The ECOPHM Environmental Health Department is responsible for conducting public health inspections of County facilities and vendors. They routinely conduct inspections of fixed locations and vendors at County events throughout the year.
This Department is Essex County’s lead agency for the Community Right to Know program for the New Jersey Department of Health. The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 was implemented to protect the safety of workers and provide information to first responders in the event of an emergency. The Community Right to Know Act is a federal regulation under Title 3 of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act.
The Environmental Health Department is contracted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) under the County Environmental Health Act (CEHA). The Department is the lead CEHA agency for Essex County, overseeing management of the CEHA grant. The Department conducts activities under the Solid Waste Program and the NJDEP Right to Know Program. The Department also contracts with Essex Regional Health Commission to conduct activities under Air, Noise, Water, Pesticides and Safe Drinking Water, and Nutley Hazmat for Emergency Response.
Environmental Health Services Essex County Office of Public Health Management (ECOPHM)
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Response & Emergency Preparedness
ECOPHM coordinates countywide hazardous materials response and preparedness activities in collaboration with municipal, county, and regional partners. This includes response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) incidents.
The program supports:
• Emergency response coordination and deployment
• Preparedness planning and exercises (including large-scale regional events)
• Interagency collaboration with law enforcement, fire services, and emergency management
• Integration with federal and state preparedness initiatives
In the event of an environmental emergency, residents should contact NJDEP Hotline (1-877-WARNDEP) or dial 911.
Solid Waste & Environmental Enforcement
ECOPHM enforces state and local solid waste regulations and works collaboratively with municipalities and regulatory agencies to investigate complaints and ensure compliance.
Program activities include:
• Investigation of illegal dumping and environmental violations
• Inspection of solid waste facilities and operations
• Enforcement actions in coordination with NJDEP
• Support for municipal compliance and education
Illegal dumping and improper waste disposal may result in significant penalties, including fines and enforcement actions, consistent with state law.
Air Pollution Control & Environmental Compliance
ECOPHM conducts inspections and compliance activities in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:27 and NJDEP regulations to address air quality concerns and ensure regulatory compliance.
Services include:
• Inspection of permitted sources (e.g., auto body shops, dry cleaners, generators)
• Investigation of air quality complaints (odor, smoke, dust, emissions)
• Compliance assistance and education for regulated facilities
• Coordination with NJDEP Air Quality Program
These activities align with CEHA responsibilities for local enforcement of state air regulations.
Noise Control Program
ECOPHM investigates noise complaints and conducts sound level assessments in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:29.
Program components include:
• Commercial noise investigations
• Use of calibrated sound level monitoring equipment
• Coordination with municipal agencies for enforcement
• Support for compliance with state noise standards
Safe Drinking Water & Water Quality Protection
Under CEHA authority, ECOPHM conducts activities to support safe drinking water and protect water quality across Essex County.
Program services include:
• Sanitary surveys and compliance evaluations of non-community public water systems
• Investigation of water quality complaints
• Technical assistance to water system operators
• Coordination with NJDEP and NJDOH
These efforts support state and federal drinking water standards and ensure protection of public water supplies.
Environmental Complaint Investigation
ECOPHM responds to a wide range of environmental health complaints, including:
• Air, water, and soil concerns
• Odor and nuisance conditions
• Housing and environmental hazards
• Vector and rodent issues
Investigations are conducted in coordination with municipal partners to ensure timely resolution and compliance.
Right-to-Know (RTK) & Environmental Health Information
ECOPHM supports community right-to-know initiatives and promotes transparency in environmental health risks.
Program functions include:
• Coordination of RTK compliance
• Public access to environmental health information
• Collaboration with state agencies on hazardous substance reporting
Commitment to Essex County Communities
ECOPHM is committed to delivering equitable, transparent, and data-driven environmental health services across all 22 municipalities in Essex County.
Through regulatory oversight, shared services, and strategic partnerships, ECOPHM ensures:
• Protection of environmental and public health
• Consistent countywide service delivery
• Alignment with NJDEP and NJDOH standards
• Support for municipalities through modernized, GIS-enabled systems