Performance Details

Department of Environmental Conservation - Environmental Health

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Mission

Provide Alaskans with clear standards so that they can protect our environment and provide safe food and drinking water.

Core Services

• Achieve environmental protection by requiring appropriate management of Alaska"s landfills and safe pesticide use.
• Protect public health with regulated food, seafood, and public facilities.
• Provide laboratory testing services, analytical and technical information for assessment of risks to public health, welfare, and the environment.
• Verify safe drinking water and compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Mission Results	Core Services
A: Achieve environmental protection by requiring appropriate management of Alaska"s landfills and safe pesticide use. Details >	A1: Achieve environmental protection by requiring appropriate management of Alaska"s landfills and safe pesticide use. Details > TARGET #1: All municipal solid waste facilities are authorized by the Department of Environmental Conservation. TARGET #2: Class III village landfills inspected have an average inspection score of 80% or greater using the Waste Index inspection form.
Mission Results	Core Services
B: Protect public health with regulated food, seafood, and public facilities. Details >	B1: Protect public health with regulated food, seafood, and public facilities. Details > TARGET #1: 35 percent of all food manufacturers are inspected at least once each fiscal year. TARGET #2: 35 percent of permitted retail food establishments are inspected at least once each fiscal year. TARGET #3: All inspected permitted retail food establishments are found to have staff with required food safety training and certification.
Mission Results	Core Services
C: Provide laboratory testing services, analytical and technical information for assessment of risks to public health, welfare, and the environment. Details >	C1: Provide laboratory testing services, analytical and technical information for assessment of risks to public health, welfare, and the environment. Details > TARGET #1: All requested tests for chemical and biological animal diseases and environmental toxins are completed. TARGET #2: All acceptable sample requests are completed on-time within project parameters. TARGET #3: All livestock and poultry entering Alaska have current health permits.
Mission Results	Core Services
D: Verify safe drinking water and compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Details >	D1: Verify safe drinking water and compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Details > TARGET #1: All Alaskans served by a public water system are served by systems in compliance with health-based standards. TARGET #2: All public water systems submit required sanitary surveys according to their designated schedule.

