Environmental Health & Safety

Our programs promote health and quality of life by preventing or controlling those diseases or deaths that result from interactions between people and the places they live, work and play. Our programs employ several strategies to prevent health hazards including education, surveillance, routine inspections, sampling, posting, and enforcement where necessary.

Environmental Health & Safety Office Change in Hours

The Environmental Health & Safety Office will be changing its business hours effective January 14, 2019. The new hours will be Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Recovery Information for Sonoma County Fires

Recovers We are dedicated to ensuring a safe and healthy environment, and keeping the public apprised of the county’s air quality in the aftermath of the October wildfires.

Air Quality in Sonoma County
Includes air quality monitoring data from 6 monitoring sites in Sonoma County. Updated daily.

Debris Removal
Includes information about private debris clean-up, guidelines for minor burn debris removal and cleanup, exemptions from alternative program requirements, and our Health Screening Level Guidance report.

Visit SonomaCountyRecovers.org for official recovery information for Sonoma County fires.

Cannabis Permits and Inspections

Sonoma County Cannabis Program

Sonoma County has implemented a permitting process for medical cannabis dispensaries and edible medical cannabis product manufacturing.

Learn more about these permits and the Sonoma County Cannabis Program.

Cannabis Permits and Inspections

Latest News

Annual Quarantine of Sport-Harvested Mussels Begins May 1
Published on May 1, 2018
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced the annual quarantine of sport-harvested mussels gathered along the California coast.
CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat Sport-Harvested Bivalve Shellfish from Sonoma County
Published on March 15, 2018
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat recreationally harvested mussels, clams or whole scallops from Sonoma County. Dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins have been detected in mussels from this area. The naturally occurring PSP toxins can cause illness or death in humans. Cooking does not destroy the toxin.
Public Notice for Registration Permit for PRS Transload Facility
Environmental Health & Safety
Published on February 23, 2018
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, in compliance with AB1497 and California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 27 Section 21660.3, that the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) is processing a Registration Permit for Pacific Recycling Solutions, Inc.
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Press Releases

Blue-Green Algae Toxins Detected in Russian River
Health Services
Published on July 26, 2017
On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 DHS received test results indicating that a low-level of blue-green algae toxins are present in certain areas of the river. In accordance with state guidance, the level of toxin present is enough to trigger the posting of “Caution” signs. Signs in both English and Spanish will be posted at the ten major beaches along the Russian River.
Monte Rio Reopens, Latest Results Show Coliform Bacteria Levels Reduced
Health Services
Published on July 12, 2017
The Department of Health Services (DHS) is re-opening Monte Rio Beach after follow-up testing of samples taken showed diminished levels of coliform bacteria. DHS will remove the closure signs placed at the beach. The beach is open and safe to swim in.
Monte Rio Beach Remains Closed, Bacterial Testing Results Still Elevated
Environmental Health & Safety
Published on July 7, 2017
Follow-up testing of samples taken from Monte Rio Beach continue to show elevated levels of coliform bacteria. The beach remains closed and signs advising the public to avoid swimming, wading or water contact remain posted in accordance with state guidelines.
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