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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.
- Cool Counties
- Environmental Improvement Program
- Other Policies, Boards, Commissions, Councils and Committees
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.
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.
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
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 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, 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.
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