Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:
Fairfax County, VA –Fairfax County’s Stormwater Management team, in collaboration with the Park Authority, has installed new educational signs at Rocky Branch tributary in Ashlawn Park. This initiative, led by freshwater ecologist Danielle Wynne, aims to enhance public understanding of the stream restoration project in the area.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Climate change continues to exacerbate flooding impacts, including here in Fairfax County. Weather-related flooding is already the most common and costly natural disaster across the United States. Fairfax County continues its efforts to mitigate flooding problems for residents through the latest Floodplain Management Plan (FMP). The current plan, recently released by the…
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – County residents, property owners, common interest communities (CIC) and places of worship may now be eligible for financial assistance with their floodproofing and mitigation efforts through the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP).
Have you ever thought about seeing how long you can go without buying plastic products? Perhaps 31 days. Throughout the month of July, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is encouraging everyone to avoid buying products made of and packaged in plastic.
FAIRFAX, VA. – Show your appreciation for Fairfax County’s waste and recycling workers through a creative contest kicking off during National Waste and Recycling Workers Week, from June 17-21. Residents are invited to express their gratitude in imaginative ways to honor the hardworking men and women who keep our neighborhoods clean and safe.
Fairfax County, VA – The Fairfax County Tree Commission announces nominations for its 2023-2024 Friends of Trees Awards open on June 14 and will close on July 31. Individuals and organizations may be nominated (or self-nominated) for various tree related projects or programs that have demonstrated outstanding conservation-based actions to preserve, protect or plant trees. Winners will be announced…
Fairfax County, VA– A pilot program aimed at reducing the amount of latex paint entering the waste stream has been initiated by Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, in collaboration with Operation Stream Shield (OSS) and Pangea Markets, an organization dedicated to sustainability.
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States has been honored with the 2023 Friends of Trees Award in the Development Category by the Fairfax County Tree Commission. The award recognizes outstanding efforts in tree conservation, particularly for exceeding the county's 10-year tree canopy requirement by an impressive 9,275 square feet at their Springfield facility.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – In response to the growing concern over the spread of beech leaf disease in Fairfax County, County staff partnered with Virginia Cooperative Extension to host a webinar titled, "The Beech Blight: Unraveling the Mystery of Beech Leaf Disease." The webinar will raise awareness about this new threat to American beech trees (Fagus grandifolia).
Join us at Franconia Recreation Center for Tape-A-Palooza's second anniversary, a collaboration with Operation Stream Shield that brings together community members and local shelters for conservation and park beautification. Witness how this initiative not only cleans up the environment but also empowers its participants, offering them part-time employment and skill-building opportunities. Enjoy…
CLIFTON, VA - Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management program is proud to announce the installation of a new glass recycling bin at Clifton Elementary School, expanding the "Purple Can Club" in the region.
FAIRFAX, VA – Mantua Elementary School, in partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), hosted its seventh annual Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Day last month, focusing on hands-on ecological education for fifth-grade students.
The aquatic invasive species known as Trapa bispinosa (two-horned water chestnut or two-horned trapa) has spread to more than 60 known locations in Fairfax County since 2000. The plant is found in rivers, tidal bays, and ponds throughout Fairfax County and is distinguishable by its triangular-toothed leaves.
Annandale, Va – Students, faculty and staff at Annandale Terrace Elementary School are gearing up for a big Arbor Day celebration on April 26, 2024, at 8:50 a.m. The event will take place simultaneously with the County’s 41st consecutive year being designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The recognition underscores Fairfax County's dedication to tree conservation and urban…
Fairfax County, VA – A Solar Panel Recycling program has been officially launched by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES). Initially kicked off as a pilot project in November 2022, this innovative initiative marks a significant advancement in the County's environmental sustainability efforts.
A group of Fairfax County elementary school kids learned not all field trips involve fields or aromatic flowers. Some provide a learning experience that involves dirty water and putrid smells. Sixth graders from Lorton Station Elementary recently participated in a workshop and tour on water science at the Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant.
