Community involvement update
During “coffee house conversations” (shown above), participants split their time among 10 tables with specific topics about tools and techniques for public participation. |
The Department of Environmental Quality arranged a workshop on community involvement at Environment Virginia 2008, held at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. “Influencing Public Actions: Stories, Tools and Techniques from the Field” drew about 60 participants for the four-hour session held April 1, 2008.
Community involvement at DEQ
Resources
Best practices in DEQ community involvement (13.5 MB PDF)
A Guide for Effective Public Comments (PDF)
Laws and regulations
Permit overview
Town Hall overview (PDF)
Water quality activities
Become a water quality monitor
Nominate an exceptional waterway
Past meetings
2004 and 2005
Resources
Best practices in DEQ community involvement (13.5 MB PDF)
A Guide for Effective Public Comments (PDF)
Laws and regulations
Permit overview
Town Hall overview (PDF)
Water quality activities
Become a water quality monitor
Nominate an exceptional waterway
Past meetings
2004 and 2005
DEQ works to improve opportunities for Virginians to participate in significant environmental actions. This community involvement initiative has become an integral part of how the agency operates.
DEQ has committed to the following as a part of this effort:
- Involving the public early in significant environmental actions, such as major permits.
- Establishing a strong relationship with environmental and community organizations.
- Developing active participation in consensus building on significant environmental issues.
- Communicating clearly with the public.
The Community Involvement Task Force, which began in 2004, meets periodically to discuss DEQ’s community involvement efforts and to continue to identify how the public can remain active in environmental decision making.
To learn more about environmental activities in your area, see DEQ’s:
Or the Virginia Town Hall website.