Performance Detail

Target #1: All municipal solid waste facilities are authorized by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Methodology: The measure is calculated by dividing the number of authorized landfills in each classification by the total number of landfills in each classification. The data for this measure is pulled from the Solid Waste Program database Analysis of results and challenges: Municipal landfills are classified based on the average daily intake of solid waste. Class I landfills receive greater than 20 tons/day; Class II landfills receive five to 20 tons/day; and Class III landfills receive less than five tons/day. In FY2024, the total number of municipal landfills included nine Class I, 13 Class II, and 184 Class III. All municipal landfills are required to have a permit or authorization issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The permitting process ensures that the landfill design and the operational practices comply with regulatory standards. During FY2024, 100% of Class I and Class II landfills and 90% of Class III landfills were operating under a DEC permit or authorization. Class III landfills continue to be the primary focus of Department efforts. Those efforts include building relationships with community members and providing technical and other assistance to rural landfill operators and tribal and municipal staff. Specific to permitting in FY2024, the program issued one new Class III landfill permit, and the overall percentage of Class III landfills with an active permit remained steady at 90%. The remaining unpermitted Class III landfills are the most difficult to permit under regulations. However, the Department continues to reach out to those communities and is seeing efforts being made to improve solid waste management practices. This is a good sign that interest in and assistance to those communities positively impacts the people and the environment in those locations. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Target #2: Class III village landfills inspected have an average inspection score of 80% or greater using the Waste Index inspection form. Methodology: The measure is calculated by dividing the total percentage score for inspections conducted in the given fiscal year by the number of inspections performed. Totals are queried from the Solid Waste Information Management System (SWIMS) database. Analysis of results and challenges: Class III community landfills accept less than five tons of solid waste per day. These landfills are typically located in small, remote communities and pose distinct regulatory and compliance challenges. The Department has worked for the past decade to provide the technical assistance necessary to allow each community to get properly permitted by effectively overcoming the specific challenges posed by its landfill. Inspections are the primary tool for evaluating regulatory compliance, and the on-site time during the inspection is when technical assistance is most easily provided. Inspections are scored using the Waste Index Inspection Form, which tracks 36 different categories related to landfill operations and scores each category via comparison to a series of incremental steps. The Waste Index allows inspectors to easily and consistently evaluate the operations and management of Class III landfills. At the same time, the incremental steps provide the landfill operator with clear guidance on what changes can be made to improve landfill operations and achieve increased compliance with the regulations. The Department aims to inspect Class III landfills on a 3-year cycle; however, very few inspections were conducted FY2021 and FY2022 due to Covid related travel restrictions. These restrictions resulted in a 6-year cycle for repeat inspections in FY2024. In FY2024, 58 inspections at Class III landfills were conducted, which is back to the average number per year. The average Waste Index inspection score for the inspected facilities showed a 1.21% decrease compared to the most recent previous inspection. This decrease is a result of the Department`s reduced presence in the communities and inspections during the pandemic. The Department is increasing the inspections per year to reach the desired 3-year inspection cycle and anticipates increased Waste Index scores over the next few years as a direct result. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Target #1: 35 percent of all food manufacturers are inspected at least once each fiscal year. Methodology: Sum of permitted food manufacturers and the sum of permitted food manufacturers inspected as reported in the Food Safety and Sanitation Program"s "USA Food Safety" database. Analysis of results and challenges: In FY2024, the State of Alaska had 1,353 food manufacturing facilities, which included 844 seafood, 480 general food, and 29 active shellfish operations. The Department successfully inspected 100% of Alaska"s shellfish processors, 21% of seafood processors, and 12% of manufactured food processors. The target for this performance measure aligns with the program`s capacity and prioritizing inspections based on regulatory needs and risk profiles. Inspections serve as a primary tool for evaluating regulatory compliance, and on-site time during inspections provide an opportunity for impactful technical assistance. For non-shellfish food manufacturers, the Department prioritizes facilities on the FDA contract inspection list, those categorized as high-risk, and those requiring follow-up due to complaints or illness investigations. Shellfish facilities are inspected on a prescribed schedule to maintain compliance with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program ensuring access to export certain shellfish, such as geoducks. