-borne illness, reduce unintentional injuries and reduce the risk of drowning.

Mobile Home Parks

Island County Environmental staff inspect and permit the operation of all mobile home parks and recreational vehicle parks in the county. This review includes an evaluation of the property, utility services, public health, and safety issues. Technical assistance and complaint investigation are available to all county residents.

School Health and Safety

The School Health and Safety program works with the staff of public and private k-12 schools to ensure students have safe and healthy school buildings and grounds.

Pollution Prevention Assistance

Island County’s Pollution Prevention Assistance program offers free, hands-on assistance to help businesses find and resolve potential pollution issues within their facility or operation.

Swimming Beaches

Environmental Health staff under the Swimming Beaches program monitors water quality at public swimming beaches for the presence of contamination. If the test results indicate potential contamination, the public is notified through press releases and signs posted on-site.