Fairfax County's EnviroPod

Episode 50 -The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program Feb 03, 2025

Join host Bob DeMarco for and informative discussion with Urban Conservation Specialist Heather Colter and Soil Scientist Dan Schwartz about the county’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP).

Episode 49 - Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez Dec 02, 2024

Join host Bob DeMarco for an in-depth discussion with Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez

Episode 48 - Wastewater Management and Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant Open House Nov 12, 2024

Join host Bob DeMarco for an in-depth discussion with Lisa Good of the Wastewater Management Division about the Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant and it’s upcoming Open House on December 7, 2024.

Episode 47 - Glass Recycling with the Purple Can Club, plus America Recycles Day Nov 08, 2024

Join host Bob DeMarco for an in-depth discussion with Catie Torgersen of the Solid Waste Division about 5 years of glass recycling with the Purple Can Club, plus, America Recycles Day.

Episode 46 - Zero Waste Survey Aug 02, 2024

In this episode, host Bob DeMarco talks with Matt Adams, division director of the county's Solid Waste Management Program, about the Zero Waste survey. They discuss the county’s ambitious goal to achieve zero waste by 2040, the challenges faced, and how residents can contribute to this initiative. Learn about the proposed strategies, the importance of community involvement, and how the survey will shape future policies.

Episode 45 - Plastics May 01, 2024

On this edition of EnviroPod, a conversation with Matt Adams from the county’s Solid Waste Management Division about the environmental effects of plastics and how residents can counteract them.

Episode 44 - Mount Vernon Environment Expo and Other Environmental Issues with Supervisor Dan Storck Apr 19, 2024

Host Bob DeMarco welcomes Supervisor Dan Storck from the Mount Vernon District to discuss the annual Mount Vernon District Environment Expo. They dive into the origins and impacts of this pivotal event, examining how it promotes environmental stewardship within the community. The episode sheds light on Mount Vernon's most pressing environmental issues and explores how economic growth is balanced with ecological conservation. Supervisor Storck shares his insights on his favorite pro-environmental board actions, as well as upcoming opportunities and challenges for Fairfax County's environmental initiatives. He also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in these efforts and provides a look ahead at how the Environment Expo will continue to evolve and expand in the coming years. Find more information on the environmental expo at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mountvernon/environment-expo

Episode 43 - Discussing the Compost Outpost Pilot Program with Matt Adams and Keith Ferrell of Solid Waste Management, DPWES Jan 04, 2024

Catie Torgersen from Solid Waste Management talks about live Christmas tree disposal and county’s recycling program. EnviroPod features subject matter experts from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services talking about important environmental topics focused on what residents can do and what the county is doing to fulfill its environmental vision. If you have an idea for a topic to be discussed on EnviroPod, email DPWESPublic-info-office@Fairfaxcounty.gov The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services builds and maintains safe, reliable infrastructure that improves public health and provides a high quality of life for residents. The department’s four business areas -– Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management –- work together to create and preserve sustainable communities. Learn more about DPWES at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks

Episode 42 - Discussing the Compost Outpost Pilot Program with Matt Adams and Keith Ferrell of Solid Waste Management, DPWES Jun 15, 2023

This edition of the EnviroPod podcast(episode 42) Discussing the Compost Outpost Pilot Program with Matt Adams and Keith Ferrell of Solid Waste Management, DPWES. The department’s four business areas -– Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management –- work together to create and preserve sustainable communities. Learn more about DPWES at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks.

Episode 41 - Keeping Up with the Flow: Managing Stormwater and Wastewater in Fairfax County Jan 12, 2023

This edition of the EnviroPod podcast(episode 41) features Ellie Codding, Deputy Director of Stormwater and Wastewater Divisions, discussing Fairfax County's stormwater and wastewater management in Fairfax County. If you have an idea for a topic to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDMail@FairfaxCounty.gov The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services builds and maintains safe, reliable infrastructure that improves public health and provides a high quality of life for residents. The department’s four business areas -– Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management –- work together to create and preserve sustainable communities. Learn more about DPWES at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks.

