Public Works and Environmental Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our offices are open to the public by appointment only at this time. Please call or email 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-5033 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 448 Fairfax, VA 22035
Christopher S. Herrington
Director
Public works and environmental services

What We Do

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) improves public health and the quality of life for residents by building and maintaining safe, reliable infrastructure. Its four business areas are Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management. We work together to create and preserve sustainable communities.

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Department Resources

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Capital Projects
Recycling & Trash
Stormwater
Trees
Wastewater
Educational Resources

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News Stories

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The Open House is Turning Up at Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility
October 15, 2025
For the past several years, the holiday season has ushered in the Open House at the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Water Recycling Facility. It’s a day when the public is invited to tour the fascinating and award-winning wastewater treatment facility. It’s going to be bigger and better than ever!!
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County Launches Truck Art Design Contest to Engage Youth in Zero Waste
August 26, 2025
If you’re a kid with artistic talent, or know of any, help us spread the word about the first Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) Truck Art Design Contest.
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Fire Meets Foam at Noman Cole Hazmat Drill
August 6, 2025
When flames are hypothetical and foam flows freely, it’s all part of the plan. On July 16, the Noman M. Cole Jr. Water Recycling Facility hosted a high-stakes training exercise with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to simulate a methanol spill response.

Featured Video

Before nine homes on Barrett Road are demolished to reduce flood risk, they’re being used one last time — to train Fairfax County firefighters.

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Streams, Sprawl, and Stewardship: A Conversation with EQAC Veterans

On EnviroPod

Streams, Sprawl, and Stewardship: A Conversation with EQAC Veterans: EnviroPod #55

In this episode of EnviroPod, host Bob DeMarco sits down with Stella Koch and George Lamb, longtime members and past leaders of the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC). With over 50 years of combined experience, they share the story of how Fairfax County became a national leader in stream restoration, watershed management, and sustainable development. From mapping perennial streams to helping shape Tysons Corner’s transformation, Stella and George explain how EQAC has worked closely

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Water Resources and Infrastructure

Protecting our water, infrastructure, and our trees is an important job. We move, clean, and manage water to ensure access to clean drinking water and healthy streams. Our forests help enhance our community by providing habitat for wildlife, clean air, and protecting our stream banks. The County relies on our infrastructure to safely manage stormwater, wastewater, and our urban forest. WRI programs aim to protect and restore our vital natural resources which serve the community and safeguard the environment and public health.

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APWA Accredited Agency

APWA Accredited Agency logoDPWES is accredited by the American Public Works Association. This prestigious program recognizes public works agencies that follow or exceed recommended best practices. Accreditation affirms our commitment to providing the highest quality services to Fairfax County.

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