 _Table of Contents_
Animal Control
What can I do about a possibly rabid animal on my property?
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If an animal on your property appears to be sick, or if it is behaving strangely, it may have rabies. Avoid contact with the animal and keep your domestic pets away from the animal. Call the Environmental Services Division of the Dutchess County Department of Health for guidance, at (845) 486-3404. Click Here for more information about rabies.
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I have found sick/injured wildlife. What should I do?
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If the animal appears to be sick, it may have rabies. Avoid contact with the animal and call the Dutchess County Department of Health for guidance, at (845) 486-3400. Click Here for more information about rabies.
If the animal has suffered an injury that would make it hard for the animal to survive or take care of itself, volunteer wildlife rehabilitators will take the animal free of charge and care for it until it can be released back into the wild.
Call the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at (845) 256-3098 for the names of licensed volunteer wildlife rehabilitators in Dutchess County. Visit the DEC website for more information on sick or injured wildlife and wildlife rehabilitators.
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How can I find someone to remove a (squirrel, bat, etc.) from inside my home?
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Some common examples of wildlife nuisance situations include squirrels in the attic, a skunk in the basement, raccoons in the chimney, a bat in the house, etc. You may feel comfortable removing the animal yourself, or you may want professional help. Before you attempt to remove the animal yourself, make sure that you understand the safety measures necessary to avoid rabies exposure. Report any contact (bite, scratch, etc) to the Dutchess County Health Department: (845) 486-3400.
There are several avenues to follow for help with a wildlife nuisance issue:
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:
Visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s webpage regarding Nuisance Wildlife Control licenses
-OR-
Call the DEC at (845) 256-3098 for the names of Nuisance Wildlife Control Agents in your area.
- New York State Wildlife Management Association:
Click Here to access the New York State Wildlife Management Association’s list of Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators in Dutchess County.
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What do I do if a stray (or neighborhood) dog or cat bites me?
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There are both health issues and legal issues involved when an animal bite occurs.
First handle the health issues: Try to determine who the owner of the animal is so that the animal can be screened for rabies. Call the Dutchess County Department of Health at (845) 486-3404 -or- (845) 431-6465 after hours to advise them of the bite. Department of Health personnel are experienced in handling animal bite issues and they will determine what further steps need to be taken to ensure that you will not be at risk from rabies exposure.
For legal issues involving an animal bite, click Here.
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Is there a law regarding cleaning up after your dog?
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Dog manure complaints are handled by both municipalities and the Dutchess County Sanitary Code. Individual municipalities may pass local laws governing dogs, including leashing, barking, confinement to the owner’s property, or picking up waste. Also, there may be restrictions on the type or number of dogs. In these instances, the code enforcement officer or dog warden in the municipality will enforce these regulations.Click Here for a list of municipal phone numbers that you can call to find out about the specific dog-related laws that may be in effect in your city, town or village.
Public Health Nuisance complaints regarding accumulation of dog waste are investigated by the Health Department under Article 8 of the Dutchess County Sanitary Code.
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I found a dead animal in my yard. What should I do with it?
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If there has been no contact with the animal by humans or pets, the dead animal can be either buried or double-bagged and disposed of in the garbage. Please call the Dutchess County Department of Health at (845) 486-3400 for specific instructions regarding the handling of the dead animal (such as wearing gloves) and the depth to which it should be buried.
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Approvals and Permits
What is the procedure for opening a food service facility?
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The procedure for opening a food service facility and the permits, fees and inspections required will depend upon the type and size of the facility that you are opening. For specific requirements, call the Environmental Health Services Division of the Dutchess County Department of Health at (845) 486-3404 and ask to speak with the Public Health Sanitarian for the municipality in which the facility will be located. Click Here to access a table of fees for various types and sizes of permitted facilities.
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What is BOHA (Board of Health Approval)?
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This is a common abbreviation for "Board of Health Approval" of a lot. Technically speaking, it should be Department of Health Approval. Click Here for Environmental Health Services contact information.
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How do I get my lot approved?
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Hire a NYS licensed Professional Engineer. They can be found in the yellow pages under Engineers, Professional; Engineers, Consulting; Engineers, Civil; or Engineers, Sanitary. Registered Architects and Land Surveyors with an N exemption may also design septic systems. Your engineer will complete a design for your septic system and well location onto a blueprint. The design will be based on the size of your house (number of bedrooms), the topography of the land, the neighboring wells and septic systems, and the type of soil on the lot (including depth to rock or groundwater). Click Here for Environmental Health Services contact information.
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Why does a lot approval matter?
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You must have approval prior to building a septic system and house. Click Here for information regarding building permits, certificates of occupancy, and lot approvals.
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How long does it take to get my lot approved?
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This depends on the complexity of the project and may take months. However, our goal is to have the initial review of the submitted plans within 2 to 4 weeks. Click Here for Environmental Health Services contact information.
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How long does a lot approval last?
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Plans approved since 1985 expire 5 years from the date of approval. The owner of the lot can request an extension of the approval (up to 3 years). The lot will be evaluated by the Dutchess County Department of Health and the original approval may be extended.