Episode 40 - The Growing Threat of the Spotted Lanternfly Oct 20, 2022

This edition of the EnviroPod podcast(episode 40) features Joan Allen, Forest Pest Branch Chief, discussing the growing threat of the Spotted Lanternfly in Fairfax County. If you have an idea for a topic to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDMail@FairfaxCounty.gov The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services builds and maintains safe, reliable infrastructure that improves public health and provides a high quality of life for residents. The department’s four business areas -– Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management –- work together to create and preserve sustainable communities. Learn more about DPWES at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks.

Episode 39 - Fairfax County Solid Waste Collection Trucks are Going Electric Jul 14, 2022

This edition of the EnviroPod podcast(episode 39) features Solid Waste Operations Division Director Hans Christensen, with EnviroPod host Bob Demarco, talking about how Fairfax County solid waste collection trucks are going electric. This move is a part of the county’s desire to become carbon neutral by 2040. Listen and learn about the new trucks that are arriving soon. If you have an idea for a topic to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDMail@FairfaxCounty.gov The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services builds and maintains safe, reliable infrastructure that improves public health and provides a high quality of life for residents. The department’s four business areas -– Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management –- work together to create and preserve sustainable communities. Learn more about DPWES at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks.

Episode 38 - Flooding and Flood Awareness Week Mar 02, 2022

This edition of the EnviroPod podcast(episode 38) features Saurabh Raje and Catie Torgersen discussing flooding in Fairfax County and Flood Awareness Week, EnviroPod features subject matter experts from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services talking about important environmental topics focused on what residents can do and what the county is doing to fulfill its environmental vision. If you have an idea for a topic to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDMail@FairfaxCounty.gov The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services builds and maintains safe, reliable infrastructure that improves public health and provides a high quality of life for residents. The department’s four business areas -– Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management –- work together to create and preserve sustainable communities. Learn more about DPWES at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks.

Episode 37 - Alternative Uses for Holiday Waste Jan 26, 2022

As winter gradually draws to an end, residents have begun sprucing up their yards for spring and summer. In the latest installment of EnviroPod, DPWES Solid Waste Management representative Charlie Forbes joins podcast host Bob DeMarco to talk about the best ways to dispose of yard waste and county guidelines in doing so.

Episode 36 - Alternative Uses for Holiday Waste Dec 22, 2021

In this special holiday edition of EnviroPod, Solid Waste Management Program Outreach and Engagement team member, Christine McCoy and EnviroPod host, Robert DeMarco, discuss holiday waste prevention strategies including purchasing a live tree that can be planted after the holiday; baking cookies or gifting experiences rather than buying gifts; eliminating tinsel and glitter; and recycling shipping packaging such as cardboard and plastic film.

Episode 35 - Revitalize, Restore, Replant Dec 08, 2021

On this edition of EviroPod we talk with Danielle Wynne of Stormwater Management about the Revitalize, Restore, Replant Program

Episode 34 - Fairfax County Farmers Markets Composting Program Nov 04, 2021

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services podcast, EnviroPod, helps you learn more about the department’s environmental work. In our latest installment, episode #34, host Bob DeMarco talks with DPWES Recycling Coordinator Erica Carter about the county's successful Farmers Market Composting program, how it works, and how you can participate.

Episode 33 - Green Buildings with Vrushali Oak Oct 07, 2021

Host Bob DeMarco and Engineer IV Vrushali Oak, Building Design and Construction Division, DPWES, talk about green buildings and why this type of construction is valuable for decreasing the effects of greenhouse gasses.

Episode 32 - Spotted Lanternfly with Joan Allen Oct 07, 2021

Joan Allen, Urban Forester and Branch Chief, Urban Forest Management Division, talks with host Bob DeMarco about the invasive insect known as the spotted lanternfly, and the damage it causes to grapes, fruit trees, hops and many other agricultural plants -- but it is not in Fairfax County...yet.

Episode 31 - Invasive Plants with Patricia Greenberg Aug 23, 2021

New host Bob DeMarco talks to Patricia Greenberg, Resource Manager at the Park Authority, about their Invasive Management Area. Volunteers work to remove invasive plants from park property. This is an important program that reduces invasive plants and restores natural habitat.

