Inspection Services

Environmental health inspectional service staff consists of (1) Lead Project Inspection Supervisor, (1) Environmental Hygienist, and (14) Lead Inspectors. All staff members are trained and state certified Lead Inspectors and Lead Risk Assessors. Both the Lead Project Inspection Supervisor and the Environmental Hygienist have additional training and state certifications as Lead Supervisor/Contractors.

When referrals from public health nursing (PHN) for children with elevated blood lead levels or referrals from citizen complaints are received, Lead Inspectors conduct a visual inspection of the target housing unit to identify and test deteriorated painted surfaces. After on-site inspection and laboratory analysis of the condition and content of lead-based paint surfaces is completed, Lead Inspectors will select specific treatment options to reduce the risk of exposure to the lead hazards present in the housing unit. Selected treatment options will be transferred to written orders, which are identified by surface and location. Lead Inspectors will serve the orders to the owner of the inspected housing unit as a legally binding mandate to correct the defective conditions at the property.

Given current Health Department guidelines, property owners are required to comply with served remediation orders within a specified time period. Property owners are required to have trained and state certified lead Supervisor/Contractors conduct the ordered work to the specifications stated in the written orders. Once a property owner signs a contract with an appropriately certified lead professional, that certified individual can purchase a lead permit form the Health Department and begin the work.

Projects with permits are closely monitored by the Lead Inspector assigned to the case. Lead Workers and Supervisor/Contractors must comply with applicable local ordinances and state and federal regulations. The Environmental Hygienist monitors inspectors/risk assessors and supervisor/contractors for work standards, work practices and for occupational safety and health issues. Lead Inspectors reinspect units while work is in progress and after it is completed. The Lead Inspectors visually examine the work for adherence to specifications and for final clean up. After final clean up (including proper waste disposal) the projects are tested for lead dust to ensure that the unit is safe. If the sampled surfaces pass EPA clearance standards for lead in dust, the unit is considered safe for occupancy.

Lead Inspectors serve citations for non-compliance to property owners who fail to comply with remediation orders within a specified period of time. Lead Inspectors also serve citations to workers and contractors who fail to comply with work practice standards. Citations are reviewed by the City Attorney and then by a Municipal Court Judge and may result in the levying of a fine.