Tag: environment
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New environmental group will advocate for protection of Holmes Run waterway
Holmes Run overflowed its banks after torrential rains July 8. [Photos by Kris Unger] A newly formed organization, Friends of Holmes Run, plans to keep an eye on development at the Inova site on Gallows Road, at Fairview Parkway in Merrifield, and other sites near the Holmes Run waterway. “We are concerned about human impacts … Continued
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Developer files suit after Board of Supervisors rejects house in flood plain
The lot on Woodlark Drive. A developer who has failed to get approval for a new house on a vacant lot in a floodplain in Annandale has sued the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception Review Committee (ERC), and the individual members of the ERC. K2NC LLC, a limited liability … Continued
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Special bins set up for glass-only recycling
A glass-only recycling bin operated by the City of Alexandria. Fairfax County doesn’t want people to put class bottles or jars in their curbside recycling bins any more (although you can still do that.) The market for recycled glass has declined, mainly due to tighter controls imposed by China on the quality of materials it … Continued
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Electric vehicle charging stations coming to Annandale
An EVgo charging station. Owners of a Tesla, Leaf, Bolt, or other all-electric vehicle will soon have more charging options. Twenty to 40 electric vehicle charging stations will be over the next year and a half or so in locations throughout Northern Virginia, including the parking lots at Barcroft Plaza and the Annanale Shopping Center, … Continued
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Candidates for board of supervisor chair: experience vs. new blood
Tim Chapman and Alicia Plerhoples At a debate for chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the only candidate currently on the board, Jeff McKay of the Lee District, mostly defended actions he pushed the board to take, while the other candidates said much more needs to be done. The debate was sponsored by … Continued
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Candidates for environmental board speak at forum
The NVSWCD was a partner on this stream restoration project in Annandale. Four people seeking an endorsement from the Fairfax County Democratic Committee to serve as directors of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) presented their views at a forum May 11. The committee will select three candidates to endorse on May … Continued
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Discounts on solar energy systems available from Solarize Fairfax County
A solar array on a house in Sleepy Hollow Woods. If you’re interested in switching to solar power, you can get discounts on solar panels through Solarize Fairfax County, a bulk purchasing program. Under this program, discounted prices have been negotiated on equipment installed by three local solar contracts. The Solarize Fairfax County campaign is part … Continued
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Board of Supervisors rejects house proposed for area subject to flooding
4104 Woodlark Drive The Board of Supervisors upheld a decision by the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception Review Committee (ERC) in December to deny an application for a house to be built in a Resource Protection Area (RPA). The house was proposed for a vacant lot at 4104 Woodlark Drive in Annandale. The applicant, Sheila … Continued
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Fairfax County to give away free LED light bulbs
Energy Action Fairfax is again partnering with the Fairfax County Public Library to host six LED light bulb exchanges throughout the county this spring. One free LED will be given out to everyone who shows up. You’ll also be able to get up to four free LED light bulbs if you bring for each incandescent … Continued
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School news roundup: Students shine in science, music, journalism, and more
Science Olympiad team at Justice High School. Biking at Bailey’s – The physical education team at Bailey’s Elementary School received two grants – a Community Foundation Healthy Kids grant and a Virginia Safe Routes to School grant – to teach students how to ride a bicycle. Students will learn bicycle skills, safety, and will learn … Continued
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New loan program will promote sustainable buildings
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authorized a new program to help commercial, industrial, nonprofit, and multifamily property owners borrow money from private lenders to make buildings more environmentally sustainable. The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program will make it easier for eligible property owners to take out private loans for energy efficiency, renewable … Continued
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Oil spill affects Holmes Run
Ranck Updated, 5:35 p.m.: An oil spill on the Inova property on the 3200 block of Gallows Road on March 21 has contaminated Holmes Run. The Fairfax County Fire Department found approximately 3,700 gallons of diesel fuel had spilled out of some tanks, Battalion Chief Marty Ranck, with the department’s Hazardous Materials Response Team, reported … Continued
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Native seedling sale under way
Persimmons [NVSWCD] The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual seedling sale started Feb. 1. In keeping with this year’s theme, Incredible Edibles, the sale features native shrubs and trees that provide fruit, berries, and nuts for wildlife, and in some cases, treats for humans. Seedlings can be ordered online by April 2 or … Continued
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Committee rejects application for house on lot subject to flooding
Preliminary grading had already started on this lot on Woodlark Drive. In what could be seen as a major victory for the environment, the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception Committee (ERC), agreed that a house should not be built on a vacant lot subject to flooding at 4104 Woodlark Drive in Annandale. The committee was … Continued
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Committee to rule on whether a home can be built in a flood zone in Annandale
4104 Woodlark Drive. Fairfax County officials are considering a proposal to build a home in Annandale on a property subject to flooding. The project, at 4104 Woodlark Drive, would disturb more than 2,500 square feet of a resource protection area (RPA), so it’s up to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception Review Committee (ERC) to decide … Continued