|
 |
|
DEQ NEWS
|
|
|
|
|
April 27, 2026
|
Vol. 5, No. 3
|
|
|
In response to the rapid growth of data centers in northern Virginia, DEQ is conducting a special data center air monitoring project. Data from the project will help DEQ determine if additional permanent air monitoring stations are needed and if needed, where they should be located.
|
Virginia, typically a water rich state, is experiencing its worst drought in 20 years. As a result, DEQ in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, has expanded drought warning and watch advisories, which now cover the entire state.
|
DEQ is excited to announce nearly $8 million in funding to 12 Virginia higher education institutions for food waste reduction efforts. Projects will support a wide variety of food waste prevention, food rescue, and composting initiatives. Learn more about these exciting programs coming to a campus near you!
|
As part of the agency's ongoing commitment to supporting robust water quality monitoring and community involvement, DEQ has awarded grant funds to 17 volunteer water quality monitoring organizations in Virginia.
|
Recipients of the Virginia Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards were recently announced. These awards recognize successful and innovative efforts that improve sustainability in the Commonwealth.
|
Are you a college student passionate about stopping food waste? DEQ is launching a statewide consumer education campaign to prevent food waste, and you could help shape it!
Click "Learn More" to get the full details! |
|
 |
The Virginia Master Naturalist (VMN) program is a statewide corps of volunteers who provide education, outreach and service that benefit the management of natural resources and natural areas in their communities. Learn more about how VMN's more than 3,500 volunteers supported DEQ with efforts from water monitoring to air monitoring...and everything in between!
|
Virginia’s ozone forecasting season began Monday, April 13. During Ozone forecasting season, DEQ monitors air quality at dozens of locations throughout the state and provides air quality forecasts to help Virginians enjoy clean air. Learn more and sign up to receive air quality forecasts and alerts.
|
 |
|
In the wake of the Sackett decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, the scope of federal protections for wetlands was determined to only include those with “continuous surface connection” to navigable waters. This decision has caused great uncertainty for wetland protection throughout the country. Learn more about a study which examined three different scenarios in order to estimate the amount of Virginia wetlands that would no longer fall under federal jurisdiction. |
 |
|
DEQ has developed a new tool for recording erosion and sediment control (ESC) and stormwater inspections using Esri ArcGIS Survey123 on a mobile phone. This tool is now available for localities and companies to adapt for their own inspections.
Click "Learn More" to read all about it. |
 |
|
DEQ has begun its annual fish tissue sampling, which runs from spring through fall. Each year, DEQ collects and analyzes fish tissue samples from around the state. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) then evaluates fish tissue data to determine whether fish consumption advisories are needed. Recently, VDH issued consumption advisories for several fish species in the Flannagan Reservoir, and in the Potomac/Occoquan and Chickahominy River watersheds. |
DEQ helps protect the environment by encouraging assessment and/or cleanup of brownfields—properties where redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of contamination.
Learn more about how DEQ supports brownfield revitalization through the issuance of Brownfield Liability Limitation letters, formerly referred to as “comfort letters."
|
Is your organization committed to efficiency through sustainability? Is protecting the environment at the forefront of your business decisions? Have you implemented sustainability practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction? Would you like others to learn from your successful sustainability efforts?
If so, you can join the Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP) Sustainability Partners and register to attend the upcoming VEEP conference in Lynchburg May 14. Click "Learn More" to get the full details.
|
|
|
Visit the DEQ website for comment opportunities on pending enforcement orders and permit actions. The following regulatory action is available for public comment:
- Petition for Rulemaking- Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) Permit Regulation (9VAC25-31), Petition for rulemaking concerning discharges into dry ditch or intermittent streams for wastewater facilities discharging 1,000 gallons or more each day- comment by May 11
|
|
|
Are you committed to protecting human health and the environment?
Apply for a job at DEQ. Current openings include:
- Administrative Assistant (Abingdon, closes April 28)
- Senior .Net Developer Lead (Richmond, closes April 28)
- Small Renewable Energy PBR Coordinator (Richmond, closes April 30)
|
|
|
|