Episode 30 - Chris Herrington New Director Talks About County Public Works Aug 06, 2021

Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Christopher Herrington, talks about the future of public works, his thoughts about Fairfax County so far plus more. EnviroPod features subject matter experts from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services talking about important environmental topics focused on what residents can do and what the county is doing to fulfill its environmental vision. If you have an idea for a topic to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDMail@FairfaxCounty.gov. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services builds and maintains safe, reliable infrastructure that improves public health and provides a high quality of life for residents. The department’s four business areas -– Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management –- work together to create and preserve sustainable communities. Learn more about DPWES at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks.

Episode 29 - Native Plants with Suzy Foster Jul 23, 2021

Suzy Foster, landscape architect, DPWES, talks about how residents can improve the environment by installing native plants on townhouse or small lots and on large residential lots. EnviroPod features subject matter experts from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services talking about important environmental topics focused on what residents can do and what the county is doing to fulfill its environmental vision. If you have an idea for a topic to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDMail@FairfaxCounty.gov. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services builds and maintains safe, reliable infrastructure that improves public health and provides a high quality of life for residents. The department’s four business areas -– Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management –- work together to create and preserve sustainable communities. Learn more about DPWES at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks.

Episode 28 - Streetlight Program with Ivonne Renderos Jul 20, 2021

Ivonne Renderos, Engineer with the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, talks about the county's streetlight program with Dominion Electric to change all of the streetlight bulbs to save money and increase safety for residents. EnviroPod features subject matter experts from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services talking about important environmental topics focused on what residents can do and what the county is doing to fulfill its environmental vision. If you have an idea for a topic to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDMail@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Episode 27 - Industrial Waste with Pamella Ndagire Jun 25, 2021

Pamella Ndagire, code specialist, Industrial Waste Section, Wastewater Management Program, talks with host Scott Coco about how the Wastewater Management Program works with businesses to mitigate pollution (fats, oil and grease) that businesses may unknowingly cause in serving their customers.

Episode 26 - Cicada Invasion with Joan Allen May 18, 2021

Joan Allen, Chief, Forest Pest Branch, Urban Forest Management Division of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, talks with host Scott Coco about the coming Cicada Invasion arriving in Fairfax County in May and June. Millions of brood X cicada are expected to emerge from their underground homes and climb up trees looking for a mate. No harm will come to the trees and the cicadas fulfill their 'mission' of mating to make more cicadas. Once they find a mate, they die and become an all-you-can-eat buffet for birds and other wildlife.

Episode 25 - PPE with Laurel Shultzaberger Apr 30, 2021

Laurel Shultzaberger, Emergency Management Specialist, Director’s Office, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, talks with host Scott Coco about personal protective equipment related to face coverings -- what to purchase, how to wear, how to dispose of masks and the environmental impact when masks are not disposed of correctly.

Episode 24 - Yard Waste Changes with Eric Forbes Mar 19, 2021

Eric Forbes from Solid Waste Management talks about the change from plastic yard waste bags to paper bags to help keep plastic out of the environment. The change is effective Monday, April 19, 2021.

Episode 23 - Land Development with Bill Hicks Jan 06, 2021

Bill Hicks, Director, Land Development Services (LDS), talks about the work that LDS does for the environment that ensures all development in the county meets the safety and health standards of applicable codes and county ordinances. LDS inspectors, engineers and other staff review all site and subdivision plans; inspect site development; conduct the plan review, permitting and inspection of new and existing structures; take action against non-compliant construction and land disturbing activities; provide technical training and conduct customer outreach programs to help homeowners, builders, engineers and contractors to comply with land development and building code regulations.

Episode 22 - Food-Scaps-to-Compost Program with Christine McCoy Jan 05, 2021

Christine McCoy, Education and Outreach Specialist, Solid Waste Management Program, talks about the new food-scraps-to-compost program. Residents are welcome to bring their food scraps to two locations in the county: the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road; or the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton. More information is available on the county website.

Episode 21 - Clean Fairfax with Jen Cole Oct 30, 2020

Jen Cole, executive director, Clean Fairfax, talks with Scott Coco about litter caused by the pandemic and the over-use of plastic in the United States and globally.

