The state-of-the-art laboratory
conducts approximately 100,000 analyses per year in support of county
environmental programs. The lab conducts all permit, compliance, and
process optimization testing for the treatment plant.
In addition, ecosystem monitoring is conducted in and around the
receiving waters for the treated wastewater effluent. The receiving area
is known as Pohick Creek and Gunston Cove. The monitoring program has
been in place for 20 years and measures biological composition,
abundance, species diversity, and receiving water quality. Monitoring has
identified larval alewifes upstream of the plant outfall. Alewifes had
not been observed here since before the plant was built in 1970. The
superior wastewater treatment provided by the county has enabled the
return of the alewife at this upstream location. The health of the
ecosystem continues to be monitored and assessed to identify impacts and
trends and allowing management decisions to be adjusted accordingly.
Maintaining a healthy water environment allows for the enjoyment of
boating, fishing, water skiing, and wind surfing in Gunston Cove.
For more information, call 703-550-9740, TTY 711.