Environmental Division News:

Please call us or use the contact submittal form on our website.

With decreased staffing in the environmental division it is highly recommended that you contact us by phone or through the Contact Us email function on this site. Please direct your email inquiry to the Environmental Division.

Click here to visit our Contact Us page.

If you feel it necessary to speak with someone directly, the best times to reach the division will be between 8 -9 am and 4 - 4:30pm.  There will be significant amounts of time each day where there will be no staff in the office to handle walk-in issues.  Voice messages received will generally be returned at the end of the day.

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Guidance for public pool/spa operators - drain covers

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of certain main drain covers that they have determined are not compliant with the Virginia Graham Baker act for anti-entrapment protection.  Click here for more information

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Click here to access the Ohio Department of Health rules section.  The rules for the following programs: Public Swimming Pools & Spas, Private Water Systems, Household Sewage Treatment Systems, Manufactured Home Parks, Tattoo/Piercing Operations and Food Service Operations

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Inspection reports online:

Beginning with inspections conducted October 1, 2010, inspection forms from inspections of food services, public swimming pools/spas and tattoo operations will be posted to www.ohioinspections.org  Please note that inspections will be posted on a weekly basis and at this time we will not be able to post inspections conducted prior to Oct 1, 2010

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Bed Bugs

In the last decade, bed bugs have made a return across the country.  The reduction in available pesticides, the ease of travel and the reliance by some on used furnishings have lead to their return.   While any structure can be infested, bed bugs are more frequently found in dwellings with a high rate of occupant turnover such as hotels, shelters and apartment complexes.  

Click here for tips on bed bug identification and elimination (page 1)

Click here for tips on bed bug identification and elmination (page 2)

Click here for tips for travelers

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Remodeling an older home? 

ECHD has a HEPA vac for use. Through an Ohio Department of Health program, ECHD has received a High Efficiency Particle Accumulator (HEPA) vacuum.  These vacuums will collect up to 99% of dust and debris, and are especially useful where lead paint may be involved in the home.  This vaccum is available for use by all Elyria residents.  Please contact the environmental division at 323-7595 for program details.

Click here for lead information from the U.S. E.P.A.  

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Bike helmets still available

For several years now, ECHD has offered youth bike helmets for the low cost of $7.00.  Contact 284-1560 for details.

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Frequently asked questions regarding MOLD: 

What is mold, and where is it found? Mold can be found everywhere - both indoors and outdoors.  Mold is most likely to grow where there is water or dampness.  Typical areas where mold forms are basements, window sills or bathrooms.

What should you do if mold is present in your home or apartment?  Most experts agree THE BEST WAY TO TREAT MOLD IS TO INVEST IN CORRECTING THE CONDITION CAUSING THE MOLD AND CLEANING/REPAIRING THE AFFECTED AREA INSTEAD OF SPENDING MONEY TESTING FOR IT.  Testing is expensive, and there is no established limit for mold exposure.

Click Here for information on mold cleanup and prevention

Click Here for information on potential health effects from mold

Click Here for information on humidity control within your home

Click here for mold information from the U.S. E.P.A.

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Guidance for tattoo operations:

Click here for information on the process and requirements for plan submittal to obtain a tattoo operation permit

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Environmental Division Programs

 

The Environmental Division provides many services that touch nearly every corner of the Elyria community.  The division works closely with the local police and fire departments, zoning and building officials, and public health nurses and social workers.  It also helps connect people with appropriate programs that can lead them to a safer, healthier life.  Program areas include:

 

Inspection of manufactured home parks

Inpection of food services and retail food establishments

Inspection of schools

Inspection of public swimming pools and spas

Inspection of tattoo/piercing establishments

Issuance of household sewage treatment system permits for areas of the city not serviced by the municipal sewer system

Response to and investigation of nuisance complaints and animal bites

Response to environmental incidents and collaboration with other agencies as needed to resolve them

Provision of educational opportunities to the community on environmental topics

Inspects infectious waste generators, and regulates infectious waste storage, treatment, transportation and disposal

Investigates illegal dumping activities and enforces cleanup

The finding of a rabid bat in Toledo is a reminder to properly vaccinate your pets.  Historically, rabies in Ohio has been limited to bats, a few raccoons in counties along the Pennsylvania border or domestic animals exposed to a rabid bat.  Residents finding a bat should contact the health district regarding the potential for exposure.  While we have not had animals such as raccoons, skunks or opossums test positive for rabies, residents should avoid contact with them.  If you or your pet are bitten by a wild animal, please seek medical attention immediately and contact the health district.