Most Environmental Health Services for Essex County are conducted by a NYSDOH District Office (covering Essex, Franklin & Hamilton Counties) under the categories of:
New York State Department of Health District Office
41 Bernard Street Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Phone: (518) 891-1800 Fax: (518) 891-5895 Email: saranaclake@health.ny.gov
Regulations & Permit Requirements
Temporary Food Service Permit – Guidance for Vendors & Community Event Organizers
Learn about mold, cleaning your home and preventing future growth with these New York State Department of Health resources below.
Indoor Air Quality & Mold including how to clean mold
Mold & Your Home: What You Need to Know
Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that occur naturally in lakes and streams. They can form dense blooms that discolor the water or produce floating scums. Some blue-green algae produce toxins which can cause health effects in people and animals. Blue-green algae itself can cause health effects in people and animals when water with dense blooms is contacted or swallowed or when airborne droplets are inhaled.
Health effects associated with exposure to blue-green algae blooms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. If you have been exposed to blue-green algae blooms rinse off with clean water immediately and consider medical attention for the health symptoms noted above.
Public/Regulated Beaches: contact the NYSDOH environmental health district office at 891-1800 or saranaclake@health.ny.gov
Other Surface Water/Bathing Areas that are not regulated by NYSDOH: follow the instructions under Report It! on the DEC Harmful Algal Blooms website
7/25/2018 —The closure of Port Henry Champ Beach has been lifted today following collection & analysis of a water sample. The Town has been notified that the beach may re-open. Original post: 7/19/2018 — Town life guards and Water Superintendent contacted the Saranac Lake District Office to report a blue-green algae bloom in the bathing area at the Port Henry Champ Beach (Town of Moriah, Essex County). Staff advised the Town to close the beach, the lifeguards have posted closure and information signs.
7/25/2018 —The closure of Bulwagga Bay Beach has been lifted today following collection & analysis of a water sample. The Town has been notified that the beach may re-open. Original post: 7/22/2018 — Town of Moriah life guards contacted the Saranac Lake District Office to report a blue-green algae bloom in the bathing area at the Bulwagga Bay Beach (Town of Moriah, Essex County). Staff advised the Town lifeguard to close the beach and post the Harmful Algae Bloom signs.
Boil Water Notices may be posted here, but information for your water district will always be available through your Town office.
7/24/2018 — Boil Water Order is in effect for Wadhams Water District.
Boiling Water and Emergency Disinfection-NYSDOH
Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water-EPA
Other required Environmental Health Services that the Essex County Health Department conducts include
24 hours a day? 365 days a year – available to both health care professionals and the general public.
Every caller receives professional expert service.
