Environmental Services

We are dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of our citizens. The environmentalist is in the office Monday - Friday from 8 - 9:30am.

Phone (606) 573-3219
Location: 117 S. Third St., Harlan, KY

Public Health Environmentalists

Curtis Lee Freyer
Charles “Chris” Thompson

Environmental Health representation.

We offer environmental and consumer protection programs for food service and public facilities, general sanitation and on-site sewage disposal systems.

Environmentalists are responsible for a variety of law-mandated inspections. They have the primary responsibility for preventing food borne illness in the retail food sector. Through the proper application of existing laws and regulations, they endeavor to practice prevention by licensing, routinely inspecting and responding to consumer complaints against food establishments in the county.

Food manufacturing inspections are done on bakeries, bottling plants, distilleries, food manufacturing plants, food storage warehouses, grain storage elevators and vending machines.

Environmentalists conduct investigations related to public health nuisances such as failing septic systems, rodent harborage and vectors, as well as food-borne illnesses.

Food Handler Training Course

Harlan County requires annual training for employees who work in the food service industry, as well as any newly hired food service worker BEFORE they begin at their place of employment.

We offer in-person classes. To schedule a training, call (606) 573-4820.

What the course covers:

  • • Food safety laws and regulations

  • • Proper hygiene practices and food handling techniques

Person wearing black gloves preparing a poke bowl with avocado, salmon, cherry tomatoes, green beans, corn, and a crispy strip of plantain or egg roll, on a white cutting board with mushrooms and other ingredients nearby.

Nuisance Complaints

Environmental Health personnel conduct investigations on nuisance complaints regarding failing septic systems, rodent and/or vector harborage, garbage disposal, etc. Complaints are conducted in accordance with KRS 212.210.

What to do if you have a complaint:

  • Gather necessary information (if available): location of nuisance, name of owner, address, phone, etc. The more information you can provide the Environmentalist, the quicker they can respond.

  • Contact the local Health Department and file the complaint.

Photographs or any other evidence may be beneficial to the investigation.

Phone for calling health department.