FAQ Sections

1. RETAIL FOOD SANITATION (These FAQs relate to the Food Safety (Retail Food Sanitation) section under Services for Agencies and Regulated Businesses)
2. RECREATIONAL HEALTH - Public Swimming Pools (These FAQs relate to Swimming/recreational bathing under Services for Community Residents)
3. LAND USE (These FAQs relate to the Land Use category
4. VECTOR (These FAQs relate to the Control of Disease-bearing Insects and Rodents section)
5. SOLID WASTE (These FAQs relate to Solid Waste Management section of Services for Agencies and Regulated Businesses)
6. SMALL WATER SYSTEMS (These FAQs relate to the Small Water Systems item in the Water Quality section under Services for Agencies and Regulated Businesses)
7. CROSS CONNECTION (These FAQs relate to the Cross Connection Contamination item in the Water Quality section under Services for Agencies and Regulated Businesses)

RETAIL FOOD SANITATION

Question: Where can I find the Mid-State Fair permit applications?

Answer: These forms are unavailable on line. Please contact Mid-State Fair at (805) 239-0655.

Question: How can I find the results of the last inspection for the restaurants I eat at most frequently?

Answer: Retail Food facilities are required to maintain a copy of the most recent Health Department Inspection report for review by anyone asking to review it. A sign indicating the report is available upon request must be conspicuously posted within an area open to the public.

Question: What are the requirements for me to open a food facility, restaurant, coffee shop, etc?

Answer: The structural and operational requirements for building and operating a retail food facility are set forth in the California Health & Safety Code. Persons proposing to build a restaurant, coffee shop or other type of food facility or convert a building into a food facility must first submit detailed written plans and specifications for approval to Environmental Health Services. A "Construction Guide" is available to assist with the preparation of plans.

Question: If I believe I or someone in my family became ill after eating or dinking something, what should I do?

Answer: If you are sick and need medical attention, be sure to get professional medical help. Report details of the suspected incident to Environmental Health Services by calling 781-5544. If you have a sample of the suspected food keep it refrigerated until you have consulted with an Environmental Health Specialist. Environmental Health staff will review the specifics of your illness and investigate whether they believe there is a connection between consumption of the suspected food/beverage and the symptoms exhibited.

Question: I would like to prepare a food product in my home and sell it to the public. How do I get approved to do that?

Answer: The California Health & Safety Code prohibits any food prepared in a private home from being sold or given away to the public. However, it may be possible for you to contract with a commercial kitchen to prepare and package your food item(s) at that facility and obtain a business license and health permit on that basis. Contact Environmental Health at 781-5544 for more information.

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RECREATIONAL HEALTH

Question: What types of swimming pools are inspected by Environmental Health Specialists?

Answer: Swimming pools open to the public such as those found at motels, mobile home parks, apartment complexes, campgrounds, exercise clubs, public parks, etc. are evaluated for water quality and safety equipment by Environmental Health Specialists.

Question: What is checked during an inspection of a swimming pool or spa?

Answer: The pool water is checked for clarity, proper disinfectant level and balanced water chemistry. Using a standardized inspection form Environmental Health Specialists look for required safety signs and rescue equipment.

Question: What happens if violations are found during the inspection?

Answer: Violations are documented, discussed with the facility operator and a timetable for corrections is established. A date for a follow-up inspection is set for the Environmental Health Specialist to return to verify compliance.

Question: How can I find out the structural and operational requirements for a public swimming pool?

Answer: Call Environmental Health Services at 781-5544 to request a copy of the "The Swimming Pool Plan Check Guide"

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LAND USE

Question: What do I (as the applicant) need to submit to Environmental Health for preliminary subdivision map processing for parcels less than 60 acres in size?

