Environmental
Disclaimer: This information was provided by agencies in the community. It may not be all-encompassing and some information changes often. For Jasper County offices and contact information, browse our county directory.
Updates: If you have an addition or edit to our Resource Guide, please contact us at jaspercocares@jasperia.org.
Bed Bug Information from IHHS
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small insects without wings. At one time they were almost eliminated from the United States. However, currently are found in all 50 states including Iowa. Bed bug bites usually will cause large itchy welts on the skin. These welts may not appear for 24 to 48 hours after the bite. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Currently there are no programs to assist with bed bug infestations at the state or federal level, however local resources may exist to assist homeowners faced with this issue.
Other resources:
Hotel with bed bugs
- Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensure (DIAL) if no local inspection contract in place – 515-281-6096 or
Apartment complex with bed bugs
- If the city you live in has 15,000 residents or more, contact the city.
- If you live in a rural town with under 15,000 residents and there is no city ordinance, please contact Iowa Legal Aid at 1-800-532-1275.
- If you receive HUD assistance for your rent, contact your housing authority.
Healthcare/Hospital/Nursing Home/Assisted Living facility with bed bugs
- Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensure (DIAL)-515-350-7688
Employer with bed bugs
- Iowa Workforce Development to make an OSHA complaint at 515-725-5660.
- Iowa Legal Aid- 1-800-532-1275.
A school with bed bugs
- Please see the below helpful links from the EPA:
Managing Bed Bugs in School https://www.epa.gov/managing-pests-schools/bed-bugs-and-schools
Bed Bug Guidance for School Nurses https://www.epa.gov/managing-pests-schools/bed-bug-guidance-school-nurses
Bed Bug Guidance for School Administrators, Teachers, and Staff https://www.epa.gov/managing-pests-schools/managing-pests-schools-bed-bug-guidance-school-administrators-teachers-and
Bed Bug Guidance for Parents https://www.epa.gov/managing-pests-schools/bed-bug-guidance-parents
DNR Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Protection DNR Environmental Protection
- Air quality, water quality, land quality, animal feeding operations, household hazards materials,
- Environmental Protection
- septic tanks, report spills, animal feeding operations, water
Flood Plan Management DNR Flood Plan
DNR Grants DNR grants
Keywords: hunting, fishing, Iowa State Parks, Camping, Recreation, Trails, Biking, Hiking, Conservation, Environmental Protection. Wells, drinking water, things to do, places to go
Des Moines, IA 50321
Food Inspections, permits
Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals (DIA) (DIAL)
Jasper County Community Development only does inspections on tanning, tattoo, pool, spa, septic, and wells.
All other permits and inspections are done by the State. Please see the link.
DIAL Main Number 515.281.DIAL (3425) or 844.281.DIAL (3425)
On July 1, 2023, the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals became the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. This page contains the list of the areas the department has the responsibility for licensing, permitting, registering, and certifying.
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing - Food Safety Bureau is responsible for licensing and conducting inspections at food establishments (grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores), food processing plants, home food processing establishments, and hotels. The Bureau also issues licenses for social gambling, charitable gambling such as bingo and raffles, and registrations for Amusement Devices. Please access inspection reports, additional resources, and online applications by visiting one of the following links:
- Public Search for Inspection Reports for Food Establishments, Food Processing Plants and Hotels: Click Here
- Apply for a new Food Establishment, Food Processing Plants, Home Food Processing Establishment, or Hotel license: Click Here
Abuse, Fraud & Investigations
- Dependent Adult Abuse - 877.686.0027
- Investigations Division - 515.281.5714
- Medicaid & Public Assistance Fraud - 877.446.3787
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Keywords: restaurant, food truck. hotel, vending, food inspections, barber,
- Restaurants, cafeterias, and delicatessens
- Bars and taverns (including those that only serve beverages)
- Bakeries
- Grocery and convenience stores
- Catering operations
- Mobile food units
- Farmers' markets and temporary food events
- Hotel breakfast bars
- Vending machines
- Home food processing establishments
- Food processing plants and warehouse
- Alarms & Fire Safety
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Food & Hotels: done by the State. See website.
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Swimming Pools & Spas- See Jasper County Community Development
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Tanning See Jasper County Community Development
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Tattoo See Jasper County Community Development
License, permit, food truck,
Des Moines, IA 50321
Free radon kits
American Lung Association- Iowa
Private Citizens can order a test kit by either going to www.lung.org/radon and they will be
geolocated to the Iowa page or they can call the radon hotline 800-383-5992 which is
answered by the American Lung Association.
Keywords: smoking, tobacco, radon, radon kit, lung, cancer, breathing, air
Lead
HUD Des Moines Field Office: Lead program
Income-based rental programs.
PROGRAMS DIVISION - LEAD-BASED PAINT & LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION DEMONSTRATION GRANT PROGRAMS
The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control (LHC) and the Lead Hazard Reduction grant programs (LHRD) is to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately owned housing for rental or owner-occupants. The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant program is the largest program in terms of dollar amount and number of grants. The main distinction between the two programs is that the LHRD program is targeted to urban jurisdictions (either alone or through a consortium) that have at least 3,500 pre-1940 occupied rental housing units, while the LBPHC program is open to all jurisdictions, urban, suburban or rural. Also, the requirement for grantee match is higher (25% vs. 10%) for the LHRD than for the LBPHC program. Both programs have a stellar track record across the country. Funding opportunities are published in the annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and are available online.
Lead assistance with housing: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/lbp/lhc
Keywords: lead, paint, poisoning, grant
Des Moines, IA 50309
Lead poisoning prevention program IHHS Iowa
Lead poisoning happens in children when they have lead in their bodies. Lead is highly toxic and can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, headaches, and more. Even small amounts of lead can harm a child. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states there is no safe level of lead in a child’s system.
https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/programs-and-services/childhood-lead-poisoning-prevention-program/childhood-lead-poisoning-prevention-resources
Des Moines, IA 50319
Lead resources DIAL Department of Inspections and Appeal Licensure
Lead-Safe Renovation
Renovation can disturb paint. This includes sanding, cutting, and demolition. Renovation in pre-1978 buildings can create lead dust and chips. These can hurt adults and children.
In 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued rules for renovation. They apply to renovation in pre-1978 housing (target housing). They also apply to pre-1978 child-occupied facilities (daycare centers, kindergartens).
Beginning April 22, 2010, renovators across the nation must be certified. They must also follow lead-safe work practices. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) carries out these rules in Iowa. Certified people will be called “lead-safe renovators.”
The site has lead contractors, workers, renovators, technicians, inspectors, assessors, and professional firms.
(Keywords: lead, lead paint, lead poisoning, abatement, lead inspector, contractors)
Handout: https://dial.iowa.gov/media/8605/download?inline=
Permits/Inspections
Jasper County Community Development and Environmental Health
- Environmental Health inspections (pool, septic, tattoo, & tanning), safe water supply & well water testing, septic system (permits, education, & tanker education), rabies education, & radon test kits (for sale).
- Building permits and zoning.
- Radon test kits ($10.00 each)
Newton, IA 50208
