COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Division of Environmental Services

Environmental Services Include:

 

Food Surveillance All food and drinking establishments are licensed and inspected annually or more frequently if required. Routine sampling of potentially hazardous food and utensil swabbing is performed to determine bacteria content and sanitizing methods. Reported food and water borne diseases are investigated in conjunction with the State Department of Health. Flood, fire and loss of utility services to food establishments are also investigated. Plan Review The environmental staff reviews plans of new food establishment construction and alterations to existing establishments. Inspectors also review plans for swimming pool and whirlpool construction and individual sewage disposal systems. Public Health Nuisance Complaints Investigates and enforces all complaints for Township Nuisance Ordinances, such as conditions that attract insects and rodents, offensive odors, accumulation of debris or any matter that is detrimental to one's health and general well-being. Institutional Sanitation Performs annual inspections of homes for the aged, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation center, public, and private schools. Recreational Bathing Places Inspects health and country clubs, public swimming pools and whirlpools, including apartment and condominium complexes for general sanitation, water quality and water front safety. Also, focus on maintaining standards for the municipal pools. Lead Poisoning The inspectors are licensed lead abatement risk assessors and enforce cases that meet the criteria for structural abatement when a child has elevated levels of lead in their blood. The environmental staff works with the nursing division throughout the investigation and will determine if the source of lead contamination is environmental. The staff will order abatement and follow through until the hazard is removed. Youth Camps and Day Care Centers Inspections are performed for general sanitation requirements and recreational bathing facilities in conjunction with the State Department of Health. Obnoxious Weeds Abatement procedures are enforced where ragweed and poison ivy present a hazard to the community. Hazardous Substance Response Releases of hazardous substances into the air, waters or on land are investigated in conjunction with the Essex Regional Health Commission and according to our emergency management plan. Emergency Management The staff is available for response at all times through central dispatch at the Police Department. The Health Department participates as a member of the emergency management board for the Township, and develops and updates the annexes for which this department is responsible. Tobacco Age of Sale Inspections are performed for the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors at local stores and businesses. Cigarette vending machines are also inspected for a supervised remote control device enforcing a local ordinance. Complaints are investigated regarding the sale of these products to minors. Health Education & Promotions An assessment of health education needs and identification of target populations is provided by the health Educator. The identification and involvement of local leadership in the planning, implementation and maintenance of needed health education services and programs to include collaboration with other agencies servicing the community in areas such as: Alcohol Abuse Control, Drug Abuse Control, Smoking Prevention and Cessation, Nutrition, Injury Control, HIV/AIDS Education. The application of appropriate health education interventions is provided for effective implementation of health education programs through lectures, peer group discussions, media awareness, programmed learning and individual instructions.

Vincent DeFilippo Health Officer, REHS