2007 Aerial by Gordon Bassham

Mission

Protecting People...Preserving the Environment

Occassionally Wichita experiences some Air Quality issues.  Strong Kansas winds blow pollution into our area, citizens' individual habits and daily activities combine to cause the issue.  Click on the Clear the Air Video link to view some excellent Environmental Tips given by Wichita's Honorable Mayor and fellow Council Members.

Environmental Notices, News, & Articles

Information Related to Flooding:

• Precautionary Measures for Flooded Wells
• Restoring a Flooded Well to Service
• KS Department of Health & Environment Flood Information

KDHE has published a biennial report entitled - Kansas Environment 2008.  The report has great information about the state's environmental status.  It identifies two emergency incidents that hazardous materials staff members from the City of Wichita's Environmental Department were deployed to work -  Chemical Tank Farm Explosions at Barton Solvent in Valley Center and the devastating tornado that leveled Greensburg, Kansas.

	FORECAST EARTH Article by Don Willmott, FE Correspondent You don't still use a screen saver, do you?   Effective January 1, 2008,  some environmental maintenance responsibilities such as violations for tall grass and weeds, trash and junk, inoperable vehicles transitioned to the Office of Central Inspection (OCI).  This allows six (6) Environmental Maintenance Inspectors and thirteen (13) Neighborhood Inspectors to strategically combine work responsibilities; increasing citywide coverage for inspection of neighborhoods. For these kinds of neighborhood issues, as well as sub-standard housing and residential zoning problems, please call 268-4481. For light, ordor, or noise complaints as well as other Environmental Services Department responsibilities (i.e. Water Quality, Air Quality etc.), contact Environmental Services at 268-8351.      Wichita Area Ozone Informational Meeting View the meeting video. Wichita Ozone Meeting PowerPoint Wichita DESIG Meeting 2008
	Arkansas River Water Quality Campaign Find out how the Arkansas River Water Quality Campaign is progressing.
	Daily Animal Pickups Check the Daily Animal Pickups to see if your lost pet has been picked up by Animal Services!
	Environmental Services Documents and Forms For a more general listing of documents and forms, visit the Environmental Services Documents and Forms page.
	Kansas Food Safety and Consumer Protection Check out Kansas Food Safety and Consumer Protection to find out how you can look up inspection reports of any licensed food service establishments within the State of Kansas.
	Wichita Environment Newsletter Check out past issues of the Wichita Environment Newsletter.
	WATER Center Learn more about the Wichita Area Treatment, Education & Remediation (WATER) Center, the treatment center for the Gilbert-Mosley Project.

Environmental Services Sections

Administration Section
The Administration Section of Environmental Services' staff coordinates and manages all department activities.

Air Quality Section
The Air Quality program consists of air monitoring activities and inspection of air pollution sources.

Animal Services Section
Animal Services officers pick up unconfined or stray dogs and issue summonses for leash law violations, remove dead animals from public streets and private property, and transport injured animals for emergency treatment. The Wichita Animal Shelter provides shelter services for Wichita’s Animal Services program, animal control programs operated by Sedgwick County, seven area cities of the second or third class.

Child Care Licensure Section
The program evaluates, investigates, and educates providers of childcare, detention services, and residential and group-boarding homes for children in Sedgwick County to assure that state laws and regulations are met and that all children are safe and healthy in out-of-home care.

Environmental Assessment & Remediation (EAR) Section
This program provides technical and administrative support for the Gilbert-Mosley and North Industrial Corridor groundwater projects.

Environmental Compliance Section
The Environmental Compliance program exists to insure:

• City facilities are operated in accordance with local, state, and federal Environmental Regulations, Permits, and Plans;
• Operations and construction activities pose minimal impact to community health and the environment; and
• Assures compliance with the City's NPDES Stormwater Permit
• Natural resources are protected and preserved
• And to coordinate the Environmental Compliance Regulation Process.

Our Environmental Nuisance Inspector investigates and helps resolve complaints involving neighborhood blight, safety, and public health.  We work closely with the Office of Central Inspection (OCI) Neighborhood Inspectors to maintain a clean environment for all citizens in our community. 

While the Neighborhood Inspectors focus on residential blight, the Environmental Nuisance Inspector centers on commercial and publicly-owned facilities' blight.  Our program also inspects city dwellings with multiple animals; and responds to lighting and noise complaints. 

We encourage Public Collaboration and Participation in maintaining the Visual Vitality of the City of Wichita.

Food Protection & Tobacco Control Section
The Food Protection Program provides regulatory oversight, consultative services, and educational support for food establishments in Wichita and Sedgwick County. The Tobacco Control program regulates the sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products within the City of Wichita.

Hazardous Materials Response Section
This program provides technical guidance and assistance to Wichita and Sedgwick County emergency response units dealing with chemical spills and releases.

Water Quality Section
This program protects water quality through sampling, monitoring, inspection, and educational activities.

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