Environmental Health

A human’s first line of defense against disease is environmental management.

Environmental Health is responsible for the promotion and enhancement of public health as it relates to the environmental needs of our community. We strive to work with individuals, businesses, and the community through education, regulation, permitting, and when necessary, enforcement to promote a healthy and safe environment for all.

Environmental Health’s Core Functions

  • Prevent epidemics and the spread of disease
  • Protect against environmental hazards
  • Prevent injuries
  • Promote and encourage healthy behaviors
  • Respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery

Please visit each county Environmental Health page for specific county applications and requirements.

Verification of Residency For License Application
In order to comply with the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) 50-36-1, a Verification of Residency for Public Benefits Application must be completed by all new applicants for Food Service Permits, Swimming Pool Permits, Tourist Accommodation Permits, Waste Removal and Disposal Permits, Body Art/Tattoo Establishment Permits, and Body Artist/Tattoo Artist Permits.

BODY ART

FOOD SERVICE

ServSafe®  Food Protection Manager Certification Course
The Columbus Department of Public Health sponsors a 2-Day ServSafe®  Food Protection Manager Certification Course. Our next two-day course will be held Tuesday, March 7th and Wednesday, March 8th, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. Please complete the registration form if you are interested in the class.

Mar. 7 2023 – Mar. 8 2023 – ServSafe®  2-day Training – Registration Form

The National Restaurant Association allows an examinee to take the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Exam twice within a 30-day period, if necessary. If three or more attempts are required, the examinee must wait at least 60 days from their last attempt. No more than four attempts are allowed in a 12-month period.

Check this page again to see the date of the next re-test.

Please contact the Environmental Health Office at the Columbus Department of Public Health at 706-321-6170 if you have questions regarding the ServSafe® Program. ServSafe®  is a registered trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, and used under license by National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC.

Free ServSafe® Courses 

Note:  American National Standards Institute (ANSI) food safety certification approved exams can also be found on the ANSI website.

For additional information, visit GDPH Food Service Rules and Regulations.

TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

ON-SITE / LAND USE

Existing Septic System Evaluation Cover Sheet and Application

WCHD-EH-NEW-Residential-Septic-Permit-Cover-Sheet-and-Application revised 11.22.2022

NonResidential Septic Permit Cover Sheet and Application

REPAIR Septic Permit Cover Sheet and Questionnaire and Application

Subdivision and Mobile Home Park Proposal Cover Sheet and Requirements Checklist and Analysis form

County Application for a Waste Removal and Disposal Permit 

Septage Pumpout Report form

PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES

SWIMMING POOLS/SPAS

Additional Information on Public Swimming Pools


WCHD Request For Open Records Form 

NOTICE: Fee Proration will be discontinued for Muscogee (Columbus) and Crisp Counties effective January 1, 2022