Environmental Health

Contact Us

  • Environmental Health
    P.O. Box 179
    500 Broadway
    Eagle, CO 81631-0179

    Phone: 970-328-8755
    Fax: 970-328-8788
    environment@eaglecounty.us

Home | Environmental Health

FAQ

  1. I believe I became ill from eating food at a local restaurant.  What should I do?
  2. How can I get licensed to serve food at special events in Eagle County?
  3. How do I open a new restaurant?
  4. How do I take over an existing restaurant?
  5. How long will it take to review my application for a new restaurant?
  6. How do I find my septic system?
  7. How do I get licensed to install septic systems in Eagle County?
  8. How do I apply for a septic permit?
  9. How long will it take to review my septic permit application?
  10. Does Eagle County test well water?
  11. Does Eagle County test for mold?
  12. Does Eagle County spray for mosquitoes?
  13. Who do I contact regarding a land use or building code violation?
  14. Why is Environmental Health keeping me from getting a building permit?
  15. What can I do about bed bugs?
  16. Where can I dispose of hazardous waste?
  17. Is magnesium chloride dangerous?
  18. What is the proper way to dispose of a broken compact flourescent lightbulb (CFL)?

 

  1.  I believe I became ill from eating food at a local restaurant.  What should I do?
    First, if your symptoms persist, see a doctor.  Second, contact the restaurant where you believe you became ill, and discuss what you ate with the manager.  Next, contact our department to discuss the illness with an environmental health specialist.  You should know: your food history over the previous 72 hours, your symptoms, and whether any other members of your party became ill.  Environmental Health will interview you and investigate accordingly.  
  2.  How can I get licensed to serve food at special events in Eagle County?
    Visit the Special Event Food Service page, and submit the required information at least two weeks prior to the event.
  3.  How do I open a new restaurant?
    Visit the Open/Remodel a Restaurant  page, and submit the required plan review materials.
  4.  How do I take over an existing restaurant?
    Contact our department.  The existing owner's license must be terminated, and a new license issued for the new operator.
  5.  How long will it take to review my application for a new restaurant?
    Once all materials are received, review of your application will take about two weeks.  If the application is incomplete, additional information will be requested, lengthening the period of review.  Once the review of your operation is complete, a pre-operational inspection takes place.  Upon approval of this inspection, the restaurant may open for business.
  6.  How do I find my septic system?
    Submit a request to Environmental Health with the property address, parcel number, and owner name.
  7.  How do I get licensed to install septic systems in Eagle County? How do I renew my license?
    Visit the Installer/Cleaner licensing page.
  8.  How do I apply for a septic permit?
    Visit the Apply for a Permit page, follow the instructions, and submit the required materials.
  9.  How long will it take to review my septic permit application?
    Once all required materials are received, it will take up to two weeks to review the application and issue a permit.  If the application is incomplete, we will request the missing items, lengthening the period of review. 
  10.  Does Eagle County test well water?
    Well water samples can be collected by individual property owners and tested at a state certified laboratory.  Visit our Wells page for more information.
  11.  Does Eagle County test for mold?
    Neither the state of Colorado nor Eagle County test for indoor air quality in private residences.  Please visit our Indoor Air Quality page for information regarding mold remediation.
  12.  Does Eagle County spray for mosquitoes?
    Mosquito abatement is an option for some special districts in Eagle County (e.g. Edwards Metropolitan District), but is not a requirement.  For information regarding mosquito abatement on private property, please visit our Disease Prevention page.
  13.  Who do I contact regarding a land use, building code violation, or environmental concern?
    Eagle County Code Enforcement
  14.  Why is Environmental Health keeping me from getting a building permit?
    By state law, when a property is served by private wastewater, a building permit cannot be issued until a septic permit is approved.  Similarly, properties served by private wastewater cannot be expanded (e.g. adding a bedroom, or a garage with habitable space) without certification that the existing system can accommodate additional loading.  In addition, any construction associated with a restaurant (retail food establishment) must comply with the Colorado Retail Food Service Regulations.  Thus, Environmental Health must review such construction for compliance with these regulations, before a building permit may be issued.
  15.  What can I do about bed bugs?
    Bed bugs have become increasingly common in Colorado.  While bed bugs do not carry disease, they can cause skin irritation and itching.  The Armed Forces Pest Management Board Technical Guide #44 has a variety of information concerning this topic, including advice on bed bug removal or the EPA Bed Bug Clearinghouse has a great wealth of information as well.  Eagle County cannot assist with the removal of bed bugs at residential properties, or compel your landlord to remove them.  You may feel free to contact us with your concern, however, if you wish the presence of bed bugs at the property to be memorialized by our department.  
  16.  Where can I dispose of hazardous waste?
    The Eagle County Landfill has a Household Hazardous Waste facility.  You can learn more about disposal and management of hazardous waste at their website, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency, and The Environmental Hotline: Earth's 911.  If you are concerned that someone is improperly disposing of hazardous waste, please contact Code Enforcement.
  17.  Is magnesium chloride dangerous?
    Magnesium chloride (MCl) is used as a deicing agent on local and state roadways as an alternative to salt.  MCl has been shown to reduce the amount of particulate matter present in the air, which is a positive health benefit.  A 2000 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment study also indicated that MCl is no more harmful than salt/sand mixtures to human health. 
  18.  What is the proper way to dispose of a broken compact flourescent lightbulb (CFL)?
    Please refer to this fact sheet for proper cleanup, disposal, and recycling information regarding CFLs.