Environmental Health

The Environmental Division is staffed by Registered Environmental Health Specialists who are licensed and certified as required by New Jersey State law. Some of the varied environmental functions are listed below:

Day Care Centers & Youth Camps

Inspections are performed for general sanitation requirements and recreational bathing facilities in conjunction with the State Department of Health.

Emergency Management

Staff is available for response at all times through central dispatch at the Police Department. The Health Department participates as a member of the Emergency Management Team, developing and updating the annexes for which the Health Department is responsible. All divisions are involved when indicated for natural disasters or bio /chemical events.

Food Surveillance

All food and drinking establishments are licensed and inspected annually -- or more frequently, if required. Routine sampling of potentially hazardous food and utensil swabbing is performed to determine bacteria content and sanitizing methods. Reported food and waterborne diseases are investigated in conjunction with the State Department of Health. Flood, fire, and loss of utility services to food establishments are also investigated.

Food License Application Forms

Hazardous Substance Response

The Environmental Division investigates any release of hazardous substances (biological or chemical) into the air, waters, or on land in conjunction with the Essex Regional Health Commission and according to homeland security guidelines and our emergency management plan.

Institutional Sanitation

The Environmental Division performs annual inspections of long-term care centers, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and public and private schools.

Lead Poisoning

Our Environmental specialists are licensed lead inspectors / risk assessors and enforce cases that meet the criteria for structural abatement when a child has elevated levels of lead in their blood. The environmental staff works with the Nursing Division throughout the investigation and will determine if the source of lead contamination is environmental. The staff will order an abatement notice and follow through until the hazard is removed.

Mosquito Control

The Environmental Health staff investigates and issues abatement orders for conditions that would contribute to mosquito breeding, such as stagnant water from abandoned swimming pools, tires, or containers. Our environmental specialists work with the Essex County Mosquito Control in areas that need treatment. Mosquitoes that feed on birds infected with the West Nile Virus may transmit this disease and other diseases to humans.

Plan Review

The Environmental Health staff reviews plans for new food establishment construction and alterations to existing establishments. Inspectors also review plans for swimming pool and whirlpool construction, individual sewage disposal systems, and massage establishments.

Public Health Nuisance Complaints

Staff investigates and enforces all complaints for Township nuisance ordinances, such as insect and rodent harborage, offensive odors, accumulation of organic material, obnoxious weeds (such as poison ivy and ragweed), or any matter that is detrimental to ones health or general well being.

Radon

The division is liaison to the Superfund project for the Township. Questions, advice, and literature regarding general radon information and testing is available to Livingston residents.

Recreational Bathing Places

The division inspects health clubs, country clubs, public swimming pools, whirlpools, including those at apartment and condominium complexes, for general sanitation, water quality, and waterfront safety. It focuses on maintaining standards for the municipal pool complex.

Sewage Disposal

Individual sewage disposal system inspections are performed at new installations, alterations, or malfunctions in accordance with state requirements.

Solid Waste

The Division enforces specifications in the solid waste collection contract and investigates and enforces all refuse storage violations for residents and commercial properties. All solid waste complaints are investigated, and abatement orders are issued when needed.

Stream Pollution

Environmental Division staff members perform periodic stream pollution surveys and sampling of Township waterways to note stream conditions and check bacteria content for contamination.

Tobacco Control Program

Three tobacco control programs are in place for the Township - The Tobacco Age of Sale Program, the enforcement of the New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act, and Smoke-Free Kid Zones. Tobacco Age of Sale inspections are performed for the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors at local stores and businesses. Cigarette vending machines are also inspected for a supervised remote control device enforcing a local ordinance. Complaints are investigated regarding the sale of these products to minors. Smoke-Free Kids Zones are enforced at all Township parks, where smoking is prohibited by ordinance.

Vermin Control

Division staff members perform investigations and surveys for insect and rodent activity, and violations are ordered abated. Routine baiting of storm sewers is also performed for preventative and corrective purposes.