{"id":32,"date":"2016-11-23T15:39:39","date_gmt":"2016-11-23T15:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/western-tidewater\/?page_id=32"},"modified":"2025-12-01T14:09:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T19:09:10","slug":"environmental-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/western-tidewater\/environmental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Environmental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>On This Page<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what\">What We Do<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#food\">Food Safety Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tourist\">Tourist Establishments and General Environmental Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#onsite\">Onsite Sewage and Well Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#rabies\">Rabies Control Program<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#fees\">Fees for Permits &amp; Services<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a id=\"what\"><\/a>What We Do<\/h2>\n<p>The Environmental Health (EH) program includes 17 staff in 4 district offices.<\/p>\n<p>Annually, our EH team reviews and inspects:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Over 400 permitted food establishments (such as restaurants, schools, daycare facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, mobile food trucks, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>30 tourist establishments (hotel, motel, inn or bed and breakfast), camps and summer camps<\/li>\n<li>25-30 tourist establishment swimming pools<\/li>\n<li>10 migrant labor camps<\/li>\n<li>275-300 onsite sewage systems<\/li>\n<li>225-250 private wells<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><strong><a id=\"food\"><\/a>Food Safety Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As part of the Food Safety program, we inspect many types of food establishments from school cafeterias to the largest restaurants. We also ensure food safety at your weekend fair or festival. Our staff inspects tourist establishments (hotels, motels, inns and bed and breakfast facilities).<\/p>\n<p>From the cotton fields of Southampton County to the shores of the James River and the brink of Hampton Roads Harbor, Western Tidewater encompasses the diversity of simpler times as well as the fast lane of a high-speed world. So, whether you want to share a plate of collard greens and Smithfield Ham or savor broiled rockfish while catching the salt breeze at the mouth of the Nansemond our cuisines are as unique as our people. Your Western Tidewater Environmental Health Team is here to help make sure that great food and those mighty rivers stay healthy and safe.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Food Safety Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Food Safety Training is available online for food handlers and food managers at <a href=\"http:\/\/westerntidewater.statefoodsafety.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">State Food Safety<\/a>. Please call your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/western-tidewater\/locations\/\">local health department<\/a> if you have questions.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Food Service Program<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Inspection reports for all permitted food facilities in Virginia can be viewed at <a href=\"https:\/\/inspections.myhealthdepartment.com\/virginia\">https:\/\/inspections.myhealthdepartment.com\/virginia<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Food Establishments\/Mobile Units<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In order to grant a permit, we must determine compliance with the <a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter421\/\">Virginia Food Regulations<\/a>.\u00a0To do so, we perform a review and approval process on specific documentation prior to a pre-opening inspection. These documents include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Permit and plan review applications<\/li>\n<li>Copy of the proposed menu<\/li>\n<li>Copy of the establishment\u2019s Certified Food Managers certificate(s)<\/li>\n<li>Copy of the establishment\u2019s business license<\/li>\n<li>Architectural or computer-generated floor plans (to scale) of the establishment<\/li>\n<li>Equipment specifications<\/li>\n<li>Certificate of Occupancy for newly constructed or change of use establishments<\/li>\n<li>All associated fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Forms:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/122\/Food-Application.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Food Establishment Application<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/122\/Food-Plan-Review-App.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Food Establishment Plan Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Foodborne Illness Investigation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Environmental Health Services responds to all reports of suspected foodborne illnesses implicating food sold or served in the Western Tidewater Health District. Signs and symptoms vary, but common symptoms include vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Most cases of foodborne illness last between 24-48 hours. Symptoms generally appear between 2 to 36 hours after eating the suspected food. Most cases are isolated events and are not associated with large outbreaks. However, there are times the health department investigates outbreaks involving groups attending the same function. For additional information on foodborne illnesses please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/food-safety-in-virginia\/foodborne-diseases-and-outbreaks\/\">VDH Foodborne Diseases and Outbreaks <\/a>webpage.<\/p>\n<p>Our goal is to identify the foods responsible for the illness. Collecting accurate and complete information from the persons involved helps us do this. We also perform a thorough review to identify food handling practices that may have contributed to the illness. Not always, but sometimes it is even necessary to collect samples of the suspected food.