The Environmental Science mission is to provide public health sanitation inspections and education for installation public facilities; surveillance of drinking water quality, medically important arthropods, and climatic conditions; environmental related public health consultative services; field sanitation training for all Fort Polk company-sized elements; distribution of medical threat information; hospital hazardous waste, regulated medical waste, and environmental compliance monitoring; and hospital radiation protection coordination.

Contact Information
Telephone: (337) 531-3402/4757

Programs & Services

Food Handler Certifications	Wildlife and Insects	Sanitation	Water Quality	Summer Safety	Winter Safety	Contact Us

Public Health Sanitation Inspection & Education: Inspections of swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bathing areas weekly (seasonal); food service facilities, vending machines, gymnasiums, barber/beauty shops, and recreational areas. Sanitation education is provided upon request. A sanitation certification course for food service facility managers and employees is offered as necessary.

Drinking Water Surveillance: All state-analyzed bacteriological water quality samples are reviewed. Randomly selected samples from Fort Polk water distribution systems are analyzed for fluoride content. Bacteriological water quality samples are collected and analyzed in order to supplement state analysis program as necessary. Creeks and well water samples are tested to protect the health of JRTC soldiers.

Surveillance of Medically Important Insects and Animals: Education and information are provided to units and individuals concerning venomous arthropods and reptiles encountered at Fort Polk. Surveillance of cockroaches and other indoor pests are conducted at public facilities upon request. Seasonal monitoring of mosquito populations is performed in garrison from May through October. Statistics gathered are used to assist the DPW, in garrison mosquito control measures.

Heat Stress Monitoring: The WBGT index, Heat Category and official recommendations are updated continuously.

Field Sanitation Team Training: A forty-hour certification for Field Sanitation Teams on Fort Polk is provided. Classes include: Heat/Cold Injury Prevention, Chemical/Noise Hazards, Water Supply and Food Service Sanitation, Arthropod Management, and Pesticide Application. Contact G3 Schools (ext. 531-1762) to register.

Hospital Radiation Protection Program: The Environmental Science Officer serves as the MEDDAC/DENTAC Radiation Protection Officer. Supervises the dosimetry Badge Program that is coordinated by the Radiology Quality Control Specialist.

Environmental Public Health Consultation: Consultation for all installation environmental or public health issues.

Medical Threat Information Dissemination: Accurate and timely medical threat information for Fort Polk and global deployments is maintained. Deploying units are supplied with medical threat information, deployment specific Preventive Medicine pamphlets, Preventive Medicine Operations Order Annexes and other PM information upon request.

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