Don't Miss It: Wetlands Stream Identification Training Opportunity

Do you need to complete your Wetlands Stream Identification training as part of your Virginia State Waters Delineation (VSWD) certification? There are two upcoming training sessions: April 2 in Woodbridge and Aug. 20 in Glen Allen. See registration details for more information.

DEQ continues to prioritize State Surface Water Delineations (SSWD) reviews submitted by certified individuals ahead of other SSWD requests. This prioritization acknowledges the professional expertise of certified VSWDs and enables DEQ to depend on the accuracy of an SSWD to enhance the efficiency of VWP permit issuances.

To obtain a VSWD certification, individuals must successfully complete the DEQ Stream Identification training curriculum and obtain a Professional Wetland Delineator certification from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. 

Apply Today to Become a Virginia Environmental Excellence Program Partner

The application period to become a 2025 Virginia Environmental Excellence Program (VEEP) Sustainability Partner is now open! VEEP is a voluntary program that encourages Virginia businesses to go beyond compliance and embrace pollution prevention in their day-to-day activities. The VEEP Sustainability Partners track is designed to encourage large organizations, in both the private and public sectors across Virginia, to make environmental sustainability part of their culture through leadership, innovation, and continual improvement. Organizations must demonstrate their commitment through measurable and verifiable conservation efforts, leading to direct and indirect improvements in energy usage, water usage, waste generation, and other environmental benefits.

Applications and participation are on a calendar year basis. Data and narrative information on sustainability efforts is required. Applications should be submitted by May 15, 2025 to VEEP@DEQ.Virginia.gov. For questions about the application refer to the VEEP Sustainability Partners Application Instructions.

2025 Beginning Farm Finance & Conservation Planning Seminar

One of the top priorities of the Youngkin Administration is to grow the number of beginning farmers. With the current average age of a Virginia farmer being 59, new and beginning farmers are crucial to feeding a growing population. After conducting several surveys, it was determined that the top challenge facing beginning farmers is accessing capital. To help overcome that challenge, agriculture lenders and partners are offering a free one-day learning seminar on April 1 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville. Lunch will also be provided.

If you have comments or questions, please feel free to email us at agriculture.forestry@governor.virginia.gov. To register, please email Josie Rao at josie.rao@governor.virginia.gov.

Last Call to Register for the 2025 Virginia Brownfields Symposium!

Spots are filling fast for this year's one-day-only Virginia Brownfields Symposium in Hopewell on April 24. Grab one of the remaining spots here!

This year's theme is Measuring Success in Brownfields and is intended to be an opportunity to highlight progress, share challenges and accomplishments, and recognize the hard work and diligence of Virginia's Brownfields champions.

Join our team as we visit an array of unique local sites featured in Hopewell's Brownfield Redevelopment Plan during the morning mobile workshop. In the afternoon, share insights and learn from experts at the John Randolph Foundation. Then continue to network with fellow professionals dedicated to revitalizing our communities at the evening reception while overlooking scenic views of the Appomattox and James Rivers at The Boathouse Restaurant at City Point.

DEQ is committed to promoting brownfields redevelopment in Hopewell and throughout the Commonwealth. Just recently, it was announced that five localities were recipients of Site Remediation Grants totaling $1.3 million from the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF), a program in which DEQ continues to collaborate with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). VBAF also awards Site Assessment and Planning grants of up to $50,000 throughout the year.  

Join the Ride: 12th Annual Virginia Green Travel Conference & Awards

Please join us March 20-21 at the 12th Annual Virginia Green Travel Conference & Awards at Busch Gardens Williamsburg for two days of presentations, networking, and FUN! And of course, there will be recognition of environmental champions in Virginia’s travel industry.

See details on the Conference Website including Sponsor & Exhibiting Opportunities

EARLY-BIRD Special! The first 25 to register receive a one-day ticket to experience the FUN of Busch Gardens Williamsburg on either Thursday, March 20 (6-9pm) or Friday, March 22 (1:30-9pm).

*Conference-goers can purchase additional Busch Gardens tickets at a discounted rate of $35. (A $90 value)

See Registration for additional details!

DEQ is currently developing a statewide Comprehensive Climate Action Plan and wants your input! We’re seeking public feedback from Virginia residents on potential ways to reduce climate pollution across the state. Find out what this means for you and your community, and share your thoughts through DEQ’s Community Survey. Your feedback matters – DEQ will compile and analyze all public input received to better shape a plan that reflects the priorities of Virginia’s communities.

Find all meeting details on the CPRG Calendar, or visit the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) webpage for more information. Questions? Reach out to our team at CPRG@DEQ.Virginia.Gov.