With so many state departments and agencies, it can be difficult to determine exactly who handles a particular issue. Ohio EPA often receives comments or questions about environmental issues that we can’t address because the laws give that authority to other departments. Here’s a list of issues that Ohio EPA doesn’t handle, along with the state department or agency that does.

Department of Agriculture — (614) 728-6201

• Food safety
• Pesticide application
• Concentrated animal feeding operations construction and operating permits

Department of Commerce, State Fire Marshal Division — (614) 752-8200 

• Underground petroleum storage tanks
• Fireworks

Department of Health — (614) 466-3543

• Indoor air pollution (lead, mold)
• Private wells
• Private septic systems
• Radon
• Water bacteria levels at local beaches
• West Nile virus (carried by mosquitoes)
• Radiation protection
• Lead poisoning prevention

Department of Natural Resources — (614) 265-6565 

• Mining permits, abandoned mines, mine safety
• State parks
• Well water draw-down
• Water well logs and drilling reports
• Dam safety
• Flood plain management
• Ground water mapping
• Scenic rivers