Offers to promote health and quality of life by preventing or controlling those diseases or deaths that result from interactions between people and the places they live, work and play. The programs employ several strategies to prevent health hazards including education, surveillance, routine inspections, sampling, posting, and enforcement where necessary.

Coordinates and administers state codes dealing with environmental health. Issues septic permits, inspects septic systems, issues well permits for water wells, geothermal wells for heating and cooling. Inspects wells and conduct water testing, conducts investigations dealing with improper solid waste disposal also provides radon test kits. Under the Department of Public Health conducts swimming pool, spa and tattoo establishment inspections in accordance with State Codes.

Assists Lancaster County residents in minimizing health risks posed by environmental factors. Provides public information and technical assistance to businesses, focusing on pollution prevention, toxicity reduction, and addressing health-related complaints. Responsibilities include inspections and responses concerning food establishments, grocery stores, private water supplies, on-site wastewater treatment systems, schools, solid waste management, swimming pools, vector control, childcare facilities, children's environmental health, salvage yards, refuse hauling, special waste, household hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and both indoor and outdoor air quality.

Emergency Response provides 24-hour, 7 days a week response to chemical spills or releases both indoors and in the environment. Makes decisions regarding public health and environmental protection, evacuation, protective gear, public information releases and environmental clean-up based on the risk posed by chemicals that have been released.

Assistance is provided to other agencies (primarily the Lincoln Fire Department, Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, and State Patrol) to stabilize the incident and assure proper clean-up.

Land Use Plan and Subdivision Review provides the following assurances: newly proposed land uses do not pose health or environmental risks, adequate water or acceptable quality will be available for the proposed use of the property, and that adequate on-site wastewater sewage disposal is planned. Review all new plats, subdivisions, change of zones, special permits, and community unit plans with regard to groundwater quality and quantity, soil types and implications for on-site wastewater treatment systems. Other environmental health concerns including proximity of residential uses or schools, childcare or assisted living facilities to industrially zoned areas and hazardous materials risks are addressed. Community wastewater treatment systems are also reviewed in conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Environmental and Energy (NDEE) and specific recommendations are made for approval or disapproval.