The Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) administers the City's air, water, and noise improvement programs, which help preserve and protect the environment and public health and welfare. More...
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Upcoming Events

What's New
Air Quality Action Days Program Starts May 1st
On May 1, 2012, the City of Alexandria and other municipalities began their “Air Quality Action Days” program to increase awareness about the dangers of ground-level ozone, or smog and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Click
here to learn more about the program.
Build Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m. to Noon
Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center
1108 Jeffereson St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Interested in saving the environment, living “green,” and protecting the Chesapeake Bay? The City of Alexandria, in partnership with other regional governments and organizations working as the
Northern Virgina Rain Barrel Program partners, invites residents to learn about water quality issues and build a rain barrel to take home after the workshop. Registration is required and is easy through the
website.
- GenOn PRGS Closure
- Increased City-wide Recycling Rate
- New Hybrid Dash Buses & King Street Trolleys
- Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Programs
- Green Buildings & Construction
View the following link for a detailed list of Alexandria's Top Environmental Accomplishments of 2011
Programs
Overview
OEQ performs the following tasks in an effort to achieve the environmental goals established in the City Council's Strategic Plan (Adopted 2004, Revised 2006 & 2010) which states that "Alexandria respects, protects and enhances the health of its citizens and the quality of its natural environment."
- Monitors air and water quality.
- Investigates pollution complaints.
- Reviews development plans with regard to water quality impacts.
- Ensures compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.
- Issues noise variance permits.
- Inspects stormwater management facilities.
- Supports open space preservation.
- Participates in stormwater management and watershed planning and restoration initiatives.
- Responds to citizen questions and concerns and provides information to the public on how to protect and improve the environment.
Additionally, OEQ advises and works with other City agencies and divisions on matters that impact the environment, and provides staff support to the City’s Environmental Policy Commission, which studies and makes recommendations on various projects and program initiatives that may have environmental impacts. The Commission meets on a monthly basis.