Environmental Health Division FAQs
Food
A: Environmental Health inspects food facilities and other types of places serving food. Retail food facilities are inspected routinely to find out if the food is being prepared safely. Inspectors check that the food handlers are preparing food in compliance with state laws and good practices, food temperatures are being maintained correctly, and the food is from approved sources.
A: All food health permits expire on December 31st. Food permits are not transferrable. (Title 8, Sec. 8.02.070)
A: No, permits are non-transferable, per County Ordinance. The new owner must apply for their own permit. (Title 8, Sec. 8.02.040)
A: You may ask the restaurant for a copy of the inspection report. They are required to have a copy onsite. (CH&SC, Div. 104, Sec. 11431)
A: A report can be made to EHD by calling 442-265-1888.
A: To begin the process, you will need to submit, at a minimum, the following items:
- Mobile Food Facility Health Permit Application and permit fee (contact EHD for fees)
- Commissary Authorization Permit Application and permit fee (contact EHD for fees)
- Mobile Food Facility Operations Plan
- Copy of your menu
- Copy of vehicle registration
During the permitting process, you will be notified by EHD if additional items or information are needed.
A: You will need to contact the event organizer to obtain approval to participate in their event. A TFF application will need to be submitted to the event organizer, along with permit fees, and they will in turn submit your application to EHD.
A: No, you may contact the cities, chambers of commerce, or search social media for upcoming events in our area.
A: Yes, only by obtaining a Cottage Food Operation (CFO) registration or permit or a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permit from EHD. (CH&SC, Div. 104, Sec. 114365 & 114367)
A: Yes, please refer to www.icphd.org/environmental-health/food for a list of Food Manager and Food Handler training providers.
Pools
A: Public pools, spraygrounds and spas are routinely inspected to make sure they are being operated in compliance with state laws. The water is tested for proper disinfection levels. Water circulation rates are checked so the pool stays clear and clean. The equipment and surroundings are evaluated for safety hazards and cleanliness.
A: All public pools or spas require a health permit. Examples include but are not limited to apartments, condominiums, health or fitness clubs, hotel/motel, municipal, private or public schools, and spray grounds. (Title 22, CCR, Sec. 65503)
A: No, only pay the health permit fee by December 31st.
Body Art
A: Tattoo facilities or body art facilities are inspected routinely. Tattoo artists must have proper training and know how to follow health regulations to safely and sanitarily apply tattoos to prevent client infections. Inspections include review of tattoo equipment, proper sharp disposal and facility record keeping.
A: Yes, a body art facility requires a permit from EHD prior to operating.
A: To obtain a Body Art Practitioner Permit to conduct body art activities, the following items are required to be submitted to EHD:
- Body Art Practitioner Permit Application
- Submit the permit fee
- Hepatitis B Immunization Record (or Declination Statement)
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Certification
- A copy of a valid CA picture ID
A: Yes. Body art practitioner registration is renewed annually, each fiscal year (by June 30th of each year). No person shall practice body art activities without obtaining a body art practitioner registration. Body art facilities require practitioners to post their registration at their workstation.
A: Yes, provided the practitioner is registered with the local enforcement agency.
A: Yes, body art facility owners are required to notify (call or email) EHD of new hires.
A: Yes, body art facility owners shall notify EHD in writing within 30 days of the resignation or termination of body art practitioners at the body art facility.
Solid Waste
A: Whether operating a landfill or a transfer station, accumulating solid waste can become a public health issue, if not handled in the proper manner. EHD inspects all solid waste facilities in Imperial County to ensure waste is properly handled, stored, buried, or recycled, depending on the type of facility. Without proper handling/storage, solid waste easily attracts vectors, rodents and animals, and can be a threat to public health, safety, and the environment.
A: If you live in the unincorporated area of Imperial County, please contact the Imperial County Department of Public Works at 442-265-1818 and ask to speak to their solid waste division about a permit waste disposal at one of their landfills or transfer stations. If you live in a city, please contact your city hall to ask about what landfill or transfer station to use.
A: Yes, solid waste collection from residential homes and businesses requires a permit from EHD if the collection is being done as a business. Solid waste vehicle permits must be paid no later than December 31st annually. (Title 14, CCR, Sec. 17332)
A: After initially applying, you no longer must submit an application. However, solid waste vehicle permits must be paid annually, no later than December 31st, or your permit will be cancelled.