<\/p>\n<p>When reporting a suspected foodborne illness, the following information is important:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Contact information for the people that are ill.<\/li>\n<li>Name and location of the facility where the suspected meal or food item was obtained.<\/li>\n<li>Date and time the suspected meal consumed.<\/li>\n<li>Onset of symptoms and description of symptoms,<\/li>\n<li>A 72-hour food history (to include all foods and beverages consumed in the 3 days prior to the first sign of illness)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>To file a complaint concerning a food related illness, please contact your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/western-tidewater\/locations\/\">local health department<\/a> for assistance. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Restaurant\/Food Inspection Reports<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>All food establishments that serve the public must be permitted through the Virginia Department of Health. This requirement allows VDH and restaurant operators to collaborate in the safe handling of food from the kitchen to your plate. We all want to avoid getting sick! You can review inspection results from across Western Tidewater locations online: <a href=\"https:\/\/inspections.myhealthdepartment.com\/va-western-tidewater\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Western Tidewater Restaurant\/Food Inspection Reports<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Regulations and Applications<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter421\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">12VAC5-421-10 Food Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter431\/section10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">12VAC5-431-10\u00a0Hotel Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/122\/2016\/11\/NewEstablishment-Application-Package.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Food Establishment Plan Review New or Renovated Food Establishments<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Temporary Food Events<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Permits are issued for food vendors operating at a single event or celebration, such as a fair, carnival, or festival, and are governed by the Virginia Food Regulations. If the food is not prepared and handled in a sanitary manner, the public\u2019s health may be at risk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Please be aware that in order for the Health Department to review your food safety plan and prepare for the inspection of your event, all temporary event applications must be submitted ten (10) calendar days prior to the event.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/122\/2016\/11\/Temp-Event-Application.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Application for Temporary Food Permit<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><a id=\"tourist\"><\/a>Tourist Establishment and General Environmental Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Campgrounds<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Annual and temporary campgrounds are permitted by the health department. They are periodically inspected while in operation to ensure public safety. Additional permits may be required for on-site food establishments, swimming pools and spas associated with the campground.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter450\/\">Campground Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Campground Application<\/li>\n<li>Campground Plan Review Application<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Tourist Establishments<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Tourist Establishments include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, summer camps and campgrounds. These facilities are inspected to determine compliance with health and safety laws governed by the Commonwealth of Virginia. \u00a0Additional permits may be issued for on-site restaurants, continental breakfasts, swimming pools and spas associated with these facilities.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter431\/section30\/\">Hotel Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"..\/Jay%20pdf%20permits\/Hotel%20Application%202023.pdf\">Hotel Application<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Recreational Swimming Pools \/ Spas<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Pools and spas associated with campgrounds, hotels or motels are inspected while in operation to ensure bather safety. Environmental Health Specialists conduct water sample tests, evaluate all pool safety equipment and ensure these facilities are properly constructed and maintained.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/admincode\/title12\/agency5\/chapter460\/\">Public Pool Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/environmental-health-services\/swim-healthy\/\">Swim Healthy Virginia!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Marina Sanitation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Commonwealth of Virginia has sanitary regulations for marinas and other boat moorings. The regulations establish minimum requirements for sewerage facilities to accommodate boaters and marina employees. The number of boat slips is a key factor in determining the size of the sewerage facility. The Division of Wastewater Engineering reviews the technical aspects of plans and specifications and works with the local health department to issue construction and operation permits for sewerage facilities. The Marine Resources Commission is notified when a certificate is issued or denied. Marine Resources in turn, evaluates and approves the location and construction of the marina itself. Once constructed, Our EH department inspects for compliance with the regulations to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness of the facility and issues a permit for the marina\u2019s operation.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/title32.1\/chapter6\/section32.1-246.1\/\">Marina Dump Stations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/title32.1\/chapter6\/section32.1-246\/\">Marina Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2018\/05\/Marina-Building-Permit-Application2018.