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Take care of our community and yourself by having awareness of the environment around you!

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Topics

• Physical Environment
• Air Quality
• Water Quality

 " Environmental health is the branch of public health that: focuses on the relationships between people and their environment; promotes human health and well-being; and fosters healthy and safe communities. "     
Environmental Health (apha.org)
Environmental Health Topics (WI DHS)

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Physical Environment

Dogs of Greendale
On any given day in Greendale, you may pass by many residents enjoying a walk with their dogs.  Dogs can positively affect individuals and families and it is especially important to be a responsible pet owner to ensure Greendale continues to be a dog-friendly community.  
Dog Waste
Per Greendale Municipal Code 9.08 Animals & Fowl: the owner or person in charge of any animal shall not permit waste matter to be deposited on any street or other public or private property unless immediately removed.  The owner or person in charge of any private property shall not permit waste matter to accumulate on such property.
Dog Leashes
No owner or other person in control or having custody of a dog shall allow the dog to run at large within the Village.  Keep dogs on
a leash to ensure control of the animal. (Greendale Municipal Code 9.08 (5))
Dog License 
Wisconsin State Legislature 174.05 states that the owner of a dog more than 5 months of age shall annually pay the dog license tax and obtain a license.  Evidence must be provided that the dog is currently vaccinated against rabies prior to obtaining a valid license.  There are exemptions for dogs kept for educational or scientific purposes and for dogs for blind, deaf, and/or mobility-impaired.
Greendale residents can either go to Village Hall for a dog license application or obtain a dog license through MADACC's licensing website.

No Mow May
Greendale residents can choose to participate in "No Mow May" to allow pollinators to wake up from hibernation and get busy pollinating.  

The bee population has been declining and studies show that it is serious enough that it can be characterized as a threat to the global food supply. Also, gas powered lawn equipment contributes to air pollution and air pollution contributes to climate change. Small actions add up.

Tick Safety
Protecting Yourself from Summer's Supervillains YouTube series:
by Milwaukee County Parks (Wehr Nature Center), Greendale Health Department, and UW- Madison Extension
Taking on Ticks Episode 1: Meet the Stealth Supervillain
Taking on Ticks Episode 2: Identifying Wisconsin Ticks
Taking on Ticks Episode 3: Lyme Disease and the Life Cycle of the Deer Tick
Taking on Ticks Episode 4: Why are There So Many Ticks?
Taking on Ticks Episode 5: How to Protect Yourself from Ticks
Taking on Ticks Episode 6: Making a Tick Kit
Taking on Ticks Episode 7: How to Safely Remove a Tick





For more information about ticks in Wisconsin, visit Wisconsin Department of Health Services Fight the Bite webpage.

Things you can do to protect yourself from ticks:
- use repellent on skin and/or clothing
- wear appropriate clothing for your activity.  If you are hiking, consider long socks and pants.
- walk on the trails, avoid brushing up against plants, and try to avoid wooded and brushy areas.(4/20/22)  

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Air Quality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2023 Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov

Gov. Evers Announces $24 Million in Federal Funds to Ease Congestion, Improve Air Quality Funding supports 18 projects, including electric buses, trail expansions, and smart traffic signals

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced that approximately $24 million in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program funds will support 18 local projects in Wisconsin that include smart traffic signals, electric buses, and multi-use trail extension. “From new electric buses to improved bike paths, these projects are investing in the quality of life of our state by reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality for local communities,” said Gov. Evers. “By working closely with our federal and local partners on projects like this, we can keep our infrastructure and our state moving forward, and I look forward to doing even more in our state budget.” Administered by WisDOT, CMAQ is a reimbursement program that assists local governments by providing up to 80 percent federal reimbursement for eligible activities. Projects are competitively awarded based on emission reduction potential and overall cost-effectiveness.  “Traffic density is an issue that can be addressed with a range of innovative solutions that improve flow, increase transportation options, and clean up our air,” said WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson. “We are pleased to administer this funding in partnership with local leaders and the federal government to make the greatest impact.” A complete list of the 18 projects can be found here.  An online version of this release is available here.

EPA Air Quality Data

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Radon kits 

**Radon kits are available for Greendale residents for $10.  $5 is refunded when you receive and return your results to the Health Department.  For additional information, contact the Greendale Health Department at 414-423-2110 (01/2023).

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Air, Air, Everywhere Poetry Contest Deadline May 5, 2023
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting entries from third to fifth graders for the Air, Air, Everywhere poetry contest.

Now in its 12^th year, the annual DNR-sponsored contest is designed to raise awareness of the importance of good air quality in honor of Clean Air Month in May.

The DNR encourages teachers and parents to submit original poems and riddles created by their students. The three winning poets will have their work featured on the DNR website and social media channels.

Requirements:

• Open to all third, fourth and fifth grade students in Wisconsin.
• Any form of original poetry or riddle is acceptable. Entry must be 200 words or less and describe air or the importance of clean air.
• Writing must be the original work of the student.
• Each entry must include the author's name, the name of the parent and teacher and the parent and teacher’s email and phone number.
• Send entries to DNRAirEducation@wisconsin.gov.
• Deadline to submit entries is Friday, May 5, 2023. Contest entries will not be returned and will become the property of the contest sponsor. 

The DNR's Air, Air Everywhere Teacher’s Guide includes 10 activities to get students thinking about the air in Wisconsin.

As part of the “Where’s the Air?" activity, students will complete simple sensory experiments to discover the characteristics of air and then write a poem or riddle describing air. 

Be sure to check out the Wisconsin air quality facts and information guide to help students complete their riddles and poems. This resource is filled with facts on Wisconsin’s air quality history and its current status to help students understand the state’s continually improving air quality. 

More information on the Air, Air, Everywhere Contest is available on the DNR website.

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Water Quality
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources(DNR) works with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) along with Greendale Department of Public Works- Water Utility (DPW) to ensure our drinking water meets quality standards.  Our water supply is tested regularly.  If you have questions regarding Greendale water testing- call DPW 414-423-2133 and speak with Tyler Eichmann (3/16/23)
Wisconsin Administrative Codes that relate to private and public drinking water are provided on the Wisconsin Legislative website and specific codes are listed on the DNR website.

• 2021 Greendale Water Consumer Confidence Report