A: In Imperial County, a solid waste facility is most commonly known as a landfill. Other common solid waste handling activities in Imperial County are solid waste transfer stations and composting operations.
A: Solid waste facilities or activities require an annual health permit from EHD. Furthermore, some facilities require a permit that is reviewed every five years by EHD, on behalf of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
A: You can report illegal dumping to EHD by calling 1-800-465-9007 during business hours, or you can report online at Illegal Dumping - Imperial County Public Health Department (icphd.org).
Liquid Waste
A: Improperly managed waste water (sewage) is a public health issue. The improper management of waste water may result from substandard septic systems. Substandard septic systems may lead to surfacing waste water, which may attract vectors or cause nuisance odors. Surfacing waste water may expose the public to infectious diseases and contaminate waterways or ground water, which may be used for drinking or recreational purposes. EHD inspects new or failing septic systems to ensure waste water is being managed in a way that will prevent nuisances, vectors, and the propagation of infectious diseases.
A: Environmental Health Division (EHD) (442) 265-1888, 797 Main St. Ste. B., El Centro CA. The EHD has both physical and digital files of septic systems that have been permitted in Imperial County. If EHD does not have a septic file, the septic system can be certified by a licensed contractor. You can find the list of licensed septic system contractors on our main website, under “Land Use”. https://www.icphd.org/environmental-health/land-use
A: Per our Adopted Septic Ordinance in Section 8.80.040: Every residence, place of business, or other building or place where persons congregate, reside, or are employed in which sewage is generated that is not connected to a public sewer system shall be connected to an onsite wastewater treatments system (OWTS) (Septic System). (Title 8, Sec. 8.80.040)
A: Persons applying for a building permit for the construction of a new building which will require a septic system on the property. Also, anyone desiring to either modify or construct a building or structure or modify the existing use on any lot or site which contains a septic system, shall be reviewed by the EHD. (Title 8, Sec. 8.80.090)
A: A soil percolation test report shall be completed for all new septic system proposals, and for existing septic systems where the leach field (dispersal system) shall be replaced or expanded. The results of a percolation test, performed by a qualified professional, are valid for five years from the date of the report. (Title 8, Sec. 8.80.110)
A: Yes. Liquid waste vehicles registration expires on December 31st of each year.
Waste Tire
A: EHD inspects waste tire generators to ensure compliance with CalRecycle’s waste tire management regulations. Thus, we can protect our community’s bad image from illegal tire dumping, public health issues such as possible toxic fires and have vector control over mice, mosquitoes and other animals that might bring diseases to our county of Imperial.
A: At Imperial Valley Resource Management Agency (IVRMA) - Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facilities. Residents of Imperial County can legally transport and drop-off up to 9 tires. A current utility bill with a picture ID is required. Call IVRMA at 1-877-RECYCLE for more information.
HHW Facility locations:
- Brawley, 180 S. Western Avenue (Enter on Highway 86 & G Street) 8:00 A.M. to Noon, every other Sunday.
- El Centro, 702 E. Heil Avenue, 8:00 A.M. to Noon, every Saturday.
- Calexico, 500 W. 5th Street, 8:00 A.M. to Noon, every other Sunday.
A: If you dispose of 9 or less tires, no permit is needed. If a resident is trying to dispose of more than 9 tires in one visit, they must request a one-day amnesty letter approval from this office. For more detailed information, please contact IVRMA at 1 (877) RECYCLE.
Drinking Water Systems
A: EHD inspects public drinking water systems to ensure that the water they deliver within Imperial County is always pure, wholesome, and potable. EHD enforces the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure water systems are meeting water quality requirements, utilizing feasible technologies, and operating in a safe and reliable manner.
A: If your facility regularly provides water to at least 25 individuals at least 60 days out of the year or serves 15 or more service connections, then it is a public water system that is required to apply. If you need additional information about how to determine if your facility is a public water system, please visit our website Public Water Systems - Imperial County Public Health Department (icphd.org) or contact us at 442-265-1888. (CH&SC, Sec. 116275(h))
A: When applying for a small water system permit, a deposit fee of $1,200 is required. This fee is a deposit, and it may change based on the completeness of the documents required to process the application. For more details about this fee, please visit us at Environmental Health Fees - Imperial County Public Health Department (icphd.org) or call us at 442-265-1888.
A: No. All wells are permitted by the Imperial County Planning and Development Services.
