Appalachian District Health Department

Policy and Procedure

Policy Name Environmental Health Policy Topic Water Protection Quality Assurance Program

Section 700

Approved Date:7-24-13

Chapter 721

Revision Date:

Purpose: The Appalachian District Environmental Health Section will provide quality assurance reviews of Registered Environmental Health Specialists’ work in state mandated programs. Policy: The Appalachian District Health Department Environmental Health Section is charged with the protection of the public’s health and safety through the education and enforcement of Federal, state and local public health laws, rules, and regulations such as those pertaining to onsite wastewater and private drinking water well permitting and inspection activities. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that Water Protection Section staff members of the Environmental Health Section are knowledgeable of all applicable public health laws, rules and regulations they enforce. In addition, it is important that environmental staff conduct their job duties pursuant to established guidelines, policies and procedures as set forth by the State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the policies of the Appalachian District Health Department’s Environmental Health Section. The following procedures are hereby established to facilitate the consistency and efficiency of routine permitting and inspection activities. Definitions: NCDHHS: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services REHS: Registered Environmental Health Specialist Environmental Health Services Inspections: Any state mandated inspection program for which authorization is acquired through the NCDHHS Division of Public Health.

Procedure: A. Paperwork and Procedure Review 1. The Environmental Health Supervisor and Onsite Wastewater Program Specialist shall make every attempt to review all septic, well and compliance permits issued by REHS before they are released. Note: permits will not be held for review if they are needed for time sensitive activities such as real estate closings or obtaining certificates of occupancy from building inspections departments. 2. A permit review of all District staff responsible for conducting water protection activities should be conducted by the NCDHHS Regional Environmental Health Specialist at least 1|Environmental Health –Food and Lodging Quality Assurance Program

Appalachian District Health Department

Policy and Procedure

Policy Name Environmental Health Policy Topic Water Protection Quality Assurance Program

Section 700

Approved Date:7-24-13

Chapter 721

Revision Date:

once per six month period. The Regional Specialist should report any discrepancies to the Program Specialist and Environmental Health Supervisor. 3. The files shall be reviewed for adherence to procedures and compliance with North Carolina General Statutes and rules for issuance of permits appropriateness of comments and for completeness of documentation. 4. Findings shall be documented on an Appalachian District Health Department approved checklist and discussed with each REHS within two working days. 5. The checklist shall be signed by the REHS, Program Specialist, and Environmental Health Supervisor. 6. Any conflicts or concerns raised as a result of the review will be addressed by the Environmental Health Supervisor.

B. Review of Field Work 1. The Environmental Health Supervisor and/or On-site Wastewater Program Specialist shall field review at least two on-site wastewater permits and two private drinking water well permits issued by REHS working in the Water Protection Program each fiscal quarter. 2. The NCDHHS Regional Environmental Health Specialist should accompany and observe the Program Specialist on a minimum of two inspections per fiscal year. 3. Findings shall be documented on an Appalachian District Health Department approved checklist and discussed with each individual staff within two working days. 4. The checklist shall be signed by the REHS, Program Specialist, and Environmental Health Supervisor. A copy will be provided for the REHS and for their personnel file. The Environmental Health Supervisor will keep a log documenting the field review activities and checklist. 5. Any conflicts or concerns raised as a result of the review will be addressed by the Environmental Health Supervisor.

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