environment | FFXnow

Published March 1, 2024 at 11:00AM

Electric vehicle chargers (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

To further its environmental goals, Fairfax County’s to-do list should include building an electric vehicle charging network, addressing “critical” staff shortages, and addressing development pressure, the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) says in a new report.

An employee compensation policy update to attract and retain workers in departments such as wastewater and solid waste was the top recommendation in the 2023 Annual Report on the Environment (ARE), EQAC Chair Larry Zaragoza told the Board of Supervisors during its environmental committee meeting on Tuesday (Feb. 29).

News

County seeks to restrict mowing at Lorton landfill during bird nesting season

By James Jarvis

Published February 28, 2024 at 11:45AM | Updated February 29, 2024 at 5:06PM

Fairfax County's I-95 Landfill Complex (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 5:05 p.m. on 2/29/2024) Fairfax County’s supervisors believe that grassland birds deserve a safe nesting ground, even if it’s atop a former landfill.

The Board of Supervisors directed county staff on Feb. 20 to work with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia to identify areas within the I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road) in Lorton where mowing can be minimized to protect grassland birds during their nesting season.

Countywide

Bill encouraging data center water studies advances to Virginia House floor for vote

By Ben Peters / Inside NoVA

Published February 12, 2024 at 3:30PM

Some geese float on the Occoquan River (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A committee in the Virginia House of Delegates on Friday advanced to the House floor a bill that would require localities to conduct water studies prior to approving data centers.

The bill, introduced by Del. Josh Thomas, a freshman Democrat who represents western Prince William County in the 21st District, would encourage local governments undergo site assessment to examine the effect of data centers on water usage, carbon emissions and agricultural resources.

Countywide

Fairfax County may extend fee waivers for installing electric vehicle chargers

By Fatimah Waseem

Published February 2, 2024 at 11:45AM

An electric vehicle charger and designated parking space in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County may continue waiving permitting and installation fees for electric vehicle chargers, following an initial trial period of 18 months that showed mixed results.

At a land use policy committee meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 30), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said he hopes to extend the trial period by one year.

News

Fairfax City sticks with plan for George Snyder Trail after debating alternatives

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 26, 2024 at 9:30AM

Fairfax City's George Snyder Trail currently ends on the east side of Fair Woods Parkway (via Google Maps)

Fairfax City will complete the George Snyder Trail as planned after all.

In response to some community concerns, the Fairfax City Council discussed changing the pedestrian and bicycle project’s scope or even canceling it altogether during its meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 23). But council members failed to agree on any of the proposed alternatives, allowing the city to stay the course by default.

News

Fairfax City to decide fate of George Snyder Trail this month amid environmental impact questions

By Acacia James

Published January 11, 2024 at 3:30PM

Fairfax City is debating whether to extend the George Snyder Trail through a wooded area along Accotink Creek (via Fairfax City)

The Fairfax City Council will vote on the future of a much-debated trail planned in the heart of the city later this month.

During a meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 9), the city’s transportation director, Wendy Sanford, presented the council with options for proceeding with the George Snyder Trail project, which will complete a 2-mile trail along the southern side of Accotink Creek between Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) and Fairfax Blvd (Route 50).

News

New Dranesville supervisor seeks to build on predecessor’s legacy, prioritizes housing and ‘smart growth’

By James Jarvis

Published January 10, 2024 at 1:30PM | Updated January 10, 2024 at 1:50PM

Dranesville Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (courtesy of Jimmy Bierman)

Jimmy Bierman officially stepped into the role of Dranesville District supervisor last week, taking the reins from John Foust, who retired last year after 16 years on Fairfax County’s board.

Bierman, a lawyer and McLean resident, has a clear vision for his tenure, but he says he’s also committed to continuing the work of his predecessor, focusing on issues such as the revitalization of downtown McLean, senior living opportunities and the impact of the I-495 expansion on local residents.

News

Design under review for Piney Run stream restoration in Reston

By Fatimah Waseem

Published December 21, 2023 at 11:00AM

A restoration of a Piney Run tributary at Lamplighter Way in Reston is set to begin in winter 2024 (via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County is making progress on a stream restoration project at Lamplighter Way in Reston after receiving the needed land rights to move ahead with designing the project.

The project was identified by the county’s management plan for the Difficult Run watershed and a nomination by Reston Association, which owns the land.

Countywide

Fairfax County poised to approve new tree requirements for parking lots and streets

By Acacia James

Published December 19, 2023 at 11:45AM

The project will replace most of the parking lot for the existing office building (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County is moving forward with updates to its landscaping and screening requirements along streets and parking lots.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended the approval of changes to the ordinance at a meeting on Dec. 6. If fully approved, it would be the first major change to the ordinance in 40 years and could make parking lots greener.

News

Fairfax County relocates fish, eels affected by government center pond dredging

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 13, 2023 at 3:30PM

A golden shiner is relocated from a Difficult Run pond outside the Fairfax County Government Center (courtesy DPWES)

Work is underway to restore the waterways around the Fairfax County Government Center.

To support the Difficult Run stream restoration project, which began in October, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) worked with a consultant to relocate over 200 fish and eels to the pond outside the Herrity Building (12055 Government Center Parkway).