Episode 20 - Wastewater Treatment and Public Health with Mike McGrath Sep 04, 2020

Mike McGrath, director, Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant, talks about how the county treats wastewater, how important clean water is to life on earth, and the improvements in public health and the environment since October 1970 when the plant opened.

Episode 19 - Stream and Watershed Health with Shannon Curtis May 29, 2020

Curtis also talks about the Bandalong trash trap that was recently installed in Little Hunting Creek that is successfully capturing floating trash. Litter is a problem for the critters who live in the streams in Fairfax County.

Episode 18 - Trash and Recycling Response to COVID-19 with John Kellas Apr 24, 2020

The Purple Can Club (glass recycling) is suspended and the county asks residents to mulch or compost their yard waste – or don’t create yard waste. These changes are necessary to limit employees' exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Full service will be restored when this public health emergency is over. If you have an idea to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDmail@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5821, TTY 711.

Episode 17 - Prevent Sewer Backup with Stacey Smalls Apr 03, 2020

So called “flushable” wipes are made of polyester and cause sewer backups into homes and streets and damage wastewater pipes and pumps. Disinfectant wipes of every type should be disposed of in the trash. Other things that should not be flushed down the toilet are: dental floss, paper towels, napkins, cotton swabs, plastic of any kind, food, hair, diapers and clothing of any kind, needles or sharps of any kind and never, never flush medicine down the toilet or down any household drain. Use care and prevent sewer backups into your home. If you have an idea to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDmail@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-324-5821, TTY 711.

Episode 16 - Household Hazardous Waste with Daniel Brooks Mar 04, 2020

Dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) like paint, chemicals, and batteries safely by bringing those items to the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road or the I-95 Landfill in Lorton. If you don’t know what an item is, bring it to one of these locations and qualified employees will figure out how to dispose of it in environmentally friendly ways. It's easy and free for Fairfax County residents.

Episode 15 - Stream Restoration with Meghan Fellows Feb 19, 2020

The restoration of the riparian corridor is the most common technique used in stream restorations. The loss of the vegetated riparian corridor of many streams, particularly those within urbanized watersheds, calls for riparian restoration, one of the least expensive of all stream restoration activities.

Episode 14 - Native Plants with Suzy Foster Feb 12, 2020

Things have changed in landscaping for residential, commercial and municipal use. Thirty years ago, there was a very limited choice of plants available for all three uses. Now it’s known that native plants are equal in beauty to non-native plants and they are readily available in nearby nurseries. The natives are hardy and can support more wildlife – like butterflies and other pollinators – than non-natives. They are adapted to the local environment and. need less water. Listeners can learn to create ‘outdoor rooms’ by using native plants. More information is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/soil-water-conservation/nativeplants and from the National Audubon Society (www.Audubon.org) and from the Virginia Native Plant Society (https://vnps.org/).

Episode 13 - Glass Recycling/Purple Can Program with Eric Forbes Jan 29, 2020

There are purple, glass only recycling containers in multiple locations throughout the county and nearby jurisdictions. This is a regional effort with partners that include City of Alexandria, Prince William County and Arlington County with more to come. Glass is infinitely recyclable and can be used in some construction projects. For more information visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/news/regional-approach-glass-recycling-leads-creation-purple-can-club or call 703-802-3322, TTY 711 or email Trashmail@FairfaxCounty.gov

Episode 12 - Disposing Medications with Melissa Atwood Dec 09, 2019

We’ve been taught for generations to dispose of unwanted medication by flushing it down the toilet or sink. Things have changed. There are safe, easy and environmentally friendly ways to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Don’t allow drugs to fall into the wrong hands or contaminate water supplies. EnviroPod features subject matter experts from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services talking about important environmental topics focused on what residents can do and what the county is doing to fulfill its environmental vision. If you have an idea to be discussed on EnviroPod, email SWPDmail@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 324-5821, TTY 711.

Episode 11 - MS4 Permit with Heather Ambrose Nov 12, 2019

The MS4 is the stormwater drainage system. The MS4 Permit requires the county to prevent polluted stormwater runoff from reaching state waterways through the stormwater system, and to educate the public in ways they can help. Stormwater runoff contains lots of litter. The county recently started a litter cleanup program with homeless shelters whose residents are paid to clean up litter from streets and streams. Shelter residents gain skills and money and the county gains a cleaner environment.

