Environmental Services News and Alerts
Temporary Suspension of Environmental Applications
Due to the increased workload related to COVID-19, our office will temporarily not be accepting new well and septic applications. We will still handle final inspections and repairs.
Our sanitarians are working one-on-one with local businesses to ensure all proper measures are being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we focus on this vitally important issue.
Critical Child Care Sites
Effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020 after 8:00pm by Executive Order No. 9-20, Governor Justice has issued a Stay at Home Declaration for all employees in non-essential businesses and operations.This order was established in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. As such, all licensed and registered child care programs in the State of West Virginia must cease providing care to children of parents working in jobs deemed non-essential. However,the need for child care remains a critical piece of the COVID-19 response and it is the goal of WVDHHR, Bureau for Children and Families (BCF), Division of Early Care and Education (ECE) to make every attempt to provide child care services for the COVID-19 essential workers. The complete list of essential workers in Executive Order No. 9-20 is available here. To provide for that need, registration as a Critical Care Child Caresite,is available. More information in the document below:
COVID-19 Guidance for Hotels and Motels
The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health has provided us with specific recommendations for hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities on prevent the spread of COVID-19. The guidance below addresses cleaning, meals, and more.
Well and Septic Applications During COVID-19
Due to COVID-19 our offices are closed to the public, however, we will still be providing essential public health services. Well and septic applications and payments should be submitted via email or mail. Applications and payments received through the mail may take longer to process because we will wait at least 72 hours before handling the applications due to the virus’s ability to survive on surfaces. If an installer or owner is required to be on site during our site visit, only one person may be there and they must stay at least 6-feet away from our staff while in the field. During this trying time, it may take longer than usual to process applications. We appreciate your understanding.
Reinspection Fee
The Jefferson County Board of Health has adopted a reinspection fee of $75.00. This fee is intended to recover some of the Jefferson County Health Department’s (JCHD’s) costs when non-compliance or incomplete work requires follow-up inspections by the JCHD. The reinspection fee should not be construed as a civil penalty (fine) or punitive measure. For full details you can view or download the handout below:
Proposed Change in Rule Regarding Septic Reserve Areas
The Jefferson County Board of Health has drafted an amendment to its Local Rules, Policies and Procedures to reduce septic reserve area sizing from 20,000 to 10,000 square feet in some cases. The draft revision is available by clicking the link below or a copy can be requested via email or picked up at the health Department. Comments will be received until March 6, 2020. Comments may be sent by email to JeffersonLHD@wv.gov or by mail to the address below:
Jefferson County Board of Health
1948 Wiltshire Road, Suite 1
Kearneysville, WV 25430
Food Handlers’ Card Hours February 2020
Beginning in February 2020 we will only be issuing food handlers’ cards on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 AM and from 1:00-3:30 PM. For full details on how to get your card please visit our food handler page.
No Food Handler Cards on 1-8-20
Due to a computer outage we will not be able to issue food handlers’ cards on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. We apologize for any inconvenience this service disruption may cause, and look forward to getting you your food handler card on the next available date of Monday, January 13, 2020.
New Information for Private Well Owners
We’ve added a new document to our Environmental Services page (also available below) to inform private well owners about well water testing, and how to prevent and treat contaminated wells. This includes a list of laboratories certified to test for microbiological and chemical contaminants.
Rabies Alert – Ranson – North George Street
Jefferson County (WV) Health Department has issued a Rabies Alert for the North George Street area of Ranson.
The WV Office of Laboratory Services notified us on November 20th, 2019 of a positive test result for the rabies virus from a stray kitten submitted by the Health Department from North George Street in Ranson
Description: Stray Kitten – brown tabby with injured back leg
If you think that you or someone else may have come into contact with this animal, please call the Jefferson County Health Department @ (304) 728-8416 ext. 3037 or Jefferson County Animal Control @ (304) 728-3289
All Citizens are also being reminded to make sure your animals are currently vaccinated against rabies and to avoid contact with wildlife!