Healthy Homes

Radon

Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock. It enters buildings through openings in the foundation floor or walls (sump openings; crawlspaces; floor/wall joints; cracks; space around plumbing, wiring, or duct work; etc.). Any home could have a radon problem whether old or new; rural or urban; energy efficient or drafty; or built over a basement, over a crawlspace, or built slab-on-grade. It is recommended that all homes are tested. Home radon test kits are available at your local DHD#10 office for $10. Every January, Radon Awareness Month, DHD#10 provides radon test kits free of charge.

Quicklinks

State of Michigan- Order a Radon Test Kit
State of Michigan- Indoor Radon Program


Residential Well & Septic

DHD#10 issues permits for private wells and septic systems. DHD#10 evaluates the site, designs the septic system, locates area for well installation and inspect the final work. Homeowners are allowed to install their own septic system. All others must be licensed by DHD#10.

Twenty- four hours prior to cover/back filling a septic system the owner/contractor must contact the local sanitarian to complete a final inspection. If the sanitarian can not make it to the site within 24 hours then the sanitarian may give the owner/contractor permission to complete a “Contractor Affidavit” and then cover the system.

DHD #10 recommends to pump your septic tank every 3 to 4 years. Learn more about your septic system by watching this brief video:

Quick Links

Sanitary Code
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Forms

Well and Septic Permit Application
Permit Application Instructions
Building Permit Authorization Application
Contractor Affidavit
Sewage Disposal Contractor Registration Application
2022 Fee Schedule


Complaints

All complaints concerning alleged public health nuisances shall be submitted to the local sanitarian in writing. Such complaints shall include specific details regarding the situation, including the nature and location of the alleged nuisance condition, the date and time of the occurrence, the person responsible, the names of the witnesses, and the name and address of the complainant.

DHD#10 has jurisdiction for complaints that pertain to septage, out of water (well), garbage and rubbish. DHD#10 ‘s Sanitary Code chapter #4 covers Public Health Nuisances.

Quicklinks

Sanitary Code

Forms

Complaint Form


Lead Testing & Follow-Up

Lead is a metal that can harm children and adults when it gets into their bodies. Lead can be found in dust, air, water, soil, and in some products used in and around our homes.
Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. The most important step that parents, health care providers, and others can take is to prevent lead exposure before it occurs. Home visits by a public health nurse will be offered to families with a child having elevated blood lead levels.

DHD#10  provides education on lead prevention, referrals, and follow-up to reduce the lead levels and prevent further exposure.

Quicklinks

Help to Make Your Home and Family Lead-Safe
A Parent’s Reference Guide