Answer: A. No Health Department Approved Water Company or Public Sewer System:

Sewage Disposal - Submit a tentative parcel or tract map with topography. The map shall have a tentative parcel map CO number or tract number. All houses, wells, septic systems, streams, drainage swales, etc., shall be shown on the map. A determination regarding the use of on-site septic systems will be made from the above information; however, changes or further requirements for soil testing may be made during subsequent on-site viewing of the property.
Water Supply - Submit written evidence that there is adequate on-site water for the parcels proposed. Such evidence may consist of either:
a. A sustained yield pump test in gallons per minute (gpm), with draw down data, of no more than five (5) years old.
b. A well driller's report/well log with bail or air lift test in gpm.
c. A letter from a licensed and bonded well driller familiar with your particular area that states, to the best of the driller's knowledge, the water production capability for the location of the proposed division. The letter must reference the parcel or tract map number.
B. Health Department Approved Water Company and Public Sewer System:
Water - Sewer Service - Submit a "will serve" letter from the water and sewer utility stating they are willing and able to supply domestic water and sewer service to the parcels created by the proposed development. If sewage disposal is to be an on-site system, then requirements of Section A will suffice. The will serve must reference the applicants name, agent and tentative map number.

Question: How long does the review process take?

Answer: Processing time is dependant on the volume of projects being proposed at the time you submit your project. An average processing time for preliminary approval can be six (6) weeks.

Question: How do I get information on my septic system and who issues permits for installations and repairs?

Answer: In San Luis Obispo County the administrative authority for on-site septic systems resides in the Building and Planning Department.

Question: What are the appropriate set-back distances for on-site septic systems?

Answer:
· Private water wells………………………………….    100'
· Public water wells…………………………………..    200'
· Watercourse (river, stream, channel etc.)……….    100'
· Reservoir…………………………………………….    200'

Question: My parcel/tract map will utilize a well for the domestic water supply. What water quality testing needs to be done and then submitted to Environmental Health Services?

Answer: Each well will need to have the following water quality constituents tested for by a state certified laboratory:

Question: What kind of a well production test needs to be done for a parcel or tract map? How long must the production test be run?

Answer: Wells for parcel or tract maps must be a pump test. Bail or airlift tests are not accepted since they are only rough estimates of water production. The minimum length pump test required for each well by a licensed well driller or a certified pumping contractor is:

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VECTOR

Question: What is San Luis Obispo doing about mosquitoes in my home/neighborhood?

Answer: In April 2004, the Public Health Department began implementation of a Mosquito Abatement Program. The Mosquito Abatement Program consists of education, surveillance and abatement.

Education of the public is critical to protecting public health. Through various venues the program educates the public about what they can do to minimize mosquito breeding and protect themselves and their animals from the bite of a mosquito. The program also works with sensitive populations to inform them about the risks of contracting the disease and precautionary measures necessary to avoid exposure.

The surveillance program determines the potential risks of mosquito-borne diseases in San Luis Obispo County. Surveillance studies identify and quantify mosquito hot spots and identify mosquito species present. In addition, these studies look for West Nile Virus (WNV) and encephalitis that are carried by mosquitoes.

Surveillance activities also include sentinel chicken flocks and continued participation in the state dead-bird testing program to assist in the identification of West Nile Virus. Bi-weekly blood samples from sentinel chicken flocks serve as an indicator of the presence of WNV infected mosquitoes. The California Department of Health Services has implemented a dead bird reporting and submission program. Certain species of birds are susceptible to West Nile Virus and often die when exposed to the disease by the bite of a mosquito. When the public reports dead birds to the Department of Health Services via a special hot line number (1-877-WNV-BIRD), county staff picks up the bird at the request of the state and sends it to them for testing. The county is then notified of the results.

Effective abatement of mosquitoes is accomplished through a coordinated, countywide program. Seasonal help is employed to treat known mosquito breeding areas and other field related duties. The goal is to reduce mosquito populations so as to minimize the harm, nuisance and negative health effects resulting from exposure to mosquitoes.

Mosquito abatement uses source reduction techniques and larval control to reduce the mosquito population. Source reduction focuses on things the property owner can do such as eliminating discarded tires and emptying containers that can hold water. Large-scale source reduction such as clearing flood control channels, drainage of water bodies and removing vegetation from edges of persistent water sources will not take place at this time. This requires long term planning, obtaining proper permits, and is expensive to accomplish.
Larviciding is the addition of a control product to a water source to kill mosquito larvae. Controlling the larvae is more effective than controlling adults. Control products available include bacterial larvicide products that are forms of naturally occurring bacteria and Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs), which prevent the larvae from completing their development. San Luis Obispo County is using two bacterial larvicides (bacteria registered as pesticides) that are easy to use, are not toxic to other living species and are registered as control agents.

