Environmental Health

Rabies in North Carolina...Visit the N.C. Epidemiology Branch to find answers to your questions about rabies, the history of rabies in our state, and current rabies data.

West Nile Virus, Mosquitoes and Waste Lagoons...Questions have risen since the West Nile Virus made headlines late in the summer of 1999 from New York City. Find out the history, risks, current outlook, and prevention measures of West Nile by visiting the N.C. Department of Environmental Natural Resources.

1200 Spartanburg Highway, Suite 100
Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828) 692-4228

Hours
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

For questions or complaints, please contact us.

Fee Schedule

Forms & Applications

Directions & Bus Service

The Environmental Health Division is responsible for ensuring Henderson County residents of having a clean and healthful environment in which to live, work, and play. This is accomplished through education, inspections, and active enforcement of county and state rules and regulations.

Food, lodging, and institution sanitation helps to ensure the public that establishments operating in Henderson County meet the minimum sanitation standards as required by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Henderson County Environmental Health Specialists routinely inspect all the following establishments.

• hotels, motels, inns
• restaurants, food & drink stands
• summer camps
• meat markets
• schools and educational institutions, hospitals, day care centers, jail
• nursing and rest homes, residential care
• hot dog carts, mobile food units

Inspections include the establishment's level of cleanliness, food handling practices and proper food protection during preparation, storage and transportation. After inspection, the establishment receives a certified card with a Grade of A, B, or C. Each establishment is required to display their Grade Card in a prominent location for the public to see. Visit the Restaurant Grades web site for the most current grades for dining establishments in Henderson County.

New and temporary dining establishments in Henderson County must have applicable licenses and permits. Inspectors will work closely with owners and management to ensure the quality and safety of food service to the public.

For more information about the food, lodging, and institution sanitation, visit the following NC Public Health links.

• Food Defense Program
• Rules Governing the Sanitation of Food Service Establishments
• Environmental Health Services Section Administrative Rules
• Institution Sanitation Program

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The Department of Public Health issues permits for any establishment and/or individual that offers tattoo services. The establishment and/or individual is inspected yearly by an Environmental Health Inspector. Please refer to the fee schedule for tattoo permit fees.

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North Carolina general statutes state that a person owning or controlling a residence, place of business, or place of public assembly shall provide an approved sanitary sewage system. As a result, the Commission for Health Services has compiled rules and regulations addressing the placement, design, installation, and maintenance of subsurface ground absorption sewage disposal systems. The Environmental Health Section of the Department of Public Health acts as authorized agents of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and ensures that these rules and regulations are enforced and the public's health is protected. 

Applications for Permits for Sewage Disposal Systems and Wells

Applications for lot evaluations for a subsurface sewage disposal permit can be made at the Henderson County Permit Center. An application fee is required as well as a plat of the property. The Environmental Health Specialist will make a site evaluation based on the following factors:

1. Topography and landscape position
2. Soil characteristics
3. Soil wetness
4. Soil depth
5. Restrictive horizons
6. Available space

Once the lot has been evaluated and approved an Authorization to Construct Permit for a subsurface sewage disposal system is issued. (This permit is also used to obtain building permits at the County Inspections Department, Allen Street, Hendersonville) Once the septic system is installed, another inspection is performed, and if approved an Operations Permit is issued to the property owner. 

For more information about on-site wastewater (septic) program, visit the following NC Public Health links.

• Maintenance of Septic Tank Systems
• On-site Wastewater Rules & Laws
• Installation, Maintenance & Inspection
• Environmental Health Services Section Administrative Rules
• On-site Waste Water Contractor Certification Board

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For more information about the water and well program, visit the following NC Public Health links.

• On-site Water Protection
• Private Wells Branch

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Local inspectors work to ensure all public swimming pools in Henderson County operate in accordance to the regulations set by the Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources. Frequent inspections are conducted to ensure proper water quality, construction, and safety standards are maintained. No pool can be open to the public unless an Operations Permit is obtained from an inspector.

For more information about the Pool Sanitation Program, visit the following links.

• Public Swimming Pool Program
• Environmental Health Services Section Administrative Rules

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Vector infestation can be destructive, a nuisance, and a public health hazard. The Environmental Health sections maintain a program to control and prevent these public health problems.

For more information about the Mosquito & Vector Control program, visit the following web links.

• Public Health Pest Management
• Environmental Health Services Section Administrative Rules

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Lead Investigation

Lead poisoning occurs when too much lead is in the body. Even small amounts of lead from old paint chips or leaded dust can harm the body, especially in children younger than 6. A blood test is the only way to detect lead poisoning and is recommended in children ages 1 through 5. If you suspect lead exposure, contact your health care provider about obtaining a blood test for lead. If an individual is found to have an abnormal level of lead in their blood, an Environmental Health Specialist at the Department of Public Health will help coordinate investigative services with the State.

The Henderson County Department of Public Health does not conduct environmental lead testing (paint chips, dust, soil, water, etc.) but can refer the public to local resources.

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• North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
• Environmental Health Services Section Administrative Rules
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• North Carolina Agencies
• North Carolina Child Care

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