Chaffee County Environmental Health provides a variety of services to the community, and places a high priority on consumer protection. Environmental Health specialists conduct routine inspections and complaint investigations related to environmental health matters in retail food establishments, child care facilities, and schools. The department also responds to complaints concerning swimming pools, public accommodations, mobile home parks, campgrounds and other recreational facilities.
In addition, Environmental Health provides general environmental protection. Environmental Health specialists issue permits and conduct inspections for individual sewage disposal systems and test well water supplies. The department can supply information on many other environmental issues as well.
If you need information or would like to report an environmental health concern, please call (719) 530-5572.
Or use the online form - Contact Environmental Health
Environmental Health is part of the Chaffee County Development Services Department, which also includes Builidng Safety, Planning & Zoning and Road Permitting. The Department is located in Room 125 of the Chaffee County Administrative Building, 104 Crestone in Salida.
REATIL FOOD PROGRAM
Chaffee County Environmental Health conducts regular inspections of all facilities offering food to consumers in Chaffee County. Inspections are completed to ensure restaurants and other facilities providing food to the public are taking the necessary steps to prevent foodborne illness.
Facilities preparing food must do so in approved kitchens and are typically inspected 1 – 2 times per year. If you are interested in opening a food service establishment, several items are required before beginning operation. These items are required as part of the Plan Review process:
Menu – Submitting your proposed menu allows Environmental Health staff to identify areas where food safety will be most critical. Menus are also used in conjunction with proposed facility equipment plans to identify if the equipment needed to keep the food safe will be used.
Facility Layout & Equipment – Knowing how your facility will be designed is important, as any potential problems can be identified before work begins. Environmental Health staff visit hundreds of commercial kitchens each year and can help identify layouts that are functional, while providing the best opportunity for food safety.
Plan Review The fee for this review is $75.00.
Food Safety Practices – We request detailed information regarding how food will be stored, heated, reheated, cooled and handled at each facility. Special attention is given to those menu items with the greatest risk, and those in which food safety is most critical.
Please contact Chaffee County Environmental Health at 530-5572 to receive the required Plan Review forms.
Temporary/Special Event Facilities
Food safety at temporary and special events is critical to ensure the event is sucessful and can continue to be in the future. The licensure process is slightly different for temporary and special event vendors, mainly due to reduced menu items, and menu items requiring few if any preparation steps.
Temporary and Special event vendors must submit the application below at least 10 days prior to the event:
Temporary Event Food Safety Checklist
Retail Food Establishment License Application
Rules and Regulations pertaining to Retail Food Establishments can be picked up at the Chaffee County Environmental Health Office or at the Colorado Department of Public Health website below:
Colorado Department of Public Health Consumer Protection Division
CHILD CARE FACILITIES
Chaffee County Environmental Health performs inspections of Child Care Facilities in Chaffee County. Child Care Facilities are typically inspected once per year by Environmental Health in addition to inspections performed by the Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Childcare.
Inspections performed by Environmental Health focus on the prevention of spreading illness throughout the facility, in order to protect the health of children and staff.
Use of Sanitizers and Disinfectants in Child Care Facilities
For questions or more information contact
Victor Crocco, REHS
Environmental Health Manager
719-539-2124, Ext 8
