Our Mission

Our Mission

The mission of the Public Information Office is to provide information to the public about the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and its work to promote a healthy environment.

Public Education

To the right of your computer screen are links to a variety of flyers, brochures and other educational material that you may download and print. They are in PDF format for easier use.

Freedom of Information

One method of providing information to the public is through a Freedom of Information Act request. It is commonly called a FOIA. Because the WVDEP is a government agency, many files are privy to public review. All requests to review agency files must be made in writing. Requests may be submitted by email, fax or U.S. Mail.

Once you have filed a FOIA request, you will receive an initial response acknowledging that the DEP has received it. The response letter will inform you of the date the request was received, the divisions or offices that will be responding and a fee schedule. The next point of contact will be from personnel within the divisions or offices that have the requested information. They will inform you whether they possess files pertaining to the request and how you may view or receive the information. If the requested files are large, you will be asked to come in to view them, and will be given information on how to schedule a time to do so.

If you would like to file a FOIA, please click here.

Media Inquiries

If you are a reporter and you would like to interview a member of the WVDEP staff, please contact Kathy Cosco at 304-926-0499, Ext. 1331 or by email at Kathy.Cosco@wv.gov. It is our policy to respond to media requests in a timely manner; however, we do ask reporters to keep in mind that there are times when the information they are seeking is in the possession of an individual who may be working in the field and may not be immediately available.

Volunteering

We all have an impact on the environment simply by living, working and playing here in West Virginia. Every year, the WVDEP organizes events and activities to clean up the states streams, roadsides and other public lands. For more information about ways you can help promote a healthy environment in West Virginia, click on the list of volunteer opportunities to the right of your computer screen.