Environmental Public Health Specialists are agents of the Missouri Department of Health. The Stoddard County EPHS is a Certified Environmental Health Specialist in the State of Missouri. The responsibilities of the EPHS include the following:

• Inspecting restaurants, taverns, schools, senior centers, retail food establishments, daycare & lodging establishments.
• Respond to questions about the private water supplies, sewage, rabies, indoor air, etc.
• Evaluate plans for septic system installations, site evaluations, & issue permits.
• Consult with homeowners & installers about septic options.
• Collect private water samples upon request. Two types of sample available: Bacteriological & General Chemistry (also known as New Well Series). Samples can only be dropped off Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. (Samples will not be accepted on Thursday or Friday.)
• Investigate complaints which may indicate a public health problems such as foodborne illness or sewage problems.
• Conduct food schools in which food safety & sanitation is taught to food service employees.

Notes: 

**Food Service Inspection results are open to the public.

**The Environmental Health Office has a variety of brochures available on the following subjects:

• Consumer Food Safety
• Lead
• Cooking for Groups
• Hand Washing
• Septic System Maintenance