DEQ’s Office of Pollution Prevention (OPP) hosts a number of programs and initiatives that support the Pollution Prevention Act and serve as a conduit for non-regulatory assistance to businesses, institutions and communities. These programs encourage the minimization of environmental footprints through actions that exceed regulatory requirements while enhancing bottom lines. OPP coordinates incentive programs and technical assistance, as well as internal programs that allow DEQ to lead by example. A few of the program’s accomplishments from 2019 are:

• Engaged people and organizations by presenting information on pollution prevention at numerous events ranging from discussing the value of voluntary programs with the regulated community to discussing the reduction of contamination in recycling with citizens;

• Developed educational materials on topics including waste diversion, hazardous material usage and solar energy to provide guidance on why and how to implement successful programs that prevent pollution; and

• Presented ten Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards at the Environment Virginia Symposium in March, including four gold awards to recognize exemplary programs.

OPP’s programs serve Virginia organizations by providing tools to implement environmental programs that reduce risk and environmental footprints, recognizing innovative programs and leveraging what has been successfully implemented and can be duplicated.