We are responsible for permitting and inspecting all on-site waste water treatment systems replaced or repaired within Shelby County.  We require and conduct percolation tests on all systems.  The fee for the percolation test is $150.00 and the septic permit fee is $100.00. 

All new private water wells, heat pump wells and monitoring wells are permitted and inspected.  Prior to drilling, a site assessment is conducted.  Another inspection is made upon completion of drilling.  A well permit is $125.00.  Water samples are collected from private wells and tested for coli form bacteria and nitrates.  There is no charge to the well owners for this service.

We administer the Department of Natural Resources water well grant each year to Shelby County.  This grant assists property owners with cost share monies to properly plug abandoned wells.  Property owners are reimbursed 75% of the cost of materials up to $200 per well.

Our department investigates all environmental-related complaints, which may include:  illegal dumping, illegal burning, improper dead animal disposal, burning of solid waste, and illegal discharge of sewage.

We are responsible for licensing and inspecting restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, bars, liquor stores, hotels, motels and mobile food units.  We conduct these inspections in 15 counties including Shelby, Pottawattamie, Harrison, Monona, Audubon, Cass, Guthrie, Page, Fremont, Adair, Taylor, Union, Mills, Montgomery and Adams County.  Approximately 1600 establishments are inspected at least once a year and some are inspected twice yearly.

Shelby County's environmental assessment ordinance requires that all property being transferred must be inspected prior to transfer.  All wells are identified, sampled and inspected, the on-site septic system is inspected for compliance, and old solid waste dumping sites are identified.  The inspection fee is $75.00.

Our department inspects municipal swimming pools, motel pools and spas, tanning beds, and tattoo parlors in Shelby, Monona, Pottawattamie and Harrison Counties.

In 2005, Shelby County adopted a radon ordinance that requires all newly constructed homes to include radon resistance features.  Our office has radon kits available year-round for a minimal fee and offers handouts and technical advice concerning radon.