Environmental Health Services

 
Take care of our community and yourself by having awareness of the environment around you!

Topics

 " Environmental health is the branch of public health that: focuses on the relationships between people and their environment; promotes human health and well-being; and fosters healthy and safe communities. "     
Environmental Health (apha.org)
Environmental Health Topics (WI DHS)

Physical Environment
poop fairy - Copy

Dogs of Greendale
On any given day in Greendale, you may pass by many residents enjoying a walk with their dogs.  Dogs can positively affect individuals and families and it is especially important to be a responsible pet owner to ensure Greendale continues to be a dog-friendly community.  
Dog Waste
Per Greendale Municipal Code 9.08 Animals & Fowl: the owner or person in charge of any animal shall not permit waste matter to be deposited on any street or other public or private property unless immediately removed.  The owner or person in charge of any private property shall not permit waste matter to accumulate on such property.
Dog Leashes
No owner or other person in control or having custody of a dog shall allow the dog to run at large within the Village.  Keep dogs on
a leash to ensure control of the animal. (Greendale Municipal Code 9.08 (5))
Dog License 
Wisconsin State Legislature 174.05 states that the owner of a dog more than 5 months of age shall annually pay the dog license tax and obtain a license.  Evidence must be provided that the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies prior to obtaining a valid license.  There are exemptions for dogs kept for educational or scientific purposes and for dogs for blind, deaf, and/or mobility-impaired.
Greendale residents can either go to Village Hall for a dog license application or obtain a dog license through MADACC's licensing website.

No Mow May
Greendale residents can choose to participate in "No Mow May" to allow pollinators to wake up from hibernation and get busy pollinating.  

The bee population has been declining and studies show that it is serious enough that it can be characterized as a threat to the global food supply. Also, gas powered lawn equipment contributes to air pollution and air pollution contributes to climate change. Small actions add up.

Letting your landscape "live a little" supports more than just bees, including ground beetles as well as some species of butterflies. ????? If you can't quite bring yourself to "walk on the wild side", you can still participate by mowing less often, leaving a portion of your grass uncut, avoid applying fertilizer or other chemicals to your lawn, or put a pollinator friendly plant on your patio.
No Mow MayClick here to download a sign to print and place in your window.
Click here to download the No Mow May handout from the Health Department.
Tick Safety
Protecting Yourself from Summer's Supervillains YouTube series:
by Milwaukee County Parks (Wehr Nature Center), Greendale Health Department, and UW- Madison Extension
Taking on Ticks Episode 1: Meet the Stealth Supervillain
Taking on Ticks Episode 2: Identifying Wisconsin Ticks
Taking on Ticks Episode 3: Lyme Disease and the Life Cycle of the Deer Tick
Taking on Ticks Episode 4: Why are There So Many Ticks?
Taking on Ticks Episode 5: How to Protect Yourself from Ticks
Taking on Ticks Episode 6: Making a Tick Kit
Taking on Ticks Episode 7: How to Safely Remove a Tick
7 (2)4 (2)
5 (2)3 (2)

tick removal

For more information about ticks in Wisconsin, visit Wisconsin Department of Health Services Fight the Bite webpage.

Things you can do to protect yourself from ticks:
- use repellent on skin and/or clothing
- wear appropriate clothing for your activity.  If you are hiking, consider long socks and pants.
- walk on the trails, avoid brushing up against plants, and try to avoid wooded and brushy areas.(4/20/22)  
Air Quality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2023
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 

Gov. Evers Announces $24 Million in Federal Funds to Ease Congestion, Improve Air Quality
Funding supports 18 projects, including electric buses, trail expansions, and smart traffic signals

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced that approximately $24 million in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program funds will support 18 local projects in Wisconsin that include smart traffic signals, electric buses, and multi-use trail extension.

“From new electric buses to improved bike paths, these projects are investing in the quality of life of our state by reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality for local communities,” said Gov. Evers. “By working closely with our federal and local partners on projects like this, we can keep our infrastructure and our state moving forward, and I look forward to doing even more in our state budget.”

Administered by WisDOT, CMAQ is a reimbursement program that assists local governments by providing up to 80 percent federal reimbursement for eligible activities. Projects are competitively awarded based on emission reduction potential and overall cost-effectiveness. 

“Traffic density is an issue that can be addressed with a range of innovative solutions that improve flow, increase transportation options, and clean up our air,” said WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson. “We are pleased to administer this funding in partnership with local leaders and the federal government to make the greatest impact.”

A complete list of the 18 projects can be found here.  An online version of this release is available here.
EPA Air Quality Data
Radon kits 
substainable_house
**Radon kits are available for Greendale residents for $10.  $5 is refunded when you receive and return your results to the Health Department.  For additional information, contact the Greendale Health Department at 414-423-2110 (01/2023).

Water Quality
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources(DNR) works with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with Greendale Department of Public Works- Water Utility (DPW) to ensure our drinking water meets quality standards.  Our water supply is tested regularly.  If you have questions regarding Greendale water testing- call DPW 414-423-2133 and speak with Tyler Eichmann (3/16/23)
Wisconsin Administrative Codes that relate to private and public drinking water are provided on the Wisconsin Legislative website and specific codes are listed on the DNR website.