In a display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, the gardens at the Herrity Building on the Fairfax County Government Center Complex have been given a renewed lease on life this spring, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Operation Stream Shield and guidance from landscape architects of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Management Division.
Fairfax County, Va. – Beginning March 28, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve will be temporarily closed while specialized Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) contractors perform an emergency project to clean obstructed County wastewater pipes and make necessary repairs to maintain service.
Fairfax County, Va. – As Fairfax County’s climate changes, becoming warmer, wetter and weirder, it is imperative for residents to prepare and adjust. With Flood Awareness Week kicking off this coming weekend, running from March 10 -16, now is a good time to find out what you need to do to protect your property, your loved ones and yourself.
Fairfax County government officials celebrated the completion of a significant solar technology installation at the Sully Community Center – saving the county money and contributing to its community-wide energy goals.
Fairfax County, Va – Residents wondering what to do with their live Christmas trees at the end of the season can just remove all the decorations and leave them alongside their trash. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Solid Waste Program will collect them during the first two weeks of January, from January 1 through January 13. The trees will be recycled, with the mulch made…
Fairfax County, Virginia – In an unprecedented move for the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, a crew working on the Difficult Run Tributary at Government Center Stream and Pond Restoration project set out and, using an electro-fishing boat, temporarily, but safely, stunned the fish and eels living there and temporarily relocated them ahead of dredging the pond.
In an inspiring collaboration between Fairfax County Public Works and Environmental Services and Fairfax County Public Schools, Whitman Middle School has undergone a transformative change that promises to leave a lasting positive impact on both the school and the environment.
The County will celebrate Fairfax Recycles Day on November 15, which is the same day as the national “America Recycles Day”. Recycling is an integral part of the County’s ambitious Zero Waste Plan, which aims to divert 90% of waste from disposal and reduce the overall waste generated by 25% by 2040.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Vacuum leaf service will continue until at least the 2025-2026 winter season following DPWES staffs’ postponement of a proposal submitted to the Board of Supervisors to discontinue the service following the upcoming 2023-2024 vacuum season. Residents who receive the service also will receive information through the mail with a status update.
In recognition of its many years of service, the County’s Urban Forest Management Division will host a celebration. The focal point of the event will be the ceremonial planting of the 50th tree of 50 installed to celebrate each year of the Tree Commission’s service.
Just a reminder: Throughout the month of October, County residents are being asked to provide information on any recycling educational materials and initiatives they’ve learned about from the County’s private and public trash/recycling haulers. The survey closes October 30.
The County’s Wastewater Management Program received what amounts to ‘gold’ in the industry by winning the National Municipal Stormwater and Green Infrastructure Awards in the MS4 Phase I Overall Category. The award for the MS4 program was presented at the Water Environment Federation’s annual WEFTEC Awards 2023 ceremony which recently took place in Chicago. With this win, the MS4 program is now…
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – A newly emerging disease called Vascular Streak Dieback has been killing nursery stock and new plantings purchased from nurseries throughout Virginia and in at least five other states.
There are more than 160,000 water and wastewater treatment plants in the United States. Given that number, it is an honor to receive recognition by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) as a Utility of the Future. Recently the Wastewater Management Program (WWM) received the distinction for its work at the Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant and its collection system, placing the facility among…
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – The new beech leaf disease (BLD) is spreading rapidly, and young American beeches are already succumbing to the threat and are dying in the forests around Fairfax County.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - With weather related flooding being the most common and costly natural disaster across the United States, Fairfax County is continuing efforts to mitigate flooding problems for residents. Floodplains are areas adjacent to stream channels that provide natural storage areas for excess water to accumulate and overflow when heavy storms occur.
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is rolling out its first electric refuse truck to pick up residential trash and yard waste on routes throughout the County — a move that will save money and protect the environment.
The Urban Forest Management Team has been finding spotted lanternfly (SLF) in more areas throughout the County and are asking for the public’s help in lessening the number.
