L A N D    D E V E L O P M E N T    S E R V I C E S
Department of Public Works and Environmental Services
Hours of Operation

Location: Herrity Building
12055 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Telephone: 703-222-0801
TTY: 711

The natural environment is a legacy that we leave to our children and to future generations. Everything we do has an impact on the environment. Planting trees and shrubs has a positive impact. New trees and shrubs provide food and shelter for wildlife and protect soils from washing away during heavy rains.

Allowing pollutants such as used motor oil or antifreeze to enter our storm sewers has an adverse effect on the environment. Pollutants disturb the natural balance of the environment. You can make a critical difference in preserving our natural resources by following a few conservation measures outlined below.

 

OIL AND ANTIFREEZE

DO

• Take used oil and antifreeze to a nearby service station, automotive center, or participating county recycling drop-off center. Call 703-324-5052, TTY 711 to find the nearest location that will accept used oil for recycling.

DON'T

• Empty used oil and antifreeze down a storm drain. Improper disposal of oil and antifreeze can harm our parks and wildlife. One quart of oil can contaminate two million gallons of drinking water. Antifreeze can flow directly into our streams and parks and kill fish and wildlife.

 

EROSION

DO

• Practice erosion control by landscaping your yard.

• Take responsibility for monitoring and properly maintaining flood control lakes and ponds owned by your homeowners association to protect against erosion caused by surges of stormwater runoff.

• Heavy rains can cause erosion. Eroding topsoil can be transported from your land and deposited in streams or wetlands and smother aquatic life.

Learn more on how to report erosion problems.

 

LANDSCAPING

DO

• Landscape your yard with trees and shrubs.

Trees and shrubs:

• Help reduce rapid stormwater runoff and erosion.

• Provide valuable cover for wildlife.

• May reduce heating and cooling needs for your home by 30 percent.

• Require less fertilizer and fewer herbicides than grass.

Landscaping helps stabilize the soil and minimize erosion.

 

FERTILIZER, HERBICIDES AND PESTICIDES

DO

• Test your soil to determine if your lawn needs fertilizer or herbicides. Soil sampling packets are available at county libraries.

• Use companion planting and natural pesticides in your lawn or garden if pest control is necessary.

DON'T

• Use chemical pesticides.

• Over fertilize your lawn.

• Apply fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides before a heavy rainstorm.

• Allow fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides to spill onto driveways and sidewalks.

If you use a lawn service company:

• Insist on tests and a program tailored to your lawn's needs.

• Be informed about the use of pesticides and receive a copy of the product's label.

If chemical pesticides are used, ensure proper disposal of the product by following the label directions.

Call the Virginia Cooperative Extension at 703-324-8556, TTY 711 for further information on soil testing and/or natural pesticides.

 

LITTER AND WASTE

DO

• Recycle glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans and newspapers.

• Dispose of litter properly.

• Help keep street gutters and storm drains free of litter.

• Clean-up pet waste and dispose of in household garbage.

DON'T

• Buy non-recyclable plastic containers if you can buy recyclable, returnable or cardboard containers.

• Throw leaves, yard debris or trash down storm drains.

• Allow pet waste to be washed into storm drains.

Call the Virginia Department of Transportation at 703-383-8368, TTY 711 to report clogged storm sewers along or under public roadways or the Maintenance & Stormwater Management Division at 703-934-2800, TTY 711 to report clogged county storm sewers.

Call the Fairfax County Recycling Infoline at 703-324-5052, TTY 711 for information on the recycling drop-off center nearest you.

Thanks for helping your wildlife neighbors! With your support in following the conservation measures outlined in this brochure, Fairfax County's valuable natural resources will be here for future generations to enjoy.

There are many other ways you can help improve the health of critical areas like the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River through responsible use of the community water treatment system.

 

For more information:

Citizens Water Quality Handbook
Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District
12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 905
Fairfax, VA 22035-5512
703-324-1460, TTY 711

Baybook: A Guide to Reducing Water Pollution at Home
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Inc.
6600 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21212
410-377-6270, TTY 711