The Allegany County Environmental Health Division promotes and protects the health of Allegany County residents and visitors by focusing regulatory and outreach efforts on safe food supplies, safe drinking water, effective wastewater disposal, prevention of the spread of vector and foodborne illnesses, and safe environments.
Programs and Services:
For more information, call (301) 759-5040.
Open burning in Allegany County is regulated under Maryland Department of the Environment Air Quality Regulations. A burning permit is required for all open burning, except for small recreational fires such as campfires, outdoor cooking of food, and fires associated with agricultural practices. The only material that may be burned is brush originating on the same site it is to be burned.
Permits are good for six months and allow burning after 5:00 PM each day (after 4:00 PM during daylight savings time). Permits may be obtained in person at our office or by calling 301-759-5040. There is no fee for burning permits.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are in the City Of Cumberland or the City of Frostburg, you must first obtain a permit from this office and then take proof of your permit to the respective City’s Fire Department.
Environmental Health services include many ‘behind the scenes’ services which support the regulation and enforcement of laws concerning community health and public spaces.
Recreational Beach Sampling and Monitoring
Recreational Beaches are beach known to be used by the public for swimming. Recreational Beaches are sampled and monitored from May to September for bacteriological levels. In Allegany County, we have two beaches that are sampled and monitored for levels.
Maryland Healthy Beaches Program
Public Swimming Pool Inspections
Public pools and Spas are required to have a permit. Current fee of $100 must accompany application before inspection can be scheduled. Renewal applications are sent out in April. Seasonal pools will require ‘PRE-OPENING’ inspections. Also, all pools permitted are subject to a monthly inspection in order to retain the operating permit.
Campground Inspections
Campgrounds are required to have a permit for operation. Campground inspections are required to ensure proper sewage disposal, potable water supply, general safety and sanitation.
Mobile Home Park Inspections
Mobile Home Parks are required to have a permit for operation. Mobile Home parks are inspected for proper sewage disposal, potable water supply, and general sanitation.
Public Health Nuisance Complaints
Click HERE to download the nuisance complaint form. (Please note that we do not accept anonymous or unsigned complaint forms.)
Clean Indoor Air
The Maryland Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor areas open to the public in order to preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of Maryland by limiting exposure to tobacco smoke.
Food control is involved in enforcing Maryland Food Service Facility Regulations found in Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.15.03. Licensed Environmental Health Specialists inspect permanent food service facilities and temporary food permit applicants, review plans for new establishments, and investigate complaints involving licensed food service facilities.
Fee Schedule
Food Service Facilities
Temporary Permit
On-site septic systems are used for the disposal of sewage where public collection and disposal systems are not available. A proper functioning septic system depends on many factors and may be is impacted by site suitability and use (load) of the system. Percolation tests are conducted to evaluate soils for suitability of a potential on-site septic system.
The suitability of a parcel for development is determined by the ability to adequately discharge sewage generated on the property, the site selection, testing times, and procedures are best discussed and determined by the Health Department. For instructions on preparation for perc testing, contact environmental health at (301) 759-5040 or download the Percolation Testing and Soil Analysis for On-site Sewage Disposal Systems brochure. Wells
The siting of a well, construction, yield, and water quality are all part of the approval process for permitting any well drilled in Maryland. Once a well is drilled, water is sampled to ensure the potability of the well water. Permits to drill a well are issued to a licensed well driller following an application process. Applications to drill a well are available in our office during normal operating hours. For more information contact the Environmental Health Division at (301) 759-5040.
Fee Schedule
12501 Willowbrook Rd SE, Cumberland, MD 21502 / 301-759-5000
Toll Free Maryland Department of Health: 1-877-463-3464
TDD Disabled Maryland Relay Service: 1-800-735-2258
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