Plans approved before 1985 generally do not have expiration dates, however, you will be required to demonstrate compliance with all the conditions of approval on the map. Click Here for Environmental Health Services contact information.
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My lot approval expired. What can I do?
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The lot owner can request an extension of approval. Send a letter with your name, return address, and enough information to find your old approval (tax map number, subdivision name and lot number, street are useful). You may also use our HD-164 form.
Send to: DCDOH
Environmental Health
387 Main Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Click Here Environmental Health Services contact information.
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What makes a lot approval invalid?
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Natural and manmade problems can invalidate a map. For example, removing (mining) the soil from the proposed septic area invalidates the map since the soils which the approval was based on are no longer there. Changes in drainage can cause a lot to be wetter now than when the approval was granted. Conditions regarding ground and surface water would no longer be met. Occasionally, mistakes were made while drafting the plans. Misrepresentations and/or errors on a map invalidate the approval.
Check to see that the map has been legally filed with the Dutchess County Clerk's Office. Even though a map may be stamped by DCDOH, it is not valid until it is filed. Click Here for Environmental Health Services contact information.
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What permits and/or approvals are required for me to add a bedroom to my home?
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Most home alterations require a building permit from your town. Towns require Dutchess County Department of Health approval prior to issuance of a building permit. If your lot is approved, check the approval to see what conditions are required for your septic system for the total number of bedrooms in your home and addition. If your lot is not approved or your approval is for fewer bedrooms than you desire, you will have to get a new approval. Click Here for more information regarding building permits, certificates of occupancy and lot approvals.
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Do I need a permit to operate a hot dog truck and where can I park it?
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Yes, this is considered a mobile food service facility and it does require a permit from the Dutchess County Department of Health. Contact the Environmental Services Division of the Department of Health at (845) 486-3404 and ask to speak with a Public Health Sanitarian for the specific permit requirements for your hot dog truck: To find out where you can park your hot dog truck, contact the appropriate municipality. Click Here for a list of municipal contacts.
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Do I need a permit to work on my septic system?
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Yes, you may need a permit, depending upon what kind of work is being done. Contact the Dutchess County Department of Health Division of Environmental Services at (845) 486-3404 for more information.
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Clinics/Immunizations/Testing
Who should get an influenza shot?
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Target groups for vaccination include persons at increased risk for complications from influenza including persons aged 65 and older, persons aged 50-64 years, persons who can transmit influenza to those at high risk, and health-care workers. However, the target groups listed above are subject to change depending on vaccine supply. This information will be available on the flu hotline 845.486.3435.
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Where can I get immunizations needed for college or employment?
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The Dutchess County Department of Health provides recommended adult immunizations at Adult Immunization Clinic held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the Dutchess County Department of Health, 387 Main Street, Poughkeepsie. There is a fee for most immunizations. For more information call (845) 486-3409.
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Where can I get immunizations needed for my children?
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Children’s Immunization Clinics are held in various locations throughout the county for children aged 18 years and younger. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please call (845) 486-3409 for locations, times, or for more information.
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My child has an elevated blood lead level. What do I do?
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The Dutchess County Department of Health can help you and your child’s health care provider by providing a range of services that might include any of the following: health information, reminder letters, child development assessment, nutritional information, environmental assessment. For more information call (845) 486-3419. Visit the New York State Department of Health's website for more information on elevated blood lead levels in children: http://www.health.state.ny.us/publications/2594/.
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Where do I find a schedule of free rabies vaccination clinics?
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The Dutchess County Department of Health schedules rabies vaccination clinics for pets three times a year. Call the Dutchess County Department of Health at (845) 486-3404 to find out when and where the next clinic is scheduled. If you think you have been exposed to rabies, call the Department of Health at (845) 486-3400.
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Complaints
My neighbor's yard is full of junk and trash. What can be done?
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You should register this type of complaint with two agencies:
- First, call the Environmental Health Services Division of the Dutchess County Department of Health at (845) 486-3404 and ask to speak to the public health sanitarian who handles the municipality where your rental residence is located.
- Second, call the building and zoning department for the municipality where your rental residence is located and notify them of the problem. Click Here for municipal contact information.
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Who can I call to report a sewage odor?
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To report a sewage odor, call the Environmental Health Services Division of the Dutchess County Department of Health at (845) 486-3404 and ask to speak to the public health sanitarian who handles the municipality where the odor is occurring. The sanitarian will conduct an investigation and will enforce the New York State and Dutchess County Sanitary Codes as appropriate. Click Here for a list of municipality contacts and phone numbers.
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Fee Schedules
Health Care Providers
Health Insurance
My child has no health insurance. How do I find health insurance for my child?
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You can get health insurance for your child by applying for Child Health Plus. Child Health Plus is New York State funded comprehensive health insurance coverage for children birth - 19 years of age. To find out whether you are eligible for Child Health Plus call the Community Action Partnership of Dutchess County at (845) 452-5104 (Poughkeepsie); (845) 831-2620 (Beacon); (845) 876-1611 (Red Hook); (845) 877-9272 (Dover Plains) or log on to their website at http://www.dutchesscap.org/.
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Individual Wells
What should a well be tested for?
