A Guide to Pre-Occupancy Inspections

In Sampson County, the Environmental Health Department prioritizes the well-being of migrant workers by conducting pre-occupancy inspections of all migrant labor camps. Here's a breakdown of the process for camp operators:

Applying for the Inspection

1. Contact: The camp operator must reach out to the Environmental Health office to schedule a pre-occupancy inspection.
2. Fees: There's an associated fee. The first inspection costs $50, with an additional $15 fee for each subsequent inspection.

What the Inspection Covers

The inspection focuses on two critical aspects to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for migrant workers:

1. Proper Wastewater Disposal: Inspectors will meticulously examine the septic system to verify its functionality and capacity. This ensures it can adequately handle the wastewater generated by the expected number of occupants.
2. Clean Drinking Water: The inspection verifies the source of drinking water for the camp. If it's a public water supply, its safety is assumed. However, if the camp relies on a private well, the inspector will collect water samples to test for the presence of total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria. These bacteria can cause serious health problems if present in drinking water.

Moving Forward After the Inspection

Following the inspection, the Environmental Health Department will communicate the results to the camp operator. If everything meets sanitation standards, the camp will be cleared for occupancy. If any issues are identified, the operator will need to address them before receiving approval for migrant workers to reside in the camp.

By implementing this pre-occupancy inspection program, Sampson County safeguards the health and well-being of migrant workers, fostering a safer living environment.