Page updated Nov 9 2009 9:40 a.m.

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What's New

• City of Alexandria Receives Highest Certification for Virginia Municipal League’s Go Green Government Challenge
  The City was given maximum points for the innovative adoption of the-first-of-its-kind Eco-City Environmental Charter and Environmental Action Plan 2030.  The City was also recognized for its new and progressive Green Building policy for multi-family and commercial buildings.  For more information visit www.alexandriava.gov/Environment

• Mayor Euille Testifies Before Senate Committee
  On July 14, Mayor William D. Euille testified on the Eco-City Alexandria Initiative before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy. The testimony was part of a joint hearing on the economic benefits and opportunities for job growth from clean energy and climate-related policies.
• Eco-City Alexandria Action Plan 2030
  The Alexandria City Council unanimously approved the Eco-City Alexandrian Action Plan 2030 at the legislative meeting held Tuesday, June 23.  For more information about Eco-City Alexandria visit:  www.alexandriava.gov/Eco-City or contact the Office of Environmental Quality at 703.746.4065.
• State of the Air Report: Past, Present, and Future & Greenhouse Gas and Criteria Air Pollutant Inventory
  The Office of Environmental Quality announces the release of two reports: Alexandria’s State of the Air Report: Past, Present, and Future and the Greenhouse Gas and Criteria Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory.  The State of the Air Report provides an overview of Alexandria’s 40-year history of monitoring and controlling air pollution within the City. The Emission Inventory contains City government operations and community-wide emission estimates of greenhouse gases and criteria air pollutants such as SO2, NOX, PM2.5.
• Alexandria City Council Approves Settlement With Mirant
  On Tuesday, July 1, the Alexandria City Council approved a settlement agreement between the City and Mirant regarding its Potomac River Generating Station (PRGS). The agreement would require Mirant to invest $34 million on new pollution control technology at the facility. More Info...
• Noise Variance Permit Fees
  Effective July 1, 2008, noise variance permits for construction activities will cost $50.00 per permit and $20.00 per permit for music and sound amplification. Applicants must apply for, pickup, and pay the fee for the approved noise variance permit in Transportation and Environmental Services, Division of Construction and Inspection office, Room 4130 of City Hall.
• More News & Events

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Programs

	Air Quality MWCOG Air Quality Forecast Ambient Air Quality Indoor Air Quality Air Quality Action Days Cameron Station PM10 Monitoring Station Odors		Watershed Management Why Your Involvement is Important What You Can Do Combined Sewer Systems Erosion and sediment control Stormwater Management Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Water Conservation Rain Barrels
	Noise Control What is Unlawful Noise? Decibel Chart: How Loud Are You? Construction Hours Other Noises Lawn and Garden Noise Permit and Variances Frequently Asked Questions Download Forms		Mirant Potomac River Generating Station Plant Information City Council Actions Permit & Consent Orders Studies Legislative & Regulatory Information Proposed Mirant Windscreen
	Contaminated Lands Voluntary Remediation Program Oronoco Outfall – Alexandria Town Gas Site Underground Storage Tank Program Illegal Dumping

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Overview

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.

OEQ performs the following tasks in an effort to achieve the environmental goals established in the City Council's Strategic Plan (2004-2009) which states that all residents of Alexandria experience "a city that respects, protects, and enhances the 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.

• Environmental Quality
• Air Quality
• Noise Control
• Contaminated Lands
• Watershed Management
• Mirant Power Plant
• News & Events
• Forms & Publications
• Related Links

• Environmental Policy Commission
• Transportation & Environmental Services
• Eco-City Alexandria
• CRS and National Flood Insurance Program
• Stormwater Infiltration and Inflow Program