Environmental Health

The role of Environmental Health is to develop and

promote measures which modify or control factors

that cause illness, injury, or discomfort to people.

The National Sanitation Foundation

The Environmental Health office is located at City Hall, 555 Walnut, Suite 100. We are open from 8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m, Monday through Friday.

Contact Us

Phone: (325) 437-4590

Mailing Address:

   City of Abilene

Environmental Health

P.O. Box 60

Abilene, TX 79604-0060

Mosquito Prevention and Protection

Mosquitoes must have water to breed, eliminate standing water.

Drain                                                                               

Many mosquito problems in your neighborhood are likely to come from water-filled containers that you, the resident, can help to eliminate. All mosquitoes require water in which to breed. Be sure to drain any standing water around your house.

• Dispose of any tires. Tires can hold enough water to hatch thousands of mosquitoes.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers.
• Clear roof gutters of debris.
• Clean pet water dishes regularly.
• Check and empty children’s toys.
• Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
• Change the water in bird baths at least once a week. Canoes and other boats should be turned over.
• Avoid water collecting on pool covers. Constantly circulate swimming pools and keep clean year round.
• Plug tree holes.
• Even the smallest of containers that can collect water can breed hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes. They don’t need much water to lay their eggs. (Bottles, barrels, buckets, overturned garbage can lids, etc.)

Always remember the 4 D’s of protection from mosquitoes

Dress

Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Some of the 176 mosquito species are attracted to dark clothing and some can bite through tight-fitting clothes. When practical, wear long sleeves and pants.

Defend

Choose a mosquito repellent that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Registered products have been reviewed, approved, and pose minimal risk for human safety when used according to label directions.

Dusk & Dawn

Dusk & Dawn are peak times for mosquito activity. Be aware of activities planned during these times and protect yourself and family accordingly.

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FOOD ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION SHEETS

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (5 points)

1. Proper Cooling for Cooked/Prepared Food
2. Cold Hold (41 degrees Fahrenheit/45 degrees Fahrenheit)
3. Hot Hold (135 degrees Fahrenheit)
4. Proper Cooking Temperatures
5. Rapid Reheating (165 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 Hrs)

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (4 points)

6. Personnel with infections Restricted/Excluded
7. Proper/Adequate Handwashing
8. Good Hygienic Practices (Eating/Drinking/Smoking/Other)
9. Approved Source/Labeling
10. Sound Condition
11. Proper Handling of Ready-To-Eat FoodsCross Contamination of Raw/Cooked Foods/Other
12. Approved Systems (HACCP Plans/Time as Public Health Control)
13. Water Supply - Approved Source/Sufficient Capacity/Hot and Cold Under Pressure

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action, Not to Exceed 10 Days

(3 points)

15. Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
16. Handwash Facilities Adequate and Accessible
17. Handwash Facilities with Soap and TowelsNo Evidence of Insect Contamination
18. No Evidence of Rodents/Other Animals
19. Toxic Items Properly Labeled/Stored/Used
20. Manual/Mechanical Warewashing and Sanitizing at (     ) ppm/temperature
21. Manger Demonstration of Knowledge/Certified Food Manager
22. Approved Sewage/Wastewater Disposal System, Proper Disposal
23. Thermometers Provided/Accurate/Properly Calibrated (+/- 2 degrees Fahrenheit)
24. Food Contact Surfaces of Equipment and Utensils leaned/Sanitized/Good Repair
25. Posting of Consumer Advisories (Heimlich/Disclosure/Reminder/Buffet Plate)
26. Food Establishment Permit

IMPORTANT LINKS

Texas Food Establishment Rules

Summary of changes to Texas Food Establishment Rules

Using pH, aw, or the Interaction of pH and aw to Determine ifa Food Requires Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS)

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NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS

The City of Abilene has a Nuisance Ordinance that is partially enforced by Environmental Health. Specifically, we address nuisance conditions that are of public health significance, such as broken sewer lines and stagnant pools of water that provide hatiching sites for mosquitoes.  Citizens can call 437-4590 to register a complaint about these issues.

          *  Repair broken sewer lines immediately.  Standing sewage is considered a significant public health hazard.

          *  Do not allow water to collect on your property. Old tires, flower pots, pet watering dishes, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, and wading pools can hold water long enough to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Get rid of your old tires and any other junk item that holds water. Empty flower pots, watering dishes, bird baths, and wading pools regularly and refill with fresh water. Be sure that your rain gutters are not clogged and holding water.

A lot of things can be recycled now. The City of Abilene Recycling Center is located at 2209 Oak. They accept aluminum cans, anti-freeze, bi-metal cans, glass, magazines, newspaper, used oil and oil filters, tires, tree limbs and trunks, bagged grass and leaves, and household hazardous waste. For more information call 672-2209.

For more information about other recycling centers in Abilene, contact Keep Abilene Beautiful at 734-3301.

If you have materials to take to the sanitary landfill, you can call BFI at 672-7613 for more information.

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RODENT AND MOSQUITO CONTROL

Rodents can destroy property, spread filth and disease, and generally are undesirable in your neighborhood. You can discourage rodents from living on your property by keeping the area around your home clean. Items stored on your property such as firewood or lumber should be stacked at least 18" up off of the ground to prevent harborage. Dog food or cat food should be put out in small amounts only. Dishes should be taken up and not left out.

Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can spread disease to you or your pets. Do not allow water to collect on your property. Old tires, flower pots, pet watering dishes, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, and wading pools can hold water long enough to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Get rid of your old tires and any other junk item that holds water. Empty flower pots, watering dishes, bird baths, and wading pools regularly and refill with fresh water. Be sure that your rain gutters are not clogged and holding water.

Request Mosquito Spraying

(The Mosquito Spraying Program has been discontinued for the remainder of the season, but will be reinstituted in the spring.)

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