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marina Permit Application<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><a id=\"onsite\"><\/a>Onsite Sewage and Well Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>On-site Septic Systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Environmental Health Services oversees the design and construction of onsite sewage (septic) systems to ensure that the environment is protected. A permit may be required. The program includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Providing a copy of your septic system layout<\/li>\n<li>Permit application and plan review<\/li>\n<li>System inspections<\/li>\n<li>Property improvement requests (home additions, pools, decks, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>New subdivision plan review<\/li>\n<li>Sewage Complaint investigation<\/li>\n<li>Inspection and permitting of sewage handlers (septic tank pump-out trucks)<\/li>\n<li>To locate private sector providers: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/viewer?mid=1nIVtqik9hDqAfzsaJX8J35dnknIG3SvI&amp;ll=38.72392389874206%2C-80.85735265&amp;z=7\">Onsite Sewage and Private Well Service Providers &#8211; Google My Maps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/gmp-2015-01-forms\/\">Septic and well forms<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Private Wells<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Environmental Health reviews and issues permits for private wells.\u00a0 This ensures wells are properly located a safe distance from potential sources of contamination. \u00a0The environmental review protects our drinking water and general groundwater supply.\u00a0 Types of wells we inspect may include drinking water, irrigation, geothermal, and industrial.\u00a0 Additional permitting requirements may be necessary if the proposed volume of water to be withdrawn exceeds 300,000 gallons per month.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Private Wells Links<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Have you recently had your well water tested and want to know what the results mean? The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu\/well-informed-virginia.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><u>Well Informed Virginia<\/u><\/strong><\/a> drinking water interpretation tool has been created to help private well owners and users in Virginia understand water test results.<\/p>\n<p>VDH DOES NOT require testing or inspections in conjunction with the buying or selling of property with private wells.\u00a0 However, during real estate transactions, questions often arise from buyers, sellers, and lenders.\u00a0 In response, Office of Environmental Health Services is pleased to offer <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/real-estate-transfer-faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this FAQ sheet<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><a id=\"rabies\"><\/a>Rabies Control Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Our Environmental Health team works closely with your local Animal Control to investigate potential rabies exposures to humans and their pets.<br \/>\nExposure of humans to rabies occurs when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through an open wound or mucous membrane, such as with an animal bite. An animal exposure can be a serious medical event, for which prompt evaluation and complete treatment is critical. Rabies is highly preventable if the vaccine is given early and as recommended. Unfortunately, without preventive treatment, by the time someone develops symptoms of rabies, there is no cure, and the disease is fatal in almost 100% of cases. The disease is also fatal in infected domestic dogs and cats that have not been vaccinated.<\/p>\n<p>The Western Tidewater Health District, strongly emphasizes the following recommendations for residents to take in protecting their families and their pets from rabies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If your pet has been in contact with an animal that might be rabid, contact your local health department or Animal Control.<\/li>\n<li>Seek medical treatment promptly for any animal bite to ensure appropriate and timely evaluation and treatment. All animal exposures must be taken seriously.<\/li>\n<li>Do not approach wild or stray animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, cats, and dogs.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure all pet dogs, cats and ferrets have current rabies vaccinations. Please consult your veterinarian, Animal Control, or the Health Department if you have any questions about pet vaccinations.<\/li>\n<li>Confine your pets to your property.<\/li>\n<li>Securely seal garbage containers with lids.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>State law requires all dogs and cats four months or older to be vaccinated against rabies.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For more information about rabies, please see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/animal-contact-human-health\/rabies-control\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VDH rabies webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a id=\"other\"><\/a>Other Work<\/h2>\n<p>Our team also provides information and education regarding other environmental health risks. Some topics include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/ticks\/tick-borne-diseases\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tick-borne diseases<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/environmental-health\/touristlodging\/bedbugs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bedbugs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/mosquitoes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mosquito-borne diseases<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><a id=\"fees\"><\/a>Fees for Permits &amp; Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Fees subject to change. Payments in the office can only be accepted during the hours between 8:30am \u2013 3:30pm, Monday-Friday.