Environment

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).

Chemicals and Drugs in the Water

Trace amounts of commonly used chemicals and drugs are being found in rivers and streams. Fairfax County is concerned about reports, just as residents may be. Some of these chemicals are removed from our wastewater, and our drinking water is even more highly treated.

Complaints and Concerns

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

Dumping, Filling

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

Environmental Initiatives and Policies

The Board of Supervisors is committed to the environment and environmental stewardship.

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 Government Center.

Noise

Find out about different types of noise and who to contact to make a complaint about airport-related noise, possible violations of the county's Noise Ordinance, or noise from barking dogs, loud music, loud parties or trash trucks.

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.

Sanitary Sewers

Sanitary sewers collect wastewater and pipe it to treatment plants. Fairfax County has one of the nation’s largest sanitary sewer systems that involves collection and treatment of up to 161 million gallons of wastewater per day. Find out how this system is maintained and about relevant permits (discharge permits).

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

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. Stormwater also is collected through a system of storm sewers and directed to various area waterways (streams and rivers). Learn how Fairfax County manages stormwater runoff, and 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 county is doing to preserve trees and increase the tree canopy, the best trees to plant in Fairfax County, as well as the county's efforts to protect trees from insects such as the gypsy moth and emerald ash borer. 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, wastewater and water quality. Find contact information for the Health Department and Fairfax Water for potable water issues (tap water, wells). Also find information about how the county manages and/or regulates stormwater and wastewater.

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.

Fairfax County Virginia

Related Links

Online Services

Our Government

News and Events

Maps, Facts & Stats

State & Federal