The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC), an advisory group appointed by the Board of Supervisors, announces an upcoming public comment meeting on January 12, 2022 at 7:15 PM. This meeting offers members of the public an opportunity to provide written, verbal, or video testimony on environmental topics of their choosing. The meeting will be held in conference room 9/10 of the Government Center and is open to the public for participation and observation. Pre-recorded video or written testimony is due to the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination by 5:00 PM on January 3, 2022.

The announcement of the public comment meeting coincides with the release of EQAC’s 2021 Annual Report on the Environment (ARE). The report summarizes policies supported by EQAC over the years and includes recommendations for the Board of Supervisors in eight areas of focus: Land Use, Transportation, Water, Waste Management, Parks and Ecological Resources, Climate and Energy, Air Quality, and Wildlife Management. A brief rundown of some of EQAC’s priority recommendations is included below.

Land Use

EQAC recommends that the Board seek to minimize environmental impacts during development, potentially by creating a request for net environmental gain from projects in development. Additionally, the council recommends the adoption of Comprehensive Plan and zoning language that would extend the county’s strong public sector green building standards to the private sector.

Transportation

The recommendations in the transportation sector focus on setting targets for the electrification of vehicles on the roads in Fairfax County, and for encouraging a transition to transit and non-motorized commuting. EQAC calls for a formal plan to increase light-duty electric vehicle registrations to at least 15 percent of total registrations by 2030. They also recommend the development of a formal plan to increase transit and non-motorized commuting to 30 percent by 2030.

Water

When it comes to water, EQAC recommends that the Board take steps to continue to protect the Occoquan Reservoir, a major source of drinking water for Fairfax County. The report also calls for increased funding for the stormwater program.>

Waste Management

Under waste management, EQAC has four succinct priority recommendations. They call for stronger litter controls, formal recycling data collection and reporting, the establishment of environmental purchasing numeric targets, work to reduce local air pollution from waste to energy facilities, and the consideration of the environmental and safety benefits of sanitary district petitions.

Parks and Ecological Resources

To preserve and protect our parks and ecological resources, EQAC includes three priority recommendations for the Board. They call for processes and incentives to increase tree and forest cover throughout the county. They also recommend increasing the capacity for environmental review of development plans and increasing the capacity for county departments to manage invasive species.

Climate and Energy

EQAC’s priority recommendations around climate and energy tie closely into existing initiatives within the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination. The ARE calls for implementation of all county commitments for addressing climate change. Additionally, the report notes the need for public education and outreach around climate change in general and for business engagement with the county on greenhouse gas mitigation. These recommendations align with the implementation of the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan.

Air Quality

There is only one recommendation in the air quality section and that is to encourage behaviors that reduce pollutants in our air. These activities include teleworking, taking public transit, and using alternative forms of transit like walking or biking.

Wildlife Management

EQAC recommends that the Board authorize the creation of a part-time wildlife assistant position either within the Police Department or elsewhere within the county. This position could support the work of the Wildlife Management Specialist and existing programs like the Deer Management Program.

Technology

Recommendations in the 2021 ARE include the use of LiDAR to provide data on tree cover and stream erosion. EQAC also recommends that the county hire additional staff to support GIS efforts and demands.