Environmental Health

Environmental Health promotes the health, welfare, and safety of county residents primarily through the enforcement of Minnesota State and County Sanitary Code regulations. Programs administered by this division include the following:

Food Services
  • Food Service Sanitation
    • This program is designed to protect the Public Health by ensuring that operators of food service facilities including restaurants, schools, day care centers, temporary food stands, fairs and festivals, caterers and mobile food vendors provide food in such a way as to avoid health hazards.
  • Public Health Nuisances
    • Vermin (i.e. rats and cockroaches), sewage overflows, and mosquito breeding are but a few types of potential Public Health issues defined as "Public Health nuisances." Environmental Health staff responds to Public Health nuisance complaints in accordance to local code. Involving the city, town, village in which the nuisance is present assures that they have knowledge and involvement in the resolution from the beginning.
  • Swimming Pools and Bathing Beaches
    • The purpose of this program is to assure a sanitary, healthful and safe environment for the public when using public swimming pools and bathing beaches. Water recreation facilities are required to submit monthly operation reports, safety plans, emergency plans and lifeguard certification information, all of which are reviewed by Environmental Health for compliance with the Minnesota’s Sanitary Code. Facilities require a permit from this department to operate, and are renewed annually.
  • Temporary Residences
    • Temporary residences (hotels, motels, trailer parks, and campgrounds) are routinely inspected to insure adequate sanitation, fire safety, safe drinking water, satisfactory food service, aquatic facilities, and control of vermin. These facilities are under permit by the department, which must be renewed annually and with a change in owner or operator.