FAQs • How can we have someone from the Health Department ch

How can we have someone from the Health Department check out unsanitary living conditions?: For issues with trash and rodents, contact Andrea VanWy with the Landfill at 336-696-5832. If there is a neglect issue for children, contact Social Service 336-651-7400. For animal neglect and related issues such as rabies, contact Animal Control at 336-903-7688.

For issues with private residence and rented property related to housing conditions, personal legal assistance must be obtained. The Wilkes County Health Department only has jurisdiction over facilities that require inspections. If further assistance is needed please contact our office at 336-651-7530.

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Health Department - Environmental Health

1. Who do I contact if I am concerned about environmental health hazards in my work place?: We recommend that you contact the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Interpretations office at 800-625-2267 or visit the Department of Labor's website.

2. Who can I speak to concerning black mold in a rental house?: Contact the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology at 919-707-5900. Mold kits can be purchased from Lowe’s Hardware. You can also contact a Mold Inspector by the name of Mike Cole at 828-326-9100 to come out and complete an inspection. There is a charge for this service and does not involve the health department.

If this becomes a legal issue, you can find information about landlord/tenant disputes on the Department of Justice website.

3. How do I report improper removals of waste in my neighborhood?: Please contact the Department of Health and Human Services office of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology at 919-707-5900 or contact the North Carolina Division of Water Resources at 919-707-9000.

4. How can I get help with code violations in my apartment?: Wilkes County residents can contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 336-651-7582 and Building Inspections Department at 336-651-7320.

5. Have there been reports of bed bugs at any lodging establishments in Wilkes County?: Bed bugs are getting more common in all lodging establishments. For more information please call 336-651-7530.

6. Is it illegal to have a camper on your own land and allow the raw sewage to be dumped on the owners property?: In accordance with NCGS 130A-335 (h), It is unlawful to discharge sewage or other waste from a chemical or portable toilet used for human waste except into an approved wastewater system. Feel free to contact the Environmental Health office at 336-651-7530 if you have any further questions.

7. Does health department do drinking water testing for individuals?: Yes. If an individual is interested in having their water tested, an application must be submitted to our office. Depending on the type of water sample requested the fees are typically $125.00 per test. The water sample is collected and sent to the State Lab for analysis it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to receive the results. If you have specific questions please feel free to contact us at 336-651-7530.

8. Does the Health Department keep records of applications for new septic systems?: Yes. The new septic system application is attached or filed accordingly to the type of service the new septic system application receives such as permitted, refunded, revoked or suspended. If you have any questions, please contact our Environmental Health division at 336-651-7530.

9. How can I report illegal activities/poor sanitation in hotels?: To file a complaint, please call our Environmental Health Department at 336-651-7530.

10. How can we have someone from the Health Department check out unsanitary living conditions?: For issues with trash and rodents, contact Andrea VanWy with the Landfill at 336-696-5832. If there is a neglect issue for children, contact Social Service 336-651-7400. For animal neglect and related issues such as rabies, contact Animal Control at 336-903-7688.

For issues with private residence and rented property related to housing conditions, personal legal assistance must be obtained. The Wilkes County Health Department only has jurisdiction over facilities that require inspections. If further assistance is needed please contact our office at 336-651-7530.

11. Are there health concerns or city ordinances for trash piles in a neighborhood?: Yes, there is a County Solid Waste Ordinance that is in place for such nuisances. Please contact Anderia Byrd at 336-696-5832 during regular business hours and be able to provide violator information, such as address at which said solid waste is located and if possible owner information.
Contact Anderia Byrd

12. Are there records in the Health Department that indicate where the septic tank and drain lines are located in old houses?: Environmental Health didn’t start keeping records until around 1973 and then it was 1975-1976 before most people started registering their septic systems with the Health Department. It depends on when the house was built and then I would need a parcel number, original owner’s name and possible more information to try and locate these records. If you have any other questions, please feel free to call us at 336-651-7530.

13. How long is a perc test valid?: If a septic permit has been issued, the permit is good for 5 years. One or more of the following could invalidate the permit:
- The original site plan has changed (house location, drive, number of bedrooms, etc.)
- The site has been disturbed, graded, etc.
- Property dimensions have changed
- Other factors based on the permit conditions

14. What is the cost of a Perc Test?: Perc test fees run by the number of bedrooms. Each bedroom is $120 so a three bedroom system would be $360. The smallest system we do for dwellings (homes) is 2 bedrooms. For more information please visit the Fees page.

15. What do I do if there is lead or asbestos in a home?: Thank you for your concerns regarding the health impacts of asbestos and lead in a home. In Wilkes County, we currently don’t have a program regulating the demolition or removal of asbestos or lead paint through the Wilkes County Health Department. However, I can provide you with a contact telephone number for a branch that regulate asbestos demolition, removal and health related issues. This department is located out of Raleigh with a contact number of 919-707-5950.

Lead paint in a home can be hazards to children. Lead base paint can typically be found in home that were built before 1978. At the time it was the good paint, but has since been linked to children with elevated blood lead levels. Children typically have their lead level evaluated by their pediatrics at the age of 2 and 6. If it is determined that the child has an evaluated level then the pediatric refers them to the Wilkes County Health Department.

A team investigation between the Lead Nurse, Environmental Health and the family is conducted. We investigate the home, foods, toys and activities to determine and eliminate the source. If we can help with additional concerns, please feel free to contact us at 336-651-7530.