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Target #2: 35 percent of permitted retail food establishments are inspected at least once each fiscal year. Methodology: The percentage of food establishments that were inspected as reported in the Food Safety and Sanitation Program"s "USA Food Safety" database. Analysis of results and challenges: The Department prioritizes conducting risk-focused, high-quality inspections and completing timely follow-ups on inspections to protect the public"s health. The FSS program assigns food establishments into one of three risk categories (high, medium, and low), determining a baseline inspection frequency. FSS bases a food establishment"s risk level on factors such as the complexity of food preparation, the types of foods prepared, the number of employees, and the population served. For example, complex menu items, using raw animal foods, having a large staff (an indicator of customer volume), or serving primarily a highly susceptible population (elders, young children) contribute to increasing the risk of foodborne illness. The FSS program bases an establishment"s inspection frequency on the assigned risk in combination with other factors such as complaint and inspection history and community characteristics such as size, number of permitted establishments, and location. In FY2024, 4,788 permanent retail food establishments were permitted. Staff conducted 1,448 in-person inspections and 106 virtual food safety assessments of these establishments, covering 37% of the high-risk and 30% of the medium-risk retail food establishment inventory. Low-risk food establishments are generally evaluated in response to complaints or when associated with a higher-risk establishment. Additionally, the FSS program completed 447 follow-up activities to support establishment operators in addressing and improving areas identified during the initial inspection. These follow-up activities included 120 in-person visits and 327 conducted through phone, email, or other means. The target for this performance measure reflects the program`s strategic focus on high and medium risk establishments to promote safe food practices and provide technical assistance to the regulated community. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Target #3: All inspected permitted retail food establishments are found to have staff with required food safety training and certification. Methodology: The total number of inspected establishments without items 1 - Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) for facilities required to have them, 2 - Person in Charge or, 3 - Food Worker Cards for all workers marked out as reported in Food Safety and Sanitation Program"s "USA Food Safety" database. Calculated by dividing the number of establishments with safety training and certification by the number of inspected permitted establishments, as reported in the Food Safety and Sanitation Program"s USA Food Safety database. Analysis of results and challenges: Food safety education and training are vital in preventing foodborne illness. With approximately 50% of American food dollars spent at food establishments, ensuring safe food handling practices is paramount. Similarly, over 50% of reported foodborne illness outbreaks have been linked to food service establishments, highlighting the need for robust food safety measures. Food handlers are required to have basic food worker training and hold an Alaska Food Worker Card issued by the Food Safety and Sanitation program. In addition, all establishments classified as high to medium risk (based on the complexity of menu and preparation processes) must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), a person who is knowledgeable about food safety management practices and systems and has passed a nationally accepted examination. When the CFPM is not present at a food establishment, the operation must have a designated Person in Charge (PIC) who ensures that food workers are handling food safely. The Department provides online test preparation and testing and proactively works to increase industry education statewide. This measure reflects the percentage of inspections that had food worker cards for all employees, and those that had either a knowledgeable PIC or CFPM present, as applicable. During FY2024, 99% of facilities had a knowledgeable person in charge on site, and 90% had Food Worker Cards for all employees, which is consistent with previous years" findings. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Target #1: All requested tests for chemical and biological animal diseases and environmental toxins are completed. Methodology: Tests completed by the Environmental Health Laboratory in response to requests from customers in a fiscal year. Analysis of results and challenges: It is the goal of DEC"s Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL) to provide accurate, timely, and reliable results for 100% of the acceptable requests received. In FY2024, the Laboratory successfully completed analysis on 93% of the work submitted that year. An additional 5% of requests were prepared and managed for subcontract laboratories. In FY2024, 28,296 tests were requested, which is a 38% increase from the previous year. Work performed for the Division of Water was 344% more than in FY2023. Additionally, shellfish work rose by 21% due to a combination of an increase in commercial areas and special projects. And a 6% increase in food and water testing due to FDA grant deliverable requirements. The EHL performed 234 different methods and matrix combinations in FY2024, 45 of which were new. Overall, there was an increase in workload, reflecting workload realignment and increased testing needs associated with new federal grant opportunities. Related links: Division of Environmental Health Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Target #2: All acceptable sample requests are completed on-time within project parameters. Methodology: The on-time performance for work order reporting is pulled from the LIMS by month and collated for a yearly percent. Analysis of results and challenges: DEC`s Environmental Health Laboratory (EHL) utilizes a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to efficiently provide laboratory testing services, analysis, and technical information for the assessment of risks to public health, welfare, and the environment. All sample submissions to the EHL are entered into the LIMS, labeled with unique identification numbers, and distributed to staff for processing and analysis. Submission turnaround time (TAT) varies based on customer needs, project parameters, and workload balancing. The EHL works closely with customers to meet needs and balance workloads. The on-time completion of work orders represents the timeliness of final results delivered as negotiated. In FY2024, the Laboratory averaged 98.3% for the year, with the lowest month being 94.3%. