The Environmental Health Branch is responsible for identifying, preventing, and controlling environmental conditions that may affect the health of residents, workers, and visitors in the City of Manchester. Staff conduct inspections, review plans, respond to complaints, and provide education and enforcement across several program areas.
About Us
The Environmental Health Branch is part of the Manchester Health Department.
Environmental Health Specialists:
- Inspect licensed facilities and review applications and plans
- Investigate environmental health complaints and potential public health hazards
- Monitor environmental conditions such as water quality and vector activity
- Work with other City departments, state agencies, and community partners to address environmental health issues
Our work is organized into the following program areas.
Food Safety and Permits
This program oversees the licensing and inspection of food establishments within the City of Manchester.
- Reviewing and approving food service license applications and plan reviews
- Conducting routine and follow-up inspections of restaurants, markets, food trucks, schools, and temporary food events
- Investigating food safety complaints and suspected foodborne illness incidents
- Ensuring compliance with applicable food codes and local ordinances
Housing and Healthy Homes
This program focuses on environmental conditions in residential settings that may affect health.
- Investigating complaints related to insanitary living conditions and potential disease hazards
- Evaluating conditions such as trash accumulation and sewage in rental properties
- Coordinating with tenants, property owners, and partner agencies to support correction of identified issues
Institutional Inspections
This program provides environmental health oversight for institutional settings.
- Inspecting schools, child care facilities, residential care settings, and other institutions for sanitation and safety issues
- Evaluating food service operations, cleaning practices, and general environmental conditions
- Working with facility administrators to maintain compliance with health and safety standards
Mosquito and Tick Program
This program addresses vector-borne disease risks associated with mosquitoes and ticks.
- Participating in seasonal mosquito surveillance and response activities
- Identifying and following up on artificial mosquito breeding sites
- Providing information on mosquito and tick prevention to residents and property owners
Septic Systems
This program supports the safe design, installation, and operation of onsite sewage disposal systems.
- Reviewing septic system plans in coordination with the State of New Hampshire
- Conducting field inspections of test pits, bed bottoms and system components, as applicable
- Verifying required connections to municipal sewer where applicable
- Maintaining records and responding to septic-related concerns
Recreational Water Quality
This program focuses on the safety of recreational water facilities.
- Inspecting public and semi-public swimming pools and spas for water quality and safety compliance
- Reviewing operational records and equipment related to disinfection and circulation
- Responding to complaints and concerns involving recreational water facilities