Public Works and Environmental Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administrative offices are open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon - Fri
703-324-5033 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 448 Fairfax, VA 22035
Sharon North
Public Information Officer

News

 

Fairfax County Proclaims November 16 as Stormwater Day

November 14, 2024

National Stormwater Day is November 16, and Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is sharing how its Stormwater Management Program plays a vital role in protecting our community and the environment.

Fairfax County Tree Commission Announces 2024 Friends of Trees Awards

November 13, 2024

The winners of the 2024 Friends of Trees Awards have been selected by The Fairfax County Tree Commission. The recognition honors two individuals and two groups for their outstanding contributions to tree conservation and the county’s urban forest. A recognition ceremony will be held in spring 2025.

Holiday Open House Provides Unique Opportunity to See How Fairfax County Cleans Our Water

November 13, 2024

Members of the community are warmly invited to attend a holiday-themed Open House at the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Pollution Control Plant in Lorton on Saturday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Groundbreaking to Celebrate First of Three Components of Tysons Wastewater Conveyance Systems Modifications Project

November 13, 2024

The population is anticipated to increase in Fairfax County, particularly in the northern region, which means the need is becoming greater to ensure the wastewater system can accommodate that growth. The multi-pronged Tysons Wastewater Conveyance Systems Modifications Project (Tysons West) is being proactively designed to increase the size of the sewer system to better facilitate the process of…

Fairfax County Gearing Up for Fairfax Recycles Day 2024

November 6, 2024

There will be a lot to celebrate when the county recognizes Fairfax Recycles Day on Saturday, November 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Gerry Hyland Government Center. Join the Solid Waste Management Program for a recycling drop-off and touch-a-truck event, as DPWES recognizes several major milestones.

Let the Gourd Times Roll!

October 28, 2024

Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew… or compost them! Are you wondering what to do with your pumpkin after the fall holidays?

Volunteers to Plant 400+ Native Trees to Save Bren Mar Park from Destructive Invaders

September 27, 2024

An ambitious tree-planting effort is happening at Bren Mar Park in eastern Fairfax County, where major restoration efforts are underway to combat invasive plants and the destructive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle. Over three days on Sept. 24, 25 and 26, volunteers are helping Fairfax County’s Urban Forest Management Division plant more than 400 native saplings of green and white ash trees and…

Let’s Work Together to Shape the Future of Lake Accotink

September 23, 2024

Community feedback is being solicited by the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services on a study to determine how best to preserve a smaller Lake Accotink for a sustainable future. This survey is intended to ensure the community has input on the questions being addressed by the study and to build lines of communication with the public to share information and collect…

Accotink Pump Station Rehabilitation Project Construction Contract Includes Project Labor Agreement

September 17, 2024

With the approval of the construction contract for the rehabilitation of the Accotink Wastewater Pump Station, Fairfax County is administering the first local government Project Labor Agreement (PLA) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The pump station, located at 9201 Richmond Highway in the Mount Vernon District, is the largest wastewater pump station in the County and conveys sewage from more than…

DPWES Goes Solar on Roof at Newington Facility

August 1, 2024

A rooftop solar system that will save energy costs and reduce carbon emissions the same amount per year as recycling the contents of nearly five garbage trucks full of waste has been installed by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services at its Newington Collections Facility in Lorton.

County Opens Survey to get Input about Proposed Countywide Zero Waste Strategies

July 31, 2024

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is requesting feedback from residents on their current trash and recycling practices and their opinion on proposed countywide zero waste strategies through a quick online survey on the Public Input platform.

Fairfax County Enhances Community Education with New Stream Restoration Signs at Rocky Branch

July 25, 2024

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.

DPWES Releases 2024 Floodplain Management Plan

July 16, 2024

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…

Flood Funding Available Through Flood Mitigation Assistance Program

July 11, 2024

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).

Thirty-One Days of Plastic Free Living?

July 2, 2024

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.

Celebrate National Waste and Recycling Workers Week with a Creative Contest

June 14, 2024

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.

Friends of Trees Awards Nominations

June 14, 2024

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 Launches Pilot Program to Repurpose Latex Paint and Promote Job Training

June 13, 2024

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 Permanente’s Springfield Facility Recognized for Tree Conservation Excellence

May 20, 2024

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.

Beech Leaf Disease Webinar Scheduled for Fairfax County

May 16, 2024

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).

Franconia Rec Center Marks Two-Year Anniversary of Operation Stream Shield with Tape-a-Palooza Event

May 14, 2024

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…

Fairfax County Introduces New Glass Recycling Facility at Clifton Elementary

May 13, 2024

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.

Mantua Elementary Hosts Seventh Annual Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience Day

May 13, 2024

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.

County Asking Residents to Help Trap Trapa Bispinosa

May 6, 2024

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.

Students at a Fairfax County Public School Planting Trees for Arbor Day

April 22, 2024

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 Launches Groundbreaking Solar Panel Recycling Program

April 4, 2024

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.

Fairfax County Hosts Educational Water Workshop for Elementary Students

April 2, 2024

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.

Operation Stream Shield Spruces Up Herrity Gardens

March 25, 2024

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.

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve to Temporarily Close during Repair of Wastewater Pipes

March 19, 2024

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 Beginning Preparedness Campaign Ahead of Flood Awareness Week

March 5, 2024

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.

Operational Energy Strategy in Action: Going Solar

January 8, 2024

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.

Live Christmas Tree Removal Dates Scheduled by DPWES

December 21, 2023

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…

Extraordinary Fish Relocation Marks a New Chapter in Environmental Stewardship in Fairfax County

December 7, 2023

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.

Search News Stories
Fairfax Virtual Assistant