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TextLaboratory Services
The state-of-the-art laboratory at the Noman
M. Cole Jr. treatment plant 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 plant.
In addition, ecosystem monitoring is conducted in and around the
receiving waters (Pohick Creek and Gunston Cove) for the treated
wastewater effluent from the treatment plant. 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 (a
species of herring) 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 Wastewater Treatment at 703-550-9740, TTY 711.
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