Public Health

The Public Health Department investigates housing, general nuisance and food complaints, in addition to septic system installations/repairs/upgrades. The Public Health Department is also in charge of permitting and inspecting food establishments.

Permits

Please be sure to submit permit applications within time-frames given. We do not accept emailed applications. All applications and renewals happen on OpenGov. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Permit applications received that do not fall within the necessary time-frame required for review, as stated, may be denied and/or have a late fee added.

Complaints

Complaints must be submitted and signed. If a complaint is not submitted in writing, we do not have legal access to the premises to investigate a complaint. When a complaint is filed and investigated, the party involved will receive a Notice of Violation / Order for Correction. Law allows that conditions "deemed to endanger" must be corrected within 5 days of receipt of the violation notice, and "other" conditions have 30 days to be corrected. You can read more about tenant rights based on the State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410.990.

Sharps Disposal

The City of Amesbury has a sharps disposal at the Amesbury Police Station (19 School Street). Please read through our Sharps Care and Disposal information. 

Medication Disposal

Medications can be dropped off in a container at the Police Station, 19 School Street.

Beach Water Testing - E. Coli & Cyanobacteria

Testing performed June through Labor Day. Results are posted usually on Friday mornings after we have received them from the contracted water testing companies. Lake Gardner Beach, Glen Devin and Lake Attitash Sandy Beach (AALSIA) are testing weekly for E. Coli from late June to early September. E. Coli is an indicator organism of fecal contamination. 

The natural habitat for E. Coli is the intestinal tract of warm blooded animals. If the E. Coli count is greater than 1000 MPN/100 mL, the beach is closed. If the E. Coli  count is greater than 235 MPN/100 mL but less than 1000 MPN/100 mL, an advisory is issued. If the E. Coli  count is under 235 MPN/100 mL, the beach has no advisories or warnings issued.