Environmental  Health Complaints

Public health nuisances are environmental situations that have the potential to cause the spread of disease. To prevent this, the health department investigates and can issue orders when nuisance conditions are found. The purpose of the public health nuisance programs is to eliminate unsanitary conditions in the community that pose potential hazards to the public’s health. Public health nuisance conditions often result from the improper storage or disposal of solid waste or accumulation of solid waste on a property. These conditions can attract unwanted animals and insects and provide an unwanted breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. Unsanitary properties pose a threat to public health, cause blight, and in the most severe cases can negatively affect neighboring properties.

The nuisance complaints most commonly submitted include:

• Excessive trash or garbage accumulation outside the home
• Infestations of rats
• Discharge or surfacing of untreated sewage

Nuisance conditions can be reported by contacting the health department. The information provided, including your name, is not confidential.

Other Types of Complaints

The health department can provide information and/or referrals for many issues that are not considered a public health nuisance. While the health department cannot issue orders for correctors or cleanup in these situations, referrals to other county agencies with investigative authority or other support may be available. These complaints typically include:

• Living conditions
• Contamination inside of home
• Mold, lead paint, radon, and other contaminants
• No water, heat, or electric service to a home
• Bed bug infestations
• Trash accumulation inside of a home
• Failure to mow grass or weeds
• Dilapidated and abandoned homes and buildings