Welcome to the Environmental Public Health Web Site
Program Overview
The Environmental Public Health Division is in the Public Health and Preparedness Commission, Indiana State Department of Health. The Environmental Public Health Division inspects and licenses mobile home parks and agricultural labor camps. They also inspect campgrounds, youth camps, and schools. The staff consults and provides technical assistance to local health departments on a variety of environmental health issues, including swimming pool sanitation. And they assist county sheriffs with licensing pursuant to the Mass Gathering Licensing Law, IC 16-41.22.
The Environmental Health Division also includes the onsite sewage program and the water fluoridation program. The onsite sewage program sets minimum State-wide standards for residential onsite sewage disposal systems. The staff also conducts workshops and seminars on soils analysis and residential sewage disposal, and provides consultation and technical assistance to local health departments on the operation of their sewage disposal programs. The onsite sewage program also reviews and approves plans and specifications for commercial onsite sewage disposal systems.
When tornadoes, flooding or other disaster strikes a community, Environmental Public Health staff provides direct assistance to local health departments upon request. We disseminate information about disinfection of wells and drinking water, and how to handle food, furniture, etc., that has been inundated during flooding. Our engineers also cooperate with State and federal emergency management agencies to assess the cost of repairs to any public works that might qualify for federal disaster assistance.
Announcements / Current News
Railroad Mobile Camps Rule Adopted [PDF 75KB]
410 IAC 6-14 has been adopted. The rule protects the health, safety, and welfare of persons living in railroad mobile camps, it includes provisions relating to sanitary conditions, light, air, safety and protection from fire hazards, equipment, maintenance, and operations of the camp, sewage disposal through septic tank absorption fields, and other matters appropriate for the security of the life and health of occupants. It is effective 30 days after filing with the Publisher.
Hyperchlorination to kill Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium (or "Crypto") is a chlorine resistant parasite that causes a diarrheal disease called Cryptosporidiosis. Even well-maintained pools, water parks, and interactive fountains can spread Crypto among swimmers. The Centers for Disease Control has updated recommendations for treating water venues to eliminate Crypto. CDC Fact Sheet on Crypto.
President Bush Signs into Law the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007
This is a bill to increase the safety of swimming pools and spas by requiring the use of proper anti-entrapment drain covers in pool and spa drainage systems and to educate the public about pool and spa safety.
Water Outages at Schools
The department has developed a new guideline to assist school officials and local health departments who must respond to a water outage, or issuance of a boil water order, during the school day.
Technologies New to Indiana
Information on the department's program for technology new to Indiana can be found at Technologies New to Indiana. This web page provides general information on the department's review and approval process. It also contains links to web pages containing information on technologies that have been approved (with links to the standards that apply to each technology) and technologies that are under review.
Plan Review fees are now in effect
The Environmental Public Health Division has regulatory responsibility to conduct plan review and issue construction approvals for a number of regulated facilities. Starting February 1, 2005 there will be a plan review fee for a number of these facilities.
Guidelines for Gravity and Flood Dosed Trench Septic Systems
Construction Guidelines for Gravity and Flood Dosed Trench Septic Systems -- in PDF
Onsite systems require care in site selection, design, and construction. This document provides construction guidelines that explain the basic procedure for installation of an onsite system.
Contact the Program
Indiana State Department of Health
Environmental Public Health Division
2 North Meridian Street, 5-E
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-1325 (ISDH Main Switchboard)
Map
Division Director
Mike Mettler
mmettler@isdh.in.gov
(317) 233-7183
(317) 233-7173 [Administrative Assistant]
(317) 233-7047 [Fax]
Questions: engineering@isdh.in.gov
Employment Opportunities
Learn more about Employment Opportunities with the Indiana State Department of Health.
Links
Links associated with this program
Program Information
- Agricultural Labor Camps
- Commercial Sewage Disposal and Plan Review
- Flouridation
- Local Health Departments
- Mass Gatherings
- Mobile Home Community Inspection and Licensing
- Onsite Wasterwater Disposal
- Recreational Vehicle Campgrounds
- Swimming Pools
- Youth Camps
Reporting a Complaint
Report a complaint at engineering@isdh.in.gov
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