Home
VISITING
LIVING
BUSINESS
GOVERNMENT
Employee Access
  • Administration
    • Board of Health
    • Public Health Issues
    • Vital Records
  • Animal Control
    • Rabies
  • Clinical Services
    • Child Health Services
    • Communicable Disease Control
    • Diabetes
    • Dietitian Services
    • Family Planning
    • Immunizations
    • Prenatal Care
    • Free Mammograms
    • Teen Time
    • WIC
    • Women's Health Watch
  • Contact Us
  • Dental Health
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Environmental Health
    • Childhood Lead Poisoning & Prevention
    • Fees Schedule
    • Food Lodging and Institutional Sanitation Program
    • Forms & Applications
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Well Disinfection
    • Sewage Disposal/Well Protection
  • Health Education
    • Healthy Eating Policies
    • Teens Against Tobacco
    • Business Health Services
    • Folic Acid
  • Home Health
  • News
  • Solid Waste Program
    • Recycling Resources
    • Solid Waste Convenience Centers
 | Login
 Departments * Health Department * Environmental Health * Frequently Asked Questions

Environmental Health Frequently Asked Questions

Viewing forms requires a PDF reader. Requires Acrobat Reader

Food FAQs

Can establishments get a "B" because of one thing?
No. Notice on the inspection form for restaurants the point values assigned by the state. Maximum points are left column, half credit is right column.

Do restaurants know when the inspector is coming?
No, inspections are unannounced.

What is an "A" or "B"?
102.0 - 90.0 = A | 89.5 - 80.0 = B | 79.5 - 70.0 = C

Can a restaurant operate with a "B"?
Yes, a restaurant is closed when an inspection score is less than 70.

Can a restaurant get a re-grade to raise their grade?
Yes. A restaurant can request a re-grade to raise their letter grade. Law requires that a re-inspection be done unannounced within 15 days of request.

How can a restaurant get higher than 100?
The state allows a 2 point addition to the inspection grade for completion of an approved food course. This two points can change a "B" to an "A" or a 98.0 to 100.0

How often are restaurants supposed to be graded?
Quarterly

Does the inspector tell the restaurant what they take points for?
Yes. The space at the right of the inspection form labeled "comments" is the area for this. Explanations are required.

Sewage Disposal/Well Protection FAQs

How do I begin the application process for a septic system and well?
You must first go to the Nash County Planning Department to get a pre-application before coming to Environmental Health to make application. Environmental Health and Planning are located next to one another on the second floor of the Nash County Office Building at 120 W. Washington Street in Nashville.

Does my lot have to be cleared before it is evaluated for a septic system?
Your lot must be cleared from undergrowth so that an elevation instrument can be used during the site evaluation.

What if I don't want to spend the money to clear the lot without first knowing whether or not it will be suitable for a septic system?
You can hire a private soil scientist to give you a professional opinion of your property. Keep in mind, however, that your property must still be approved by the Health Department for specific use.

What is the difference between total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform bacteria?
Total coliform includes several species of bacteria that are present normally in the soil or on plants. Total coliform may not be harmful in themselves but do indicate that there is a possible source of contamination.  Fecal coliform indicates contamination from the bowel of a warm-blooded animal.

How do I chlorinate my well?
For specific instructions, click here.

Pool Safety FAQs

Why do they have so much chlorine in the pool? It smells so strong.
The smell almost always is an indication that the pool needs additional treatment.
a pool in balance with required chlorine levels does not have a strong smell.

Are single main drains illegal now?
Yes, in new construction. Old pools are not required to change existing drains for safety. They are required to have a sign warning of suction hazards in wading pools (baby pools).


Copyright 2009 by Nash County Government, North Carolina. All rights reserved.