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.

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.

Latest News

Update September 6, 2019: Blue-green Algae Caution Signs Posted at Spring Lake in Santa Rosa
Environmental Health, Public Health Division
Published on September 6, 2019
This afternoon signs were posted at Spring Lake park in the City of Santa Rosa to warn the public of any blue-green algae (BGA) that may be present in the lake. DHS Environmental Health, in conjunction with the Sonoma County Parks Department will be collecting samples to be tested today to determine if harmful algae blooms are present in Spring Lake.
Noticia Publica: Programa de Manejo de Residuos Sólidos Agencia de cumplimiento local
Environmental Health & Safety
Published on August 14, 2019
Noticia Publica: El Departamento de Salud Ambiental del Condado de Sonoma, Programa de Gestión de Desperdicios Sólidos, que actúa como Agencia de Control Local (LEA) está certificado por el Departamento de Reciclaje y Recuperación de Recursos (CalRecycle) para hacer cumplir las leyes y regulaciones estatales en los sitios de desechos sólidos dentro de su jurisdicción.
Public Notice: Solid Waste Management Program Local Enforcement Agency
Environmental Health & Safety
Published on August 14, 2019
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, The Sonoma County Environmental Health Department, Solid Waste Management Program, acting as the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) is certified by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to enforce state laws and regulations at solid waste sites within its jurisdiction
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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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