The Environmental Health Department provides services in Clarke, Decatur and Ringgold Counties.
Description of Department
Clarke County Environmental Health is an agency of the Clarke County Board of Health. Its mission is, to promote, protect and ensure the health and well being of the citizens of Clarke County and to provide equitable, economical service. The department is governed by the Board of Health and the Clarke County Board of Supervisors. Our service area encompasses the entire county including rural and non-rural properties.
Services Provided
- Time of Transfer Inspections
- On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal (Septic Systems)
- Indoor Air Quality (includes radon, mold, and pollutants)
- General Environmental Health
- Pool, Spa, Tanning Bed, Tattoo Inspections
- Private Wells
- Sewer Camera Inspections
- General Environmental Health
Inspections
- Tanning Beds and Tattoo Parlors
Local Inspectors make sure that the equipment used in the tanning beds meet health and safety guidelines, and that the operators are knowledgeable in the procedures to help protect the patrons from skin damage.
Tattoo Parlors are checked for sterilization and sanitary conditions. With the increase in blood borne diseases such as HIV, it is imperative that these operations are following strict public health safety rules and regulations.
- Swimming Pools & Spas
Ever wonder why there is so much chlorine in swimming pools and spas? Because we require it to protect people from transmitting and contracting disease through the water. The Environmental Health Department conducts a comprehensive inspection of all public swimming pools and spas in the three county area. Items such as water quality, disinfection, testing, construction, safety and lifeguard certification are all scrutinized on an annual basis to provide a safe environment for the public.
Clarke County Environmental Health investigates written complaints regarding:
- Public nuisances
- Health Hazards
- Unhealthy living conditions
- Illegal Dumping
- Dangerous Buildings
When filing a complaint regarding one of these areas, it is important to gather complete information before contacting our office. Things you will be asked to provide include: property address, property owner’s or occupant’s name and phone number, nature and details of complaint, and what has been done to contact owner/occupant prior to referring to our office.
Contact Information
Greg Kent, EH Director/ Time of Transfer Inspector (Full-time)
Phone: (641) 223-8299
Fax: (641) 342-2603
gkent@clarkecountyiowa.org
Jessica Conley, Field Specialist/ Pool, Spa, Tanning Bed and Tattoo Facility Inspector (Part-time)
Phone: (641) 223-8299
jconley@clarkecountyiowa.org
Mackenzie Hickenbottom, Health Department Administrator
clarkeph2@mediacombb.net
Located in the Public Health Building
144 W. Jefferson
Osceola, Iowa 50213
Please call before traveling to the office in Osceola. The Staff is frequently in the field and there may be no one in the office unless you make an appointment.
Board of Health
Terry Jacobsen, Chair
Trevor Moore, Vice-Chair
Jo Callison, Secretary
Benjamin Hicks, MD
Elizabeth Reynoldson
The Board of Health meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 4:00 pm in the Multipurpose room in the courthouse. Agendas can we found on the public board located outside of the Board of Supervisors office at the Courthouse.
Helpful Links
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Chapter 69 Private Sewage Disposal Systems pdf
DNR Time of Transfer Inspector List pdf
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Iowa On-Site Wastewater Association
US Environmental Protection Agency
Forms (PDF)
Application for Non-Public Water Well Construction Permit
Attachment to Application Septic System for a Business Site
Clarke County Septic Application
Decatur and Ringgold Septic Application
Future Installation Time of Transfer Binding Agreement Example
Tri-County Contractor List 6-2017
Tri-County Septic Packet 7-2017
Ordinances (PDF)
Chapter 1: Septic Rules and Regulations
Chapter 2: Non-Public Water Wells
Chapter 4: Private Water Well Permit Applications