Environmental Health

For questions regarding sewage, water wells or proper waste disposal, please call and speak with one of our environmental inspectors at 217-535-3145.

Abandoned wells left unsealed pose safety hazards for people and animals that could fall into them, causing injury or death. An abandoned well can also serve as a route for contaminating groundwater and cause pollution of other wells in the area used for drinking water.

The Illinois Water Well Construction Code requires the owner of a water well, boring or monitoring well to properly seal the well within 30 days after it is abandoned and no longer used to supply water. If a well or boring is in such a state of disrepair that it has the potential for transmitting contaminants into the groundwater or otherwise threatens the public health or safety, it also must be sealed.

A Licensed Well-Driller must seal an abandoned well. A homeowner may seal his or her own well if a written request is made to the local health department or to the Illinois Department of Public Health describing procedures and materials, all of which must comply with the well code. The local health department or the Department’s nearest regional office must be notified at least 48 hours prior to the start of the work to seal such wells and, after the sealing is finished, a completed sealing form must be submitted to the local health department or the Department’s central office in Springfield.

For more information regarding sealing an abandoned or old well, please call and speak with one of our environmental inspectors at 217-535-3145.

Any person, firm, or corporation may obtain a license to collect, haul, or dispose of solid waste within the county of Sangamon by submitting an application to the Sangamon County Department of Public Health.

The application shall contain the following information:

• Name, address, and telephone number of applicant;
• Proof of liability insurance;
• List of all vehicles to be used, including make, model, year, VIN and registration number;
• List of all employees that will be involved in the operation of the business;
• Proof of worker’s compensation insurance covering the employees;
• If engaging in the collection of recycling materials, the hauler shall identify the type of material to be hauled for that vehicle, and the proposed method of disposition of the recyclables.

Please contact the facilities for information on the types of materials accepted.