Burlington County Community Health Improvement Plan

Why is this issue important to Burlington County Residents?

The environment is everything around us - the air we breathe, the water we drink and use, and the food we consume. It's also the chemicals, radiation, microbes, and physical forces with which we come into contact. Our interactions with the environment are complex and are not always healthy. Health conditions such as asthma, foodborne illnesses, lead exposure, radiation exposure, litter and allergies are all impacted by the environment. By working to preserve the environment, we work to improve our health.

What does the data say about Burlington County?

Residents’ Opinions Burlington County Health Department (BCHD) implemented the Protocol for Assessing Community Excellence in Environmental Health (PACE EH) in 2005. To understand residents’ opinions and concerns about environmental health issues, a survey was developed and administered. County Residents revealed what environmental issues residents cared about, they included: General water quality Recreational water quality Drinking water quality

Superfund Sites

One area of concern for Burlington County is the number of Superfund Sites. According to published data Burlington County is tied for fourth in terms of number of Superfund Sites located in the county. Superfund Sites present a threat to human health and the environment. It is vital that we work with private industry and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to clean up these sites and to prevent future ones.

Goals and Objectives for the Promotion of Environmental Health

Overall Goal:
Improve the environmental health of Burlington County

Outcome Objectives/Indicators:

• Institute a medical disposal program to protect our water supply
• Perform risk based food inspections to prevent food borne illness
• Track and log water test results of our bathing facilities
• Perform UST inspections at retail fuel locations
• Perform recycling inspection at retail and commercial facilities
• Improve the water quality of Burlington County by decreasing the number of water sources testing positive for contaminants

Impact Objectives:

• Increase the number of public trash and recycling receptacles 
• Prevent additional Superfund Sites in Burlington County

Risk Factors

• Superfund Sites
• Point Source and Non-Source Point Pollution

Potential Barriers:

• Cost
• Policy
• Resources
• Apathy among residents
• Lack of Knowledge/Alternative Resources

Strategies and Resources Available for the
Promotion of Environmental Health

Suggested Interventions:

• Bring environmental education campaign to schools (litter and recycling)
• Enforce idling laws
• Increase training/awareness industrial waste product for environmental and sanitary inspectors

Resources Available