Episode 10 - Tree Care with Urban Forester Hugh Whitehead Oct 22, 2019

EnviroPod Episode 10 features Hugh Whitehead, urban forester III, Urban Forest Management Division, talking about tree care -- how to select the right tree for the right place; how to dig the hole (call 811 first), mulch and water; and after-planting care such as when and how to prune.

Episode 09 - Dealing with litter Oct 01, 2019

Jen Cole, Executive Director, Clean Fairfax Council, talks with Host Scott Coco about litter on EnviroPod. We live in a disposable culture and many of our day-to-day items are made of plastic: plastic bags; plastic drink bottles; plastic tableware. There is more litter today than there was 50 years ago. Plastic litter does not go away, it just gets smaller and smaller. There are three things that everyone can do now to make a difference in the amount of litter we see in Fairfax County: 1. Stop using plastic bags from the grocery store; stop using plastic drink bottles 2. Too much food is wasted. Start composting food waste at home and at work 3. Make litter an issue on your personal social media platform. The Clean Fairfax Council works to educate people about how to make less garbage. If you are looking for ways to clean up your neighborhood, ask Clean Fairfax.

Episode 08 – Helping residents to dispose of paint, fertilizer, pesticides Sep 24, 2019

EnviroPod Episode 8 features Dan Brooks, Assistant Complex Manager, I-66 Transfer Station, and Host Scott Coco, helping residents to dispose of paint, fertilizer, pesticides and other Household Hazardous Waste by bringing these leftover items to the I-95 Landfill in Lorton or to the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road, where Dan and his colleagues dispose of these noxious noxious chemicals in environmentally friendly ways. For a list of accepted materials visit: Household Hazardous Waste.

Episode 07 – learn about stormwater and watersheds and how to prevent water pollution Sep 04, 2019

EnviroPod Number 7 features Ecologist Danielle Wynne, Stormwater Planning Division, Public Works, talking about the Watershed Education and Outreach group of county employees who partner with the Fairfax County Public Schools to bring environmental education to school children at young ages. Through games and native plantings on school properties, the children learn about stormwater and watersheds and how to prevent water pollution.

Episode 06 – Industrial and High Risk Runoff IHRR Sep 02, 2019

EnviroPod #6 features Takisha Cannon of the Industrial and High Risk Runoff program (IHRR) talking about how residents can report any questionable substances they may see in stormdrains or in streams. Paint, fertilizers and chemicals are among the types of noxious materials that flow to streams from stormdrains and kill the fish and the bugs. For more information call 703-324-5500, TTY 711

Episode 05 – It’s Stormy Time! Sep 01, 2019

EnviroPod #5 features Eric Forbes, Solid Waste Management Program, talking about the latest news in glass recycling and the Filthy Five - Plastic bags; shredded paper; hangers, cords, hoses; carry-out containers and cups; and dirty diapers belong in the trash, not in the recycle bin. For more information about recycling call 703-324-5230, TTY 711.

Episode 04 – Spotted Lanternfly with Joan Allen Jul 08, 2019

This edition of EnviroPod (episode #4) features Joan Allen, Urban Forester, talking about an invasive, crop-killing pest known as the Spotted Lanternfly. This insect threatens the apple and grape industries (among others) and is quarantined in the City of Winchester.

Episode 03 - Backlick Stream Restoration with Dave Anglin Jul 08, 2019

This edition of the EnviroPod podcast features Dave Anglin, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, talking about the Backlick Stream Restoration project; a project that will make a positive environmental difference for the nearby property owners.

Episode 02 - Green Streets and McLean's Green Street Project with Matt Meyers Jul 08, 2019

This edition of the EnviroPod podcast features Matt Meyers talking about his “Green Street” project in McLean and Green Streets in general.

Episode 01 - Juan Reyes DPWES Environmental Vision and Responsibilities Jul 01, 2019

His first EnviroPod (podcast) features Juan Reyes of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services talking about the county’s responsibilities and its environmental vision.

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