Property owners can maintain their properties free of nuisance mosquito breeding by surveying their yard for sources of standing water. Rain gutters, empty containers, old tires, wheelbarrows, etc. should be checked and emptied; change pet watering dishes and birdbaths twice weekly; stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating fish. Reduce biting adults in your yard by spraying vegetation, outside walls and eaves of the house with an approved (for mosquitoes) insecticide. Follow label directions carefully. People should wear repellants when outside and provide doors and windows with tight-fitting screens. If you are aware of a problem-breeding site in your neighborhood, report it to Environmental Health Services at 781-5544.

Question: Where can I obtain Gambusia (mosquito-eating fish)?

Answer: The Environmental Health Department has several sources for Gambusia, depending on the needs of the homeowner. Call 781-5544 for more information on sources.

Question: What can I do about rats/mice in my home:

Answer: Rats and mice can carry a variety of bacterial and viral diseases and should be kept out of homes and businesses. These rodents should be trapped if inside of buildings. Purchase snap traps or glue board traps and bait them with peanut butter, nut meats or freshly cooked bacon. Place snap traps at right angles to the wall, with the trigger end touching the wall. Set several traps. Be sure to locate the traps where children and pets cannot accidentally trigger the trap and cause injury. Once rodents have been caught in the traps, remove the carcasses carefully, wearing gloves, and double-bag the carcasses. Avoid inhalation exposure to dust from mouse droppings and urine, as there is a risk of contracting Hanta Virus, particularly with deer mice. Areas contaminated with droppings should be sprayed with Lysol or bleach/water solution at a ratio of 1/5 before removing the droppings. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming droppings.

If poison baits are used outside, they must be placed where children and pets cannot reach them.

Trapping and poisoning are methods of removing rodents, but care should be taken to remove food and harborage. A thorough environmental survey should be done on the property. Harvest ripe fruit from fruit trees, and pick up fallen fruit. Keep trash cans covered with tight fitting lids. Don't leave pet food out overnight, and store pet food in metal containers with tight fitting lids.

Rodent-proof buildings by sealing off holes near plumbing and vents, screen stove vents and replace door thresholds. Thin or remove vegetation growing close to buildings. Algerian Ivy, bougainvillea, palm and yucca trees are particularly attractive to rats. Firewood and lumber piles should be stored up 18" off the ground, and 12' away from fences and walls. Clean up debris piles. Seek professional pest control if necessary.

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SOLID WASTE

Question: What is solid waste?

Answer: For practical purposes, solid waste is anything that is discarded. County Code gives the following precise definition:

"'Solid Waste' means all putrescible and non-putrescible solid, semi-solid and liquid waste such as garbage, rubbish, paper, ashes, industrial waste, demolition and construction waste, abandoned vehicles and parts thereof, discarded home and industrial appliances, dewatered, treated, or chemically fixed sewage sludge which is not hazardous waste, manure, vegetable or animal solid and semisolid waste, including liquid waste disposed of in conjunction with solid waste at a solid waste transfer/processing station or disposal site but excluding materials or substances having commercial value which have been salvaged for reuse, recycling, composting, or resale."

Question: What responsibilities does a person have with respect to solid waste on their property?

Answer: County Code makes the owner, occupant or operator of any premises, vacant or occupied, responsible for keeping the property free of excessive amounts of solid waste and litter. A violation of this requirement is a misdemeanor. County inspectors generally deal with accumulations of solid waste on a complaint basis. What qualifies as excessive is left to the discretion of the health inspector (a.k.a. Environmental Health Specialist).

County Code also requires the occupant of any home or business to properly dispose of all solid waste on the premises not less than once each week. Any business dealing in food must properly dispose of all solid waste at least twice each week.

While solid waste is being stored on site, it must be stored in appropriate containers. For instance, garbage must be stored in non-absorbent, watertight containers with close-fitting lids. For a more thorough and specific explanation, see County Code Chapter 8.12.250.

Question: What is the proper way to dispose of large dead animals?

