Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – A new pedestrian bridge is coming to the Hunter Mill District. It will be on Wiehle Avenue, at the Washington and Old Dominion Trail Crossing. The bridge will replace the existing crossing and will eliminate conflicts between vehicles and trail users and minimize vehicle rear-end crashes.
Fairfax County, VA – A Solar Panel Recycling program has been officially launched by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES). Initially kicked off as a pilot project in November 2022, this innovative initiative marks a significant advancement in the County's environmental sustainability efforts.
A group of Fairfax County elementary school kids learned not all field trips involve fields or aromatic flowers. Some provide a learning experience that involves dirty water and putrid smells. Sixth graders from Lorton Station Elementary recently participated in a workshop and tour on water science at the Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant.
In a display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, the gardens at the Herrity Building on the Fairfax County Government Center Complex have been given a renewed lease on life this spring, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Operation Stream Shield and guidance from landscape architects of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Management Division.
Fairfax County, Va. – Beginning March 28, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve will be temporarily closed while specialized Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) contractors perform an emergency project to clean obstructed County wastewater pipes and make necessary repairs to maintain service.
Fairfax County, Va. – As Fairfax County’s climate changes, becoming warmer, wetter and weirder, it is imperative for residents to prepare and adjust. With Flood Awareness Week kicking off this coming weekend, running from March 10 -16, now is a good time to find out what you need to do to protect your property, your loved ones and yourself.
Fairfax County government officials celebrated the completion of a significant solar technology installation at the Sully Community Center – saving the county money and contributing to its community-wide energy goals.
Fairfax County, Va – Residents wondering what to do with their live Christmas trees at the end of the season can just remove all the decorations and leave them alongside their trash. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Solid Waste Program will collect them during the first two weeks of January, from January 1 through January 13. The trees will be recycled, with the mulch made…
Fairfax County, Virginia – In an unprecedented move for the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, a crew working on the Difficult Run Tributary at Government Center Stream and Pond Restoration project set out and, using an electro-fishing boat, temporarily, but safely, stunned the fish and eels living there and temporarily relocated them ahead of dredging the pond.
In an inspiring collaboration between Fairfax County Public Works and Environmental Services and Fairfax County Public Schools, Whitman Middle School has undergone a transformative change that promises to leave a lasting positive impact on both the school and the environment.
The County will celebrate Fairfax Recycles Day on November 15, which is the same day as the national “America Recycles Day”. Recycling is an integral part of the County’s ambitious Zero Waste Plan, which aims to divert 90% of waste from disposal and reduce the overall waste generated by 25% by 2040.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Vacuum leaf service will continue until at least the 2025-2026 winter season following DPWES staffs’ postponement of a proposal submitted to the Board of Supervisors to discontinue the service following the upcoming 2023-2024 vacuum season. Residents who receive the service also will receive information through the mail with a status update.
In recognition of its many years of service, the County’s Urban Forest Management Division will host a celebration. The focal point of the event will be the ceremonial planting of the 50th tree of 50 installed to celebrate each year of the Tree Commission’s service.
Just a reminder: Throughout the month of October, County residents are being asked to provide information on any recycling educational materials and initiatives they’ve learned about from the County’s private and public trash/recycling haulers. The survey closes October 30.
The County’s Wastewater Management Program received what amounts to ‘gold’ in the industry by winning the National Municipal Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Awards in the MS4 Phase I Overall Category. The award for the MS4 program was presented at the Water Environment Federation’s annual WEFTEC Awards 2023 ceremony which recently took place in Chicago. With this win, the MS4 program is now…
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – A newly emerging disease called Vascular Streak Dieback has been killing nursery stock and new plantings purchased from nurseries throughout Virginia and in at least five other states.
There are more than 160,000 water and wastewater treatment plants in the United States. Given that number, it is an honor to receive recognition by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) as a Utility of the Future. Recently the Wastewater Management Program (WWM) received the distinction for its work at the Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant and its collection system, placing the facility among…
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – The new beech leaf disease (BLD) is spreading rapidly, and young American beeches are already succumbing to the threat and are dying in the forests around Fairfax County.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - With weather related flooding being the most common and costly natural disaster across the United States, Fairfax County is continuing efforts to mitigate flooding problems for residents. Floodplains are areas adjacent to stream channels that provide natural storage areas for excess water to accumulate and overflow when heavy storms occur.
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is rolling out its first electric refuse truck to pick up residential trash and yard waste on routes throughout the County — a move that will save money and protect the environment.
The Urban Forest Management Team has been finding spotted lanternfly (SLF) in more areas throughout the County and are asking for the public’s help in lessening the number.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va – Throughout July spotted lanternfly nymphs are moving into the adult phase of their life cycle, which lasts until November. Adults begin laying eggs in September and through the first few hard frosts. The egg masses are covered in a light gray colored wax that looks like mud when it dries.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Fairfax County staff are proposing to permanently discontinue vacuum leaf service after the upcoming winter season and are seeking input from current customers. A final decision will be made by the Board of Supervisors this fall. The public input survey closed August 18.
Due to the volume of latex paint received and current staffing shortages, a temporary disposal location has been set up for residents at the I-95 Landfill Complex.
More than 24 hours after bacterial testing began on the water in Lake Accotink following a sewage spill, results show bacteria levels are not elevated. This indicates the cleanup effort was done in time to prevent downstream contamination from reaching Lake Accotink. As a result, there is no continued concern regarding human exposure to untreated sewage in the lake.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - The Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program has identified a sewage spill upstream of Lake Accotink.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Across the United States, including Fairfax County, Waste and Recycling Workers Week is being recognized to celebrate the unsung heroes who are at the forefront of the solid waste industry. The week goes from June 12 – 18.
Since 2000, the aquatic invasive species known as Trapa bispinosa (two-horned water chestnut or two-horned trapa) has spread to more than 60 known locations in Fairfax County. The county is asking for help detecting, reporting, and eradicating the invasive plant as spring is the peak season in which seedlings sprout and rapidly spread within bodies of water.
