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, November 14th and Wednesday, November 15th, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. Please complete the registration form if you are interested in the class.

Serve Safe Food Protection Manager Certification Course – Nov 14 & Nov 15 2023 – 2-Day Registration Form

The National Restaurant Association allows an examinee to take the Serve Safe Food Protection Manager Exam twice within a 30-day period, if necessary.  If three 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. The next re-test will be Thursday, October 26th.  Please complete the form below if interested in taking the exam.

Oct 26 2023 – Serve Safe Retest Registration Form 

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