The following are regulatory services carried out in accordance with the provisions of the NYS Public Health Laws, NYS Sanitary Code and DC Sanitary Code. For more information call 845.486.3404.
Environmental Health Services Contacts
Environmental Health Services
Permits and inspects food service facilities, children's camps, hotels, motels, campsites, parks, temporary residences, mobile home parks, public functions with 5000 or more people, swimming pools, bathing beaches, migrant labor camps, daycare centers, and nursery schools.
EHS staff also arrange for pre-construction conferences and inspection of individual water supplies and sewage disposal systems for conformance to approved plans; investigate complaints regarding foodborne illnesses, rental dwellings, sewage failures, vermin infestations, and offensive materials; and reports of animal bites and human contact with suspect rabid animals.
Heat Complaints
Article 21 of the Dutchess County Sanitary Code requires landlords to maintain heating systems in rental dwellings that provide a minimum temperature of 68 degrees F. commencing September 15 and ending May 31 unless the rental agreement says otherwise. If tenants have complained to their landlords regarding insufficient heat, and the owner has failed to correct the problem, the tenant can file a complaint with the appropriate Environmental Health District Office (see listing of towns below). DCDOH staff will investigate the allegation, and, if a violation is confirmed, contact the owner for abatement. We do not regulate heating of commercial buildings.
- Beacon District Office (845.838.4801): Wappinger, Beacon, East Fishkill, Fishkill, Beekman
- Millbrook District Office (845.677.4001): Amenia, Clinton, Dover, Milan, Northeast, Pawling, Pine Plains, Pleasant Valley, Red Hook, Rhinebeck, Stanford, Union Vale, Washington
- Poughkeepsie District Office (845.486.3480): City of Poughkeepsie, Town of Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, LaGrange
An emergency answering service can be contacted at 845.431.6465 for heat outages that occur outside of the 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekday working hours.
Chloramines in Drinking Water
On Monday, October 23, 2006, Poughkeepsie began using chloramines to provide a disinfectant residual in the water system. Residents in the City of Poughkeepsie, Town of Poughkeepsie, and Village of Wappingers Falls may be affected. Information about chloramines is available on the world wide web.
- The Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility website has an excellent Chloramine FAQ.
- EPA region 9’s fact sheet about the use of chloramines in the disinfection of drinking water.
- An EPA sponsored consumer guide to the Nation’s drinking water (.pdf).
Environmental Health Services Links
Dutchess County Sanitary Code (.pdf) effective December 1, 1997
Dutchess County Sanitary Code, Article 28, Private Water Supplies (.pdf)
Other Codes
State Sanitary Code
Well Information
Food Protection
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United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Data and Mapping
NEW - USEPA Mapping (Envirofacts, EnviroMapper, Window To My Environment)
Environmental Mapping Links
Environmental Databases and Mapping from NYSDEC
Envirofacts system from USEPA
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Engineering Services
Conducts inspections, monitors, regulates, reviews, and approves plans for sewage collection, treatment and disposal systems, realty subdivisions, bathing beaches, residential and commercial sewage disposal systems, individual and public water supplies. Conducts a NYSDOH approved certification course for water treatment plant and distribution system operators.
Engineering Services Links
Annual Water Supply Statement
Article 145 - Engineering and Land Surveying
Other Codes
Standard Notes for Plans
Water and Wastewater Systems Design and Construction Standards (.pdf)
Model Groundwater Rules & Regulations (.pdf)
Labs in Dutchess County
Ozone Fundamentals (.pdf)
Water System Operator Certification - Grade C (.pdf)
Filter Media Cleaning (.pdf)
Operators
Pressure Tank Drawdown (Excel spreadsheet)
Disease Prevention for Wastewater Treatment Professionals
Watershed Management
Application Rate Change in NYC Watershed
Recommended Standards for Water Works - 1997 version
Recommended Standards for Water Works - 2003 version
Part 617 - State Environmental Quality Review (.pdf)
Part 650 Qualifications of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Plants
Public Water Supply Guide Cross-Connection Control (.pdf)
PSC - Public Water Supplies, Rates and Capacity Development Program
Building Permits , Certificates of Occupancy and Lot Approval
Steps for Building Your Dutchess County Department of Health Approved Septic System - Residential Only (.pdf)
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Radiation Services and Environmental Health Assessment Program
Inspects registered x-ray facilities, conducts investigations and provides technical assistance regarding radon, radiation and chemical emergency response plans, petroleum and chemical spills, asbestos, occupational health, hazardous and medical waste disposal sites, indoor air quality, environmental lead assessments, and potential exposure to chemicals and hazardous substances. Also conducts West Nile Virus surveillance and control activities.
Radiation Services/Environmental Health Assessment Links
Federal Language from 40CFR141.32 Public Notification
Mandatory Health Effects Language (MHEL)
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Tobacco Control Program
This program maintains and processes permits for Dutchess County tobacco retailers, and conducts periodic inspections of retailers to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. It also handles complaints pertaining to the Clean Indoor Air Act.
Click for FAQ's | Click for Fees
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