What's New

• View the draft Environmental Action Plan
  The Environmental Action Plan will be used as a road map for City leaders, staff, and citizens to implement the Eco-City Environmental Charter.   The public is encouraged to view the draft Environmental Action Plan, which is currently being developed to  establish short term and long term policy objectives, identify programs and resources, set tentative timelines, and develop measures of success to fulfill the vision of the Eco-City Environmental Charter.  Submit comments by completing a online survey located at http://ecocity.ncr.vt.edu/.  

• Did You Know...The City Collects Christmas Trees for Recycling?
  The City of Alexandria reminds residents to recycle their holiday Christmas trees. Residents who receive City trash service should set trees out for recycling pick-up at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10 and Saturday, January 17. Please remember, do not put trees in plastic bags and remove all stands and ornaments. Any trees set out at the curb after January 17 will be collected during regular refuse collection service and will not be recycled. For more information, please contact the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services at 703.519.3486.

• Provide Public Comment for Alexandria's Stormwater Pollution Program Plan
  The public is invited to comment on the City’s draft Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program Plan through December 5.  Due to new state regulations this permit requires the City to update the MS4 Program Plan.
  
  Comments must be in writing by e-mail to MS4ProgramPlan@alexandriava.gov or submitted to City Hall, 301 King Street Room 3000. View copies of the draft plan at www.alexandriava.gov/environment or at City Hall Room 3000.

• Alexandria Receives Award from Virginia Municipal League
  The City of Alexandria received third place in the Virginia League's Green Government Challendge for Cities and Counties throughout the state of Virginia with populations greater than 90,000.  The VML "Green Government Challenge" initiative recognizes communities that take innovative steps to reduce energy usage and promote environmental sustainability.
• 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 

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
	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
	Contaminated Lands Voluntary Remediation Program Oronoco Outfall – Alexandria Town Gas Site Underground Storage Tank Program Illegal Dumping

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.

The OEQ peforms the following tasks In an effort to achieve the enviornmental 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, the 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.