News and Information

Air Quality

Air quality issues are a major concern for residents of this area. Information is available about air quality, airborne contaminants (construction dust, open burning, vehicle emissions), and ground-based contaminants (radon, naturally occurring asbestos).

Domestic Animals, Wildlife

Are geese becoming a nuisance in your pond? Has a deer crossed your car's path on the road? Does your neighbor pick up after his dog? Learn about policies and programs that address concerns about domestic animals and wildlife.

Dumping, Filling

Find out where to go for information about dumping activities (legal or illegal) and land clearing or filling operations.

Environmental Initiatives

The Board of Supervisors is committed to the environment and environmental stewardship, as affirmed in its Environmental Agenda and its nationwide leadership of the Cool Counties initiative. The Environmental Improvement Program is intended to support the goals and objectives in the Board of Supervisors' Environmental Agenda.

Forest Pests and Mosquitoes

Many forest pests in our region have no natural enemies and aggressively feed on native trees which can cause widespread defoliation, a weakened forest ecosystems and catastrophic economic damage. In addition, there are approximately 30 different kinds of mosquitoes in Fairfax County which can affect the health of humans with their ability to transmit diseases.

Hazardous Waste

Check here for a list of household hazardous materials that are accepted at the I-66 Complex and the I-95 Complex. Information is also available about the Fire & Rescue HazMat section and its responsibilities.

Maps and Publications

Many different environmental publications (brochures, manuals, etc.) are available online (HTML and/or PDF format). Publications not available online may be available for purchase at the county Government Center. Maps for view or sale include parks, soils, watersheds, and much more.

Neighborhood Concerns

Find out where to call about blight, noise, yard junk, and other neighborhood nuisances/concerns.

Open Space

Find out what measures is being done to preserve open space in the county and how citizens can participate in the process.

Outside Agency Links

Fairfax County has many environmental partners at the local, state, and federal level. Links are available for many of these agencies.

Policy

Although the Board of Supervisors is the chief policy maker for the county, there are many other boards, commissions, councils, and committees which guide and influence environmental policy. Find available links or contact information for many of these entities.

Recycling and Trash

Check here for information about private trash haulers, county trash collection, recycling drop-off centers, types of recyclables, yard debris, composting, and much more.

Sewers

Sanitary sewers collect wastewater and pipe it to treatment plants; storm sewers collect stormwater and direct it to various area waterways (streams and rivers). Find out how these systems are maintained and about relevant permits (discharge permits, storm drain stenciling).

Soil

Fairfax County offers an online description and rating for soil types. The ratings are useful in determining the suitability of development on particular soils in an urban area. Information is also available on asbestos, radon, and soil erosion.

Stormwater (drainage, runoff, watersheds)

Stormwater runoff is rain, sleet, hail, and melting snow and ice that travels over roadways, roofs, parking lots and other impervious surfaces to streams and other water bodies. Fairfax County manages stormwater runoff to prevent flooding, control erosion, and improve the water quality of local streams. Learn what you can do to help protect water quality.

Trees

Do you have questions about trees? Learn how to plant and maintain them, where to buy seedlings, what the limits are on cutting down trees and about the county's efforts to protect trees from insects. Also, find out where to report concerns about hazardous trees threatening public safety. You can also complete a form to nominate (PDF) heritage, memorial, specimen and street trees

Walkways and Trails

Find information about walkways and trails - maintenance, new construction, and current or planned locations.

Water

Water-related issues include potable (drinking) water, stormwater, streams, watersheds, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, resource protection areas, and water quality. Find contact information for the Health Department and the Fairfax Water for potable water issues (tap water, wells). Also find information for the county and its partner agencies about managing and/or regulating stormwater, drainage, and runoff pollution, and their effects on our land and water resources.

Watersheds

No matter where you live, work, or play you are within a watershed. Fairfax County has initiated a program to develop comprehensive watershed management plans for each of its 30 watersheds to protect and restore streams and their related natural resources. Find out more about what the county is doing for our watersheds and how you can help.