These items are reviewed by the radiological health staff during follow-up inspections. The staff also revise and distribute certain sections of the Regulations for the Control of Radiation in Mississippi for compatibility with federal regulations. Staff also conduct surveys to verify the removal of NORM from sites. Staff collect and analyze environmental samples in the vicinity of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station and at the Salmon Test Site in Lamar County. Staff analyze water supplies for radioactivity and also participate in EPA's Water Supply Laboratory Certification Program, which consists of analyzing samples for radionuclides and gross alpha or gross beta radioactivity.
Staff evaluate radon concentrations in Mississippi schools and governmental structures.
The Division of General Environmental Services makes inspections and issues permits to food-handling establishments, including conventional restaurants, fast food franchises, grocery stores, supermarkets, institutions, hospitals, schools, and day care centers. Regional environmentalists complete standardization in food service. General Environmental Services Food Service Certificates are issued to managers. Under a contract with FDA, food program specialists make inspections of food processing plants, bakeries, and warehouses. Food Protection staff participate in statewide trade shows with industry.