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For more about available services, fees, or other information, please call your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/western-tidewater\/locations\/\">local health department<\/a>.<\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 328px;\" width=\"476\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">\n<h3><strong>Permits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\"><strong>Fee<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">\u00a0Body Art (tattoo, body piercing)<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\">$1,800<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">\u00a0Body Art Plan Review<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\">$200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">Food Establishments \/ Mobile Units<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\">$40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">Food Establishments \/ Mobile Units Plan Review<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\">$40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">\u00a0Temporary Food (calendar year)<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\">$40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">\u00a0Hotel \/ Motel<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\">$40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">\u00a0Hotel \/ Motel Plan Review<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\">$40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">\u00a0Campgrounds<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\">$40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"306\">\u00a0Campgrounds Plan Review<\/td>\n<td width=\"66\">$40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h3>Onsite Sewage System \/ Private Well Applications<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>Fee<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Certification letter with OSE\/PE documentation, &lt;\u00a01,000 gpd<\/td>\n<td>$320<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Certification letter with OSE\/PE documentation, &gt; 1,000 gpd<\/td>\n<td>$1,400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Construction permit for onsite sewage system only, &lt;\u00a01,000 gpd no OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$425<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Construction permit for onsite sewage system only, &lt;\u00a01,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$225<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Combined well and onsite sewage system construction permit, &lt;\u00a01,000 gpd no OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$725<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Combined well and onsite sewage system construction permit, &lt;\u00a01,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$525<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Construction permit for onsite sewage system only, &gt; 1,000 with OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$1,400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Combined well and onsite sewage system construction permit, &gt;1,000 with OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$1,700<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Private well construction or abandonment permit, with or without OSE\/PE\/Well Driller documentation<\/td>\n<td>$300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Closed-loop geothermal well system (one fee per well system) with or without OSE\/PE\/Well Driller documentation<\/td>\n<td>$300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Alternative discharge system inspection fee<\/td>\n<td>$75<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Minor modification of an existing onsite sewage system with or without OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Appeal before the Review Board<\/td>\n<td>$135<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Repair permit for an onsite sewage system, &lt;\u00a01,000 gpd without OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$425<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Repair permit for an onsite sewage system, &lt;\u00a01,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$225<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Repair permit for an onsite sewage system, &gt; 1,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$1,400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Voluntary upgrade for an onsite sewage system, &lt;\u00a01,000 gpd with OSE\/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$225<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Voluntary upgrade for an onsite sewage system, &gt; 1,000 gpd with OSE \/PE documentation<\/td>\n<td>$1,400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Safe, adequate, and proper evaluation without OSE\/PE\/Installer\/Operator documentation<\/td>\n<td>$150<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\u00a0Safe, adequate, and proper evaluation with OSE\/PE\/Installer\/Operator documentation<\/td>\n<td>$100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On This Page What We Do Food Safety Program Tourist Establishments and General Environmental Program Onsite Sewage and Well Program Rabies Control Program Fees for Permits &amp; Services What We Do The Environmental Health (EH) program includes 17 staff in 4 district offices. Annually, our EH team reviews and inspects: Over 400 permitted food establishments [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":654,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Environmental Health - Western Tidewater Health District<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/western-tidewater\/environmental-health\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Environmental Health - Western Tidewater Health District\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On This Page What We Do Food Safety Program Tourist Establishments and General Environmental Program Onsite Sewage and Well Program Rabies Control Program Fees for Permits &amp; Services What We Do The Environmental Health (EH) program includes 17 staff in 4 district offices. 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