Answer: The County does not currently have a comprehensive policy covering the disposal of large dead animals. On-site burial is allowed on a case-by-case basis when impacts to public health are insignificant. When there are potential impacts to public health involved in on-site burial, such as when there is high groundwater, or parcel size does not allow adequate setback from nearby water wells, there are other options. Some landfills in the county will dispose of large dead animals, or a renderer can be called for pick-up.

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SMALL WATER SYSTEMS

Question: How do I disinfect my well?

Answer: If your well requires disinfect ion use the following procedure:

1. Inform all users of the water that it will not be fit for use for 8-12 hours or longer.

2. Add to the well one gallon or more of household bleach such as Clorox, Purex, etc., mixed with 3-5 gallons of water, making an attempt to wash down the inside of the casing and the surface of the drop pipe.

3. Allow to stand 30 minutes so the chlorine can settle. Then start and stop the pump repeatedly to mix the water and chlorine.

4. Let stand one hour and repeat pumping as under (3).

5. Open all taps until the smell or taste of chlorine is present in the water. Then close taps and allow to stand overnight (or 8-12 hours). Remove any activated carbon filter in the system.

6. Flush out the system beginning with the well. Use a hose connected to an outside faucet and run until the odor of chlorine is gone. Do not discharge to a septic system or lawn. After the water from the well is free from chlorine odor, flush the remainder of the piping system.

7. Take all necessary steps to completely seal the well from any further contamination. This office will advise on proper methods of sealing a wall.

8. Contact or call the San Luis Obispo County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, at 791-5544 for a recheck.

Question: What is Coliform Bacteria?

Answer: Besides turning the grass brown and drying up lakes and streams drought conditions can cause other problems. So can heavy rainfall. Although a well may have had no problems for many years, unusual weather conditions can cause some wells to be contaminated with bacteria. On the other hand, wells that have been contaminated by surface water may not show a problem now, again due to unusual weather conditions. This emphasizes the need for regular testing of well water.

The basic test for bacterial contamination is Total Coliform bacteria. Total Coliform is an indicator of the sanitary condition of a water supply. Total Coliform includes bacteria that is found in soil, in water that is on or near the surface of the ground, and in human or animal waste.

When Total Coliform is found in a private well supply, the first step is usually to check the well for any physical defects. A broken or missing well cap, or a well casing which is too close to the surface of the ground or is located beneath the ground, can allow surface water, insects, and debris to enter the well. If any of these conditions are found, they should be corrected and the water should be retested.

A well may prove to be inviting to insects, especially during dry conditions and high temperatures. Sometimes when checking a well, there is evidence that insects are using the well casing for a nesting area. When this is found, the problem can be controlled by covering the top of the well casing with plastic screening and fastening it to the well casing with a large screw clamp. This covering of screening will also prevent small rodents such as mice and moles from entering the well. Mice have been known to squeeze through a space as small as a coin slot. Since one-half inch or more of space is found around the average well casing, mice and other rodents can easily enter. Once they fall into the water, they may be disoriented and not be able to find their way out. Finding rodent hairs in the faucet strainers is one clue that rodents have entered the well.

Question: Are the beaches in San Luis Obispo County monitored for water quality?

Answer: Environmental Health Services, through a California State grant, takes weekly ocean water samples at the county's most visited beaches. The water is tested for total coliform, e-coli, and enterococcus bacteria. The program runs from April 1 to October 31 each year.

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CROSS CONNECTION

Question: What is a cross connection?

Answer: A cross connection is any physical connection between a potable water system and a non-potable water supply; any waste pipe, soil pipe, sewer, drain; or any direct or indirect connection between a plumbing fixture or device whereby polluted water or contaminated fluids including gases or substances might enter and flow back into the potable water system. Such a hook-up may be real, or have a reasonable potential to be a cross connection.

Question: What is a backflow device?

Answer: A backflow device is installed in order to prevent backflow into the water distribution system. Said device is a mechanical plumbing device made up of two shut-off valves, two check valves, and four test-cocks. The particular type of device depends on the degree of hazard (i.e., extreme, moderate, or low hazard).

Question: What regulations require backflow devices be installed?

Answer: California Code of Regulations Title 17, San Luis Obispo Ordinance #1175, and the Uniform Plumbing Code.

Question: Who is responsible for the yearly testing of backflow prevention devices?

Answer: The owner of the property or their agent.

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