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

Check This Out!

• City Recognizes Closure of GenOn Potomac River Generating Station
  For decades, the GenOn Potomac River Generating Station was one of the largest sources of air pollutants in Northern Virginia. The closure of this facility today was a culmination of outreach and civic engagement from residents and local officials for more than 10 years. Closing down this coal-fired power plant is consistent with the City’s Eco-City Alexandria’s Environmental Action Plan, which focuses on environmental sustainability and long-range environmental planning efforts. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/GenOn.

• Visit the Virtual Green Building Resource Center                                                                                                         
  The Green Building Resource Center (GBRC) is one of the City's latest Eco-City Alexandria initiatives, offering citizens and business owners information on how to reduce energy and water consumption and operating costs by offering practical solutions to design, build and maintain their spaces in an eco-friendly manner. We welcome all citizens to visit the site periodically for new technical articles, event updates, and local case studies at http://www.alexandriava.gov/gbrc.
  
• Take the Eco-City Challenge to learn ways to: 
  • Reduce your carbon footprint
  • Reduce air, water, and solid waste pollution
  • Reduce resource consumption
  • Reduce water and energy costs
  • Improve your indoor environment
  • Improve your health and the health of the environment
    

• Awards and Accomplishments 

• 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 State of the Air Report: Past, Present, and Future		Watershed Management Why Your Involvement is Important What You Can Do Combined Sewer Systems Erosion and sediment control Stormwater Management Resource Protection Areas (RPAs)  Stream Restoration Urban Streams: Enjoying Our Stream Safely Water Conservation Rain Barrels Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Regulations and Permitting
	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		Other Programs and Projects Kids' Corner  LED Streetlight Pilot Project  Climate Change & Energy  Greenhouse Gas and Criteria Air Pollutant Inventory

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.