Number of employed code enforcement officials certified for Phase I subsurface sewage disposal systems.
Current Value
265
Definition
Story Behind the Curve
The CT DPH has made ongoing efforts to ensure that all local health jurisdictions have at least one local code enforcement official who is certified in Phase I subsurface sewage disposal systems (phase I). Phase I allows a local health official to investigate, inspect and approve all plans for subsurface sewage disposal systems (septic system), except those prepared by a Professional Engineer, as an Agent of the director of health. Phase I training consists of 4.5 days of classroom lecture, homework, classwork and an examination. An examination score of 70 or better is required for certification. There are 169 towns and 66 health departments and districts and 2 sovereign nations in CT. In 2016, 265 local health officials were employed with Phase I certification. This well exceeds the minimum of 68, 1 person per health department. Each health department or district has its own director of health and operates independently from the state DPH and each other. While each health department is independently operated the Public Health Code requirements are universal. Standardization of Public Health Code enforcement allows for a uniform application of the law. Data available every 5 years. Next update planned for 2021.
These data are current as of March 2019.
Partners
- Directors of Health - Supervise and ensure that their staffs (the local code enforcement officials) maintain levels of competency
- Local code enforcement officials - Maintain their professional credentials
What Works
Provide free statewide training to ensure all code enforcement officials (employees of local health jurisdictions) are knowledgeable in public health code regulations.
Action Plan
Maintain initial training courses. Update local health annual report to include staff with Phase I and II certifications.