East Shore District Health Department

The East Shore Health District has an Environmental Health team dedicated to preventing illness and disease caused by environmental threats. We work with our partners at the Federal, State and Local level to reduce or eliminate harmful environmental exposures.

Food Safety

ESHD staff are licensed by the State of Connecticut to conduct food inspections. ESHD staff conduct routine and follow up inspections to over 400 permitted food establishments in our 3 Towns. We conduct new food service establishment plan reviews, complaint and outbreak investigations. We permit and inspect temporary food events, festivals, and farmers markets.

Septic Systems / Private Wells

ESHD staff are trained and certified to conduct soil testing, approve septic system designs, and inspect septic installations. Staff also approve newly constructed private well locations for residential properties and ensure the water quality meets standards.

Cosmetology/Body Care Services

ESHD staff conduct plan reviews and inspections of body care and personal service businesses in the district. These businesses include ones that provide hair, nail, esthetician, tattoo, tanning, massage and other body services. 

Childcare Facilities

The State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood license childcare facilities in the State. ESHD staff conduct routine facility inspections every two years.

Public Pools / Beaches

ESHD staff are trained to inspect indoor and outdoor public pools. These inspections occur annually, typically prior to opening of the outdoor pools at the end of May. ESHD staff test bathing water at public beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day annually. Testing is done to ensure bacteria levels are within safe limits for swimming.

Complaints

ESHD staff are trained to respond to complaints that are a public health concern. Staff follow the public health code to follow up on complaints regarding food borne illness, poor rental housing conditions, standing water mosquito concerns, rodents, garbage and sewage back-ups, among others. The CT DPH developed resources specific to Mold

Mold Resources:

Mold Information_Should I Test?

Tenant Checklist for Preventing Mold

Lead Paint

ESHD staff are trained and certified as Lead Inspectors and Risk Assessors. Environmental staff work with the Nursing division when a child has an elevated blood lead level. For additional information go to CT DPH Lead Resources