CURRENT TOPICS

Please click on the links below for more information about these environmental health issues:

West Nile Virus

Lead

Mercury

Revised Food Service Facility Regulations

In July 2008, Howard County passed a resolution (ENR CR66-2008) to update existing regulations for food service facilities. Changes in the Howard County food regulations became necessary after both the FDA and State of Maryland updated their food codes. The resolution provides updated definitions used in the regulations. In addition, a previous requirement to have staff at food facilities complete a certified food manager program was expanded to now require trained staff to be present at moderate and high risk facilities during all operating hours.

In addition to the resolution, a corresponding change to the County Health Code was made to update references to the food regulations and food handling provisions. The resolution became effective on July 7, 2008, but several clauses in the resolution do not take effect until September 1, 2008.

To view, or save a copy of the regulations you can click on the following link:

Bill No. 48-2008
(http://www.co.ho.md.us/CountyCouncil/CCdocs/ENRCB48-2008.pdf)

Resolution No. 66-2008 (http://www.co.ho.md.us/CountyCouncil/CCdocs/ENRCR66-2008.pdf)

(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

Curtis Hughes named Lead Administrative Support for the Bureau of Environmental Health

Mr. Curtis Hughes was promoted to the Lead Administrative Support position in the Bureau of Environmental Health. Mr. Hughes had been working as an Office Secretary for the Well and Septic Program since December 2006. He graduated from Baltimore City Community College with an Associate’s degree, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from the University of Baltimore.

In his new role, Mr. Hughes will act as liaison between the Bureau Administration and support staff. Mr. Hughes will also oversee the logistics of supplies, facilities, and services needed to support the functions of the Bureau.

Two sanitarians promoted to Supervisors in the Bureau of Environmental Health

Sara Sappington named Supervisor for the Well and Septic Program

Ms. Sara Sappington was promoted to the position of Supervisor of the Howard County Well and Septic Program. Ms. Sappington has been working as an Environmental Sanitarian in the Well and Septic Program for Howard County since March 2005. She completed an undergraduate degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Central Michigan University, and later obtained a Master's degree in Environmental Science from Miami University in Ohio.

In her new role as Supervisor, Ms. Sappington will oversee all development in Howard County that involves residential or commercial buildings using septic systems or private well water supplies. The primary focus of her work will be to ensure that sewage is disposed in a manner that will not cause disease or destroy environmental resources, as well as protecting valuable water supplies from contamination.

As Howard County continues to grow more people are turning to areas of land that were previously unsuitable for development. Often land is unbuildable due to poor soils or the conditions of the area. “The challenge is to provide for opportunities to grow while still meeting environmental and public health needs,” says Ms. Sappington. She looks forward to the chance to work with the public to help them better understand the crucial role her Program provides in protecting the health of Howard County’s citizens.

Fatima Rafiee named Plan Review Supervisor for the Food Protection Program

Ms. Fatima Rafiee was promoted to the position of Plan Review Supervisor in the Howard County Food Protection Program. Ms. Rafiee has been working as an Environmental Sanitarian for Howard County since October 2002. She came to Howard County in 2000, after graduating from Tehran University in Iran with a degree in Microbiology.

As Plan Review Supervisor, Ms. Rafiee will oversee every restaurant, grocery store, or retail food facility opening in Howard County to ensure that all precautions have been taken to keep the food they serve or sell safe. For new food facilities she verifies that they are built in accordance with regulations, and makes sure any equipment used to prepare and store food is safe. She also confirms that new owners of existing facilities have made any needed improvements to operate at standards comparable to those of a newly opened facility.

One of the biggest challenges will be to keep up with the rapid growth of Howard County in recent years. “This area is booming” says Ms. Rafiee. “I can understand though, because the area is very attractive and the nature is beautiful.”

Ms. Rafiee has been a valuable asset to the Food Protection Program as an inspector, and brings her enthusiasm to her new role. “I want to make a difference in people’s health, and I love to be on the proactive side.”

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

In December 2007, the US Congress and President Bush approved the “Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act,” which provides stricter guidelines for swimming pool and spa entrapment hazards and protective barriers. While this Federal legislation does not take effect until October 2008, the Howard County Health Department and State of Maryland are working to determine how to implement these guidelines. Pool and spa owners / operators will not be required to make modifications to their facilities for the 2008 pool season, but we encourage you to become familiar with the new guidelines and recommendations. You may visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov, or contact our office for further information. A copy of the Act can be found here. A press release by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals about the Act can be found here.

Radionulcides & Your Well Water

Click here for Radium Information - A Homeowner's Guide
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

For assistance with the following services, please call 410-313-1773 or toll free at 1-866-313-6300.