The City of Fairfax Receives $1,000 Green Grant

To help educate citizens about the impact of litter on storm water management, the City of Fairfax has been awarded a $1,000 grant as part of Keep Virginia Beautiful’s 12th Annual Green Grants Program.

Fairfax City will use its Green Grant to purchase an interactive Enviroscape Hazardous Prevention & Clean-up Model.  It will be used as a hands-on resource as part of education and outreach events about how storm water runoff carries litter and pollutants untreated into storm drains.   Negative impacts on environment, wildlife, and property will be included as topics of conversation.  It is anticipated that at least 10,000 residents will be educated about the impact of litter pollution on storm water management, and how they can help address these hazards, at community events where the model will be utilized.

When it rains, the storm water runoff carries litter and pollutants untreated into the storm drains. This can cause severe hazards. Clogged pipes can lead to drainage backups and flooding. Litter can spread bacteria and release of toxins into the natural environment. Flora and fauna are susceptible to be engulfed by litter, oftentimes a danger to wildlife. The untreated runoff leads to local waterways, such as Accotink Creek, and ultimately, to the protected wetlands of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Litter pollution and drainage problems have many impacts on our environment, wildlife, residents, and property.

For many residents, there is a lack of awareness on the impact of litter pollution and storm water management. Educating residents on the impacts of litter and the processes of storm water runoff is necessary to effectively communicate our shared responsibility of protecting the City and our environment.

The three-dimensional landscape (approx. 25″ x 30″ x 5″) illustrate residential, recreational, agricultural, industrial and transportation areas — all representing possible sources of water pollution in the environment. Children and adults learn by using chemicals (drink mix) and loose soil (cocoa) throughout a typical community to see how their actions and those of others may affect our water quality.

EnviroScape emphasizes pollution prevention with a follow-up demonstration that shows how to prevent such pollution through the use of best management practices.