Tips for Finding Environmental Information

Here are some tips for those of you doing environmental projects or research:

1. Congratulations! You’re in the right place to find general information about DEQ and environmental management in Virginia. As Virginia's environmental regulatory agency, DEQ collects and analyzes a wide variety of information on air, water, and waste to effectively issue permits and monitor compliance with environmental standards. Much of this information is technical data or regulatory policies.

• DEQ programs
• List of regional offices

2. Do you need more specific information? DEQ staff are available to answer questions and explain regulations, but are often out of the office and "in the field" inspecting and monitoring environmental quality. With sufficient lead time, staff may be able to provide more specific materials and other leads which help your research. Please allow 5 business days for us to answer your questions. Just fill out the Student Request Form on this site. Teachers, you can download the form to distribute to your students as a worksheet.

3. Doing a group research project? If you’re working with a group of fellow students, please elect one student to fill out the online form. Students should call ahead to schedule a phone appointment or an office visit their regional office.

4. Do you need to talk to someone in person? Staff can be reached by Internet E-mail. Many of our scientists and engineers do their work outside in the environment, so please be patient while waiting for a response. If you need to talk to some one in person or visit our offices (there are 7 regional offices around the state) please call ahead to arrange a phone interview or visit. Please remember to have your questions prepared.

5. Do you need a water sample analyzed? DEQ doesn't test the water. We collect samples of our streams, lakes and groundwater but rely on a central laboratory in Richmond for analysis. You’ll need to borrow or purchase a water testing kit (contact your local 4-H extension office or ask a high school science teacher). Other wise you’ll need to contact a private lab or perhaps a local river group, or your community water or wastewater treatment facility.

6. Many different national, state and local agencies have environmental responsibilities.

Check the blue pages in your telephone directory or the homepage for your local government. The following state agencies that can also provide information:

	Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department 804-255-3440 (development guidelines, water quality)
	Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services 804-371-6558 (pesticides, aquaculture, endanger. plants)
	Dept. of Conservation & Recreation 804-786-2064 (nonpoint source pollution, rare species)
	Dept. of Forestry 804-977-6555 (state forests, water quality, riparian buffers)
	Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries 804-367-1000 (game and nongame wildlife)
	Dept. of Health 804-786-3561 (shellfish, drinking water, wells, radon, environmental health)
	Marine Resources Commission 804-247-2000 (marine fisheries, shellfish, wetlands)
	Dept. of Transportation 804-786-2801 (highways, right of ways, planning issues)
	more links...