Regional Collection Center Satellite Site

Calhoun county was recently awarded a grant by the DNR to set up a satellite collection center for household hazardous wastes! The site will help residents manage their unusable household waste such as herbicides, cleaning agents, button batteries and much more. Look for more information this spring on the site opening and waste information. In the meantime, you can read the latest issue of the Metro Waste Authority's newsletter to learn what wastes will be accepted and other ways to mange them besides disposal through the satellite site. 

Animal Control

All incidents of animal bites are recorded and investigated whether they involve domesticated or wild animals. All bites should be reported immediately to this department for follow-up. This dept. also runs the Calhoun County Canine Shelter and houses stray and lost dogs. Check out their web site for available animals or visit www.petfinder.com. 

Inspections

All food establishments, including schools, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, tanning facilities, mortuary, septic tank pumpers, and tattoo establishments are inspected annually for compliance with State Code for food safety and hygienic practices. Any complaints or concerns about Calhoun County establishments or motels should be directed to this office as well as possible incidents of food-borne illnesses or submitted to Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) at www.state.ia.us/government/dia/.

Water Testing/ Well Closure Assistance

Iowa Department of Public Health grants free well water testing and well closure cost sharing to County residents. Eligible residents may also receive cost share on well rehabilitation for qualifying wells.  

More information on wells maintenance can be found on the National Groundwater Associations website at www.wellowner.org. Activities and experiments for kids can be found at www.groundwateradventurers.org.

Permits

New well permits and septic system permits are issued to residents as per the state codes of Iowa . Fees are dependent on service.  The State code guidelines must be met for distances and designs of each device.  Zoning permits are issued for new residential construction in rural areas of Calhoun County through the Zoning Office.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

This program is aimed at reducing the incidence of childhood blood lead poisoning.  All families with children found to be lead poisoned already will receive free services to find the source of the lead and will be instructed on safe remediation procedures. Others interested in preventing lead poisoning or who need information on safe paint removal practices can also receive information from this office.

Indoor Air Quality/ Nuisances

This program focuses on education and remediation of public health nuisances, radon, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke and mold. Radon is a radioactive gas that is a leading contributor to lung cancer rates in Iowa .  Radon test kits are offered to residents at little cost.

Pet Therapy

The county offers a Pet Therapy Program which provides socially interactive visits to residents of area facilities upon request.  Various animal types are used to make the visits.

Who is eligible?
All residents within boundaries of Calhoun County. 

 What is the fee?

·         No charge for consultation or grant-funded services.  Participants may be asked to share costs for test kit supplies or labor intensive projects.

·         Adoption fee required for shelter animals.

For more information contact Shelly Maguire.