A: All community and non-community water systems are required to provide their customers with an annual water quality report, or CCR. CCRs give consumers information about their drinking water, including the water source, contaminants detected in finished water, health effects of contaminants when violations occur, and likely sources of detected contaminants. By understanding their water supplies, customers, especially those with special health needs, can make informed decisions regarding their use of drinking water. Water systems that are subject to the CCR Rule are required to provide consumers with a CCR by July 1st of every year. Water systems are required to maintain their CCRs available.
A: General preparation documents to complete a CCR for your water system is available at the following link: Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) | California State Water Resources Control Board
If you need assistance with this information, please contact the Imperial County Local Primacy Agency at 442-265-1888.
A: All water systems are required to maintain records of sampling results, so these may be found by contacting your water system. Sampling results may also be found at the California’s Public Drinking Water Watch database: Public Drinking Water Watch (ca.gov).
Land Use
A: When developing land in rural area, often, septic systems are the only method of waste water (sewage) disposal. Improperly sized or placed septic systems are more likely to fail, which may lead the public to being exposed to waste water. Waste water exposure may cause nuisance odors, attract vectors and propagate sewage-borne infectious diseases. Through the review of land use projects, EHD hopes to prevent inadequately planned land use projects which may interfere with proper waste water management, on a site to be developed.
A: After you have submitted a building permit application to the Imperial County Planning and Development Services, EHD will be notified of your application. If your proposed project pertains to areas that EHD oversees, we will let ICDPS know whether further details are needed or if we approve of your building permit. If further details are needed, you will likely be required to submit a land use plan review application with EHD. Each project is on a case-by-case basis.
A: Yes, there is a minimum deposit of $153. Depending on the proposed project, EHD may charge up to $525.
A: No. Permitting is through Imperial County Planning and Development Services
Vector Control
A: Wild, or feral, bee populations in many areas have been colonized in Imperial County by Africanized honeybees, which are a considerable public safety hazard due to their aggressive nature. Africanized honeybees exhibit intense defensive behavior, especially around their nests, and are far more likely than European honeybees to swarm in large numbers in response to even slight disturbances. These swarming bees will chase perceived threats over long distances, delivering repeated stings that can seriously harm humans and animals, particularly those who are allergic to bee venom. Nests located near public or residential areas pose a higher risk of unprovoked attacks, which can lead to severe injury or even fatalities. For this reason, it is crucial to promptly remove any Africanized bee swarms or established nests to protect public safety. Professional removal by trained experts is the best way to manage these bees and reduce the risk to the community. Furthermore, in California, the Uniform Housing Code (Sections 201.3 and 1001.2(12)) mandates that property owners are responsible for exterminating such infestations, emphasizing the legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment.
A: You may call Imperial County Vector Control’s mosquito abatement program at 442-265-1888.
A: To report bees, contact the 24-hour bee hotline at 760-336-2252.
A: No, Vector Control does not have a rehoming program for bees.
A: No, Vector Control only exterminates bee swarms. For bee nest extermination you will need to contract a private exterminator.
A: No, Vector Control does not have a wasp program. You will need to contact an exterminator.
A: The property owner is responsible for all fees.
Hazardous Materials
A: Imperial County Environmental Health Division, as the Participating Agency (PA), was authorized to administer the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) and Underground Storage Tank (UST) programs. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Imperial Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) retained regulatory oversight of the remaining 4 elements of the Unified Program, which include the Hazardous Waste Generator and Tiered Permitting, Hazardous Materials Business Plan, and California Accidental Release Prevention programs.
A: Immediately after discovery, the facility owner or operator must report the spill or release to the Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) at (916)845-8911. The reporting party should also contact CUPA at (760) 352-0381 or Imperial County Environmental Health PA at (442)265-1888.
A: If a facility has a cumulative aboveground storage capacity of petroleum products, exceeds 1,320-gallons of petroleum products onsite, or stores a tank in an underground area (TIUGA), the facility is subject to APSA.
A: Farms with an aggregate aboveground storage capacity less than 2,500 gallons, an aggregate aboveground storage capacity greater than 2,500 gallons, but less than 6,000 gallons with no reportable discharge history, are not required to have an SPCC Plan.
A: No, the site visits/inspections need to be unannounced. However, our agency understands that some facilities have highly restricted access or are not manned at all times. Therefore, those types of facilities are able to be notified within a reasonable time frame of the date and time of the inspection.