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Target #3: All livestock and poultry entering Alaska have current health permits. Methodology: The Office of the State Veterinarian tracks permits issued in a log book. These numbers were compared to the total number of livestock and poultry presented for entry at the Canadian Border without Alaska permit numbers according to USDA"s records. Analysis of results and challenges: Livestock (cattle, bison, yaks, horses, pigs, sheep, and goats) entering the State of Alaska must have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate. In addition, all livestock and poultry imports are required to be accompanied by an importation permit issued by the Alaska Office of the State Veterinarian (OSV). In FY2024, the total number of livestock and poultry import permits issued was 1300. For livestock, there were 203 imports containing 957 individual animals, and 1,097 import shipments of poultry containing 51,419 individual birds. A person importing animals to Alaska must have the animals examined by an accredited private veterinarian. The OSV issues the importation permits to the owner, verifying Alaska`s animal importation requirements have been met, which include a physical exam of the animal(s) and disease testing. This process minimizes the risk of importing animals with infectious/contagious diseases or parasites of concern, thus protecting Alaska`s domestic animals and wildlife populations. The high compliance rate results from coordination with USDA, CDC, Customs and Border Patrol, and other states, coupled with outreach to animal importers, brokers, and animal owners. Health certificates for poultry and livestock entering the state are required to be sent to the OSV within seven days for review to validate that all animals have met regulatory requirements. Animals enter the state through various land, air, and seaports along the border, which are monitored by federal authorities. The State coordinates with federal agencies to enforce State entry requirements, which are often more restrictive. If import requirements are not met, an investigation is initiated, and appropriate action is taken, which may involve imposing quarantine, performing an examination, and collecting samples for diagnostic testing. If an animal is diagnosed with an infectious or contagious disease, the OSV performs an epidemiologic investigation, tracks the animal"s point of origin, and informs counterparts in other states or countries to control and mitigate the spread of the disease. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Target #1: All Alaskans served by a public water system are served by systems in compliance with health-based standards. Methodology: The information reflected in this table is provided on an annual basis by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after the end of each federal fiscal year (typically October). The numbers being reported are the number of Community Water Systems that are in compliance with the EPA defined health-based standards (Treatment Technique, Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level, and Maximum Contaminant Level requirements). Analysis of results and challenges: In 1978, the State of Alaska was delegated primacy for implementation of the Public Water System Supervision program and began the adoption and implementation of Safe Drinking Water Act requirements to address the threat of waterborne disease and provide for the protection of public health. Community water systems (CWS) are a subset of federally regulated public water systems (PWS) and are required to be in compliance with the various health-based standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. These standards are designed to protect people from consuming unsafe drinking water and establish limits for many chemical and radiological contaminants, as well as microbiological (bacteria, viruses, and protozoa) contaminants. During Federal Fiscal Year 2023, Alaska had an increase in CWS in compliance with the health-based standards compared to the prior year. This increase can likely be attributed to continued improvements in conditions since the pandemic and compliance assistance efforts by DW Program staff. The Department of Environmental Conservation"s Drinking Water program offers a two-pronged approach of compliance assistance and enforcement for Alaska"s PWS, allowing staff to have appropriate oversight with the intent of serving safe drinking water on a consistent basis to as many people as possible. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Target #2: All public water systems submit required sanitary surveys according to their designated schedule. Methodology: Number of active public water systems that do not have an overdue sanitary survey. Analysis of results and challenges: The Department of Environmental Conservation oversees the Sanitary Survey program, which provides onsite reviews of the source water, treatment facilities and equipment, and the operations and maintenance procedures of Alaska"s public water systems (PWS). This information is used to evaluate the adequacy of a system and helps determine if the water system is producing and distributing safe drinking water. A thoroughly completed sanitary survey should identify any deficiencies in the system. The system operator is required to take appropriate corrective actions to fix deficiencies identified from the sanitary survey. The Department is responsible for the training and approval of Sanitary Survey Inspectors, as well as enforcement actions on those PWS that have overdue sanitary surveys. Inspector training and approval is provided for both State and third-party sanitary survey inspectors. Third-party inspectors complete the majority of sanitary surveys. Most waterborne disease outbreaks are caused by bacteria or other microorganisms, and routine testing for bacteriological contaminants is one of the best ways to ensure drinking water is safe. An important part of the Total Coliform Rule and the subsequent Ground Water Rule are the requirements that all federally regulated PWS have a periodic sanitary survey completed for their entire water system. In FY2024, approximately 93% of Alaska"s public water systems were in compliance with their sanitary survey requirement, which is an increase from the previous fiscal year. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Last refreshed: 05/22/2025 08:00 am