In my first year with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), I’ve recognized the value of the work of the Office of Pollution Prevention (OPP). Encouraging Virginia’s businesses, institutions and communities to implement proactive environmental strategies benefits all. Pollution prevention (P2) strategies focus on eliminating or reducing the use, generation or release of environmental wastes at their source. To encourage this, OPP hosts a number of programs and initiatives that work to minimize environmental footprints through actions that often exceed regulatory requirements while enhancing bottom lines. OPP coordinates incentive programs and assistance, as well as internal programs that allow DEQ to lead by example.

A few of the program’s accomplishments from 2022 are:

• Partnering with DEQ’s Piedmont Regional Office to assist a company with its return to regulatory compliance by offering environmental management system and pollution prevention support.

• Coordinating and participating in two webinars featuring Virginia companies Smithfield Foods and Tyson and their efforts to move toward environmental sustainability.

• Supporting Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Order 17, Recognizing the Value of Recycling and Waste Reduction (EO 17), which, among other things, seeks to increase awareness of the importance of recycling and reducing food waste. OPP is coordinating with agencies and businesses across the state to determine how best to donate, recycle and compost food in an effort to minimize food waste and divert it from landfills.

Governor Youngkin’s support of environmental initiatives, especially those included in EO 17, provide a path forward for Virginia. The administration’s commitment to improving recycling and reducing food waste emphasizes the importance of pollution prevention. Protecting Virginia’s natural resources benefits businesses, institutions, communities and our residents. OPP will continue to support these initiatives and engage Virginians through programs that enhance the environment.

Mike Rolband
Director, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality