Environmental Health - Contra Costa Health Services

Fee Increase

Effective January 1, 2009, there we be an increase of 10% on Environmental Health fees.

New and Updated Information for Food Facility Plan Review

New: Check your plan review status online. (New plan submittal packets will be available as downloads from the website. Contact us for multiple packets)
Effective October 1, 2008, retail food and public pool and spa plan check will only require 1 set of plans initially. 4 sets will be required for final approval.
Plan reviewer is available Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No appointment necessary, first come, first served.
Pre-design consultation at the counter (not any longer than 30 minutes); arrangements for additional time and appointments may be made at the hourly rate.
Only complete "Incidental" food facility plans may be approved over the counter by the desk duty plan reviewer.
Translation services for plan review questions available by appointment
New FAQs
Detailed contact information for members of the plan check review staff.

Virginia Graeme Baker Act Advisory

On December 19, 2007 the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was signed into law. The act is named after the granddaughter of the former Secretary of State James Baker, who died in 2002 when the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water.

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires that all public swimming pools and spas be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers that comply with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 standard by December 19, 2008.

New Law on Sharps Disposal

As of September 1, 2008 a new law, SB1305, has prohibited the disposal of home generated sharps into any container used for private or commercial collection of solid waste, recyclable materials, or greenwaste. This includes roll-off containers used for the collection of solid waste, construction and demolition debris, greenwaste, or other recyclable materials. See more information on our Medical Waste Program.

Podcast: Don't Let Food Poisoning Ruin Your Holidays
- Food Safety: Facts & Prevention

Podcast: School Food Safety Inspections
- Questions and Answers School Food Safety Inspections

Get the answers to the most common questions about Environmental and Hazardous waste issue in Frequently Asked Questions about Environmental Health and Hazardous Materials

Environmental Health is the prevention, preservation, and improvement of environmental factors affecting the health and safety of our community. The Environmental Health Division is a regulatory agency that provides oversight for businesses and property owners to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Contra Costa County and our environment. This web site is designed to serve as a community resource for the general public, the businesses we regulate, students, and environmental health professionals. Its purpose is to address general questions and inquiries about the variety and scope of services provided by the Contra Costa Environmental Health (CCEH) as well as provide access to:

Hot Topics

Bioterrorism Information/Resources

The following links include information on recent bioterrorism threats and guidance for the general public and healthcare providers.

Power Outage Information:

Profiles Newsletter

Learn about Health Permits and Building, Medical Waste Workshop, New Compost/Chipping and Grinding Regulations and more.