CONSUMER HEALTH

(732) 341-9700, Extension 7416
FAX (732) 286-1495
John P. Protonentis- Environmental Health Coordinator
jprotonentis@ochd.org, extension 7480
Samantha Olsen- Assistant Environmental Health Coordinator
solsen@ochd.org, extension 7449
Noel Novak-Schulz- Assistant Environmental Health Coordinator
nschulz@ochd.org, extension 7467
The Consumer Health Division consists of a team of Registered Environmental Health Specialists, Environmental Health Specialists and Public Health Investigators who protect the public health and environmental health and well-being of Ocean County in the following areas:



Please click on a link above to view more information regarding the role of the Ocean County Health Department in each of the above-listed areas.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, excluding holidays. On-call inspectors are available for public health emergencies during off-hours by calling the main phone number for OCHD and leaving information with the answering service.

For life threatening emergencies, please dial 9-1-1 or call your local police department.

The Environmental Division enforces compliance with all applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations which pertain to the matters that fall within its jurisdiction. Investigators will also educate violators (along with using any appropriate enforcement actions necessary) to achieve compliance with these regulations.

If you should have any questions, comments or concerns and would like to discuss them with a public health professional in the environmental division, please do not hesitate to call us at (732) 341-9700, extension 7416. Our courteous and professional staff will be ready to assist.

The Ocean County Fee Schedule can be accessed by clicking HERE.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

(732) 341-9700, Extension 7416
(732) 286-1495, fax
John P. Protonentis- Environmental Health Coordinator
jprotonentis@ochd.org, extension 7480
Noel Novak-Schulz- Assistant Environmental Health Coordinator
nschulz@ochd.org, extension 7467
Shannon Burk- Supervising Environmental Health Specialist
sburk@ochd.org, extension 7447
Samantha Olsen- Assistant Environmental Health Coordinator
solsen@ochd.org, extension 7449


The Environmental Health Division consists of a team of Environmental Health Specialists, Registered Environmental Health Specialists and Public Health Investigators who protect the public health and environmental health and well-being of Ocean County in the following areas:

  • Water Pollution Investigations - The Environmental Division actively seeks to prevent pollution of all bodies of water including the ocean, bays, rivers, streams and lakes as well as land areas which drain into these waters. The Division will respond to all citizen's complaints regarding water pollution.
  • Safe Drinking Water Inspections / Complaint Investigations - The quality and quantity of drinking water has become a significant issue in the County during the last couple of years. Public community water systems are under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). If you have problems with the quality of public water, please contact your local water department or municipal utilities authority. Should you not get satisfaction, please contact the NJDEP-Bureau of Safe Drinking Water at (609) 292-5550. Water quality problems are also present in domestic wells. Water from the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer is known to be a low pH and naturally contain high levels of iron and manganese. Private wells are recommended be tested on an routine basis to ensure a safe water supply. If you have your well tested and find a problem please contact our Department at 732.341.9700, ext. 7416. The New Jersey State Health Department has developed several fact sheets about the testing of wells and water quality.
  • Air Pollution Inspections / Complaint Investigations - The Ocean County Health Department inspects regulated sources of air pollution that require permits with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) such as emergency generators, boilers, auto body shops with spray booths, and dry cleaners. The Environmental Division also investigates complaints regarding dust, odors, and other air pollutants emitted from commercial and industrial sources. Complaints are received directly from citizens of the county and from the NJDEP. Click HERE for more information.
  • Solid Waste Facility Inspections / Complaint Investigations - Click Here for Information from the State of New Jersey on Solid Waste Facility Inspections.
  • Recycling Compliance / Complaint Investigations - Click Here for Information from the State of New Jersey on Solid Waste Facility Inspections.
  • Noise Pollution Investigations - Pursuant to the County Environmental Health Act (CEHA), OCHD investigates noise complaints received in this office. Under the Noise Control Act of 1971 and accompanying regulations, noise levels are measured by certified staff at the property line of the complainant. The NJ state code addresses noise levels (measured in decibels [dB]) between residential and commercial or industrial sources based upon the time of day. The code does not address noise levels between two residential properties; this is a municipal issue. The code also exempts various sources such as agricultural activities, church bells, emergency sirens, aircraft, public roadways and railroads. A number of municipalities in Ocean County have adopted ordinances that address some of these issues on a local level. Please contact your municipality to see if a noise ordinance has been adopted.
  • Community Right-To-Know Program - Click HERE to view the New Jersey Right to Know Program.
  • Hazardous Substances Control - The Environmental Division responds to emergency and non-emergency hazardous materials incidents reported by citizens of the County and referred by NJDEP. Emergency Hazmat operations are performed by Berkeley Emergency Response Team, a certified subcontractor of the Ocean County Health Department and elite team of highly trained and certified volunteers. The Department is responsible for enforcing applicable hazardous substance transportation and disposal regulations. In the interest of protecting the waters and lands of the County, the Department enforces Ocean County Ordinance 83-2 and the New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act. Click HERE to get more information.
  • Smoke Free Air Act - Click HERE for more information.
  • Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program (CCMP) - During the Summer Bathing Season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) the division is responsible for the water sampling at all public recreational bathing areas in Ocean County. Further information on this program can be accessed through the home page of the web site. Please click on “Beach Reports/Closings.”
  • Groundwater Contamination Investigations - Click HERE for more information.
  • Public Non-Community Water Systems - The Environmental Division inspects water systems meeting the proper definition under New Jersey laws for adherence to water safety and administration controls. The Department performs routine inspections, sanitary surveys, and complaint investigations related to water quality sampling and reporting, system construction, and system administration. Click HERE for more information.

Please click on a link above to view more information regarding the role of the Ocean County Health Department in each of the above-listed areas.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, excluding holidays. On-call inspectors are available for public health emergencies during off-hours by calling the main phone number for OCHD and leaving information with the answering service.

For life threatening emergencies, please dial 9-1-1 or call your local police department.

The Environmental Division enforces compliance with all applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations which pertain to the matters that fall within its jurisdiction. Investigators will also educate violators (along with using any appropriate enforcement actions necessary) to achieve compliance with these regulations.

If you should have any questions, comments or concerns and would like to discuss them with a public health professional in the environmental division, please do not hesitate to call us at (732) 341-9700, extension 7416. Our courteous and professional staff will be ready to assist.