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DCDOH recommends testing for bacteria yearly. See the Department of Health's webpage titled Environmental Water Laboratory for more information.
Your eyes and nose are very sensitive. If you notice a change in the water quality, you should consider testing. Suggested test parameters depend on the nature of the change.
Other chemical tests should be done if there are specific problems in you area. Click Here for information regarding Environmental Health Services contacts.
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What contaminants are likely to be found in well water?
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Bacteria are the most common. Bacteria are normally present in the air, soil, and water. Most of these bacteria are beneficial or harmless. Bacteria can enter the well through improperly installed or damaged equipment.
- Nitrates (dangerous for infants) from sewage systems or fertilizers have been found in some wells.
- Sodium and chloride (salty taste) from water softeners or road salt have been found in some wells.
- Iron and manganese (brown or black staining) is found in some of the bedrock and is found in some many wells.
- Certain wells have contaminants from fuel spills or spills of other industrial or agricultural chemicals.
Click Here for Dutchess County Department of Health's Environmental Health Services contact information.
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Is my well protected?
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The Sanitary Code provides some protection (chiefly by regulating development) for individual wells. The well owner should check the well and water system to ensure that all equipment is maintained and operated properly. The Dutchess County Department of Health is working with several agencies to increase the protection of wells and the public.
Click Here to find related links to sanitary codes; click Here to find additional information regarding wells; click Here for more Environmental Health Services contact informaiton.
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Is my well contaminated?
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The best way to check for contamination is to test your well. The Dutchess County Department of Health can assist your efforts with specific advice on test types. Call (845) 486-3404 for assistance. Click Here to view more information regarding wells. For Environmental Health Services contact information, click Here.
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Public Health Information/Education
How can I manage my child's asthma?
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The Dutchess County Department of Health has a program called Open Airways designed to help parents and children learn how to manage asthma. Program kits available throught the Mid-Hudson Library System. For more information call the department at (845) 486-3559 or click HERE to visit the website of the American Lung Association.
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Where can I obtain information regarding CPR or attend a class?
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Contact the following organizations for information about CPR classes:
- Alamo (845) 471-6618
- Vassar Brothers Medical Center Education Department (845) 454-8500
- St. Francis Hospital Education Department (845) 483-5000
- American Heart Association (845) 485-4703
- American Red Cross (845) 471-0200
- Dutchess County Department of Health (845) 486-3413
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Where can I find information about a specific disease?
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The Dutchess County Department of Health provides a great amount of information on its webpages about specific diseases. Click on Health Information from the left navigation menu of the department's homepage; hover over Diseases on the pop-out menu to display specific disease information available then click on the desired link. You can also find information on diseases and conditions on the website of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/DiseasesConditions/.
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Records
Septic Systems
How can I find my septic tank?
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The septic tank is usually about ten feet from the house under six to twelve inches of soil. The house sewer (the pipe from the house to the tank) is usually straight, so try to find where it leaves the basement and look outside ten feet from there. If you can't find the house sewer, look for cleanouts by the foundation or vents on the roof.
Older houses have cast iron house sewers, so metal detectors may work.
The Dutchess County Department of Health makes sketches of tank locations for systems during the inspection of approved septic systems. If you can't find your copy, our copy may be available. For contact information regarding the Departement's Environmental Health Services, click Here.
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Tobacco
Water Supply
How can I get my water tested?
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The Dutchess County Department of Health's Environmental Laboratory is a New York State certified testing lab (ELAP #10189) which provides analysis of samples from municipal, government entities, as well as the private sector. Click Here for step-by-step instructions on how to take a sample of your water. Then bring your water sample to the Health Department at 387 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY within 24 hours of collection. Click Here to view the Environmental Laboratory Fee Schedule.
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Who can I call when I have problems with my water?
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If you have your own well, you can call Dutchess County Department of Health for advice. The Department of Health does not regulate individual wells. You may also wish to call a well driller or plumber.
If you get water from a Public Water Supply, you should call the owner or operator of the supply. If they do not solve the problem, you may call the Department of Health (health and safety questions - billing questions should be directed first to the entity providing the water service, and if the issue is not resolved with a private water company you can seek assistance from the Public Service Commission.) Click Here for Environmental Health Services contact information.
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What is tested by Public Water suppliers?
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Public water supplies test for coliform bacteria at least quarterly. Larger supplies may test for inorganic, organic, and radioactive compounds. For exact details, you can look up Part 5-1 tables 1 through 12 elsewhere on this site. Your water company should be sending a yearly report on their water quality. Click Here to find related links; click Here for Environmental Health Service contact information.
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How come my water is white or milky?
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If a glass of water appears milky, watch it for awhile. If the milkiness clears at the bottom first and gradually goes away, the milkiness was caused by air in the water. This condition has no health significance. Air in the storage tank or pressure tank (or well) has dissolved into the water. When the pressure drops (from in the pipe to in your glass) the air comes out (undissolves) forms tiny bubbles, floats to the top and rejoins the atmosphere. This condition is more likely to occur during the colder months (because the solubility of gasses in water increases as the temperature decreases). Click Here for Environmental Health Services contact information.
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West Nile Virus
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