Environmental Health is an organized approach to addressing environmental issues that impact the health of the population. Three of the main elements of the environment that are monitored include: the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. These factors, and many others, are overseen in order to maintain conditions in which people can enjoy good health. Environmental Health is one of the major components of Public Health.
The Regional Environmental Health Program began in Alamosa County and has expanded to include Rio Grande, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache, and Rio Grande counties, Gary Bruder is the Regional Environmental Health Program Manager. Contact Environmental Health at (719) 587-5206 regarding:
- Opening a Retail Food Establishment
- Environmental Health Questions
- Environmental Health Complaints
For forms regarding retail food licensure, change in ownership, etc. visit the Environmental Health page here.
Report a Public Health Concern
If you have a concern about a public or environmental health issue please be prepared with the following information:
- What the concern or complaint is about
- The location of the concern. An exact address is necessary. The owner and occupant of the property or business,
- Including phone number.
- The date and time the problem occurred.
- Your name, phone number and the best time to contact you.
Services
- Retail Food Safety
Environmental Health is responsible for the licensing and inspections for all retail food establishments in the San Luis Valley including:
Alamosa County, Costilla County, Conejos County, Rio Grande County, Saguache County
Retail Food Safety Fee Schedule
Basic Food Safety Training (5-14 Students) $20.00 per attendee Review of Potential Retail Food Establishment $75.00 (non‐refundable) Pre Operational / Change in Ownership Inspection $75.00 (non‐refundable) RFE Plan Review Application $100.00 (non‐refundable) RFE Plan Review and Pre Opening Inspection $45.00 per hour not to exceed $580.00 RFE Equipment/Product Review Application $100.00 (non‐refundable) RFE Equipment/Product Review $45.00 per hour not to exceed $500.00 RFE HACCP Plan Review (Written) $45.00 per hour not to exceed $100.00 RFE HACCP Plan Review (Operational) $45.00 per hour not to exceed $400.00 RFE Other Services Requested $45.00 per hour RFE Temp Event Plan Review and Inspection $45.00 per hour - Air Quality
We issue air quality alerts, for questions about air quality alerts contact us at (719) 589-66396. Read more information at the State's Air Pollution Control Division See statewide conditions on the Air Quality Monitoring Map
- Recreational Water Inspection Program
The Local Recreation Water Inspection Program is currently under development. Please report any health concerns here.
- Download the Department of Public Health and Environment's Rules and Regulations for Swimming Pools and Mineral Baths.
Water Recreation Fee Schedule
Pool/ Spa Inspection $60.00 + $20.00 per additional bodies of water Pool/ Spa Follow up $45.00 per hour Pool/ Spa Plan Review $75.00 Pool/ Spa Pre Opening Inspection $45.00 per hour Pool/Spa Other Services Requested $45.00 per hour - Body Art Program
The Regional Environmental Health Department inspects all body art facilities operating within the counties of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Saguache and Rio Grande. Body art facilities include any that provide tattoos or piercing.
- Download the Department of Public Health and Environment's Rules and Regulations for Body Art Establishments.
Body Art Fee Schedule
Body Art Yearly Inspection $45.00 Body Art Follow up $45.00 per hour Body Art Plan Review $45.00 Body Art Pre Opening Inspection $45.00 per hour Body Art Other Services Requested $45.00 per hour - Institutional Inspections
The Environmental Health program inspects public and private schools, child care operations, and other institutions for children and promotes state compliance through education and enforcement.
- Download the Department of Public Health and Environment's Rules and Regulations Governing the Health and Sanitation of Childcare Facilities in the State of Colorado.
- Download the Department of Public Health and Environment's Rules and Regulations Governing Schools in the State of Colorado.
- Child Care/Schools Fee Schedule
Childcare Inspection Fee $45.00 Childcare Plan Review $45.00 per hour Childcare Pre Opening Inspection $45.00 per hour School Plan Review $45.00 per hour School Opening Inspection $45.00 per hour Childcare/ Schools Other Services Requested $45.00 per hour
Quick Links
- Information on Mold
- Proper disposal of medications or www.smartdisposal.net
- Information on Radon
- The National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network:
- A system of integrated health, exposure, and hazard information and data from a variety of national, state, and city sources.