The H.E.A.R.T. Newsletter ~ April 2024

APRIL 2024

Henrico’s Environmental Action Resource Team (H.E.A.R.T.) pledges to reduce the impact of Henrico County General Government and Henrico Schools on the environment.

Henrico's Environmental Action Resource Team (H.E.A.R.T.) is made up of representatives from Henrico County government agencies dedicated to pushing forward county efforts to promote sustainability, preserve natural resources, beautify the community and protect the environment. We serve as a think tank for the county’s environmental initiatives and aim to streamline such programs. This committee was established by the Board of Supervisors and the County Manager in December of 2022.

Climate Action Plan Update

The Primary Regional Climate Action Plan, in collaboration with PlanRVA containing eight environmental goals, has been sent to the Federal Government for approval. The goals in the plan will be used to Guide the H.E.A.R.T. committee and the county in future environmental efforts.

Energy and Resource Conservation

The Springfield Road Landfill Solar project is now in the engineering phase. This 2-acre solar array which will be constructed by Dominion Energy will save Henrico County about $300,000 over the contract period and it will power a wastewater pumping station on the property for the next 30 years. Plans are being considered for a second wastewater pumping station at the closed Landfill. This additional system would potentially be powered by this solar array.

An additional Dominion Energy solar array slated for the closed Nine Mile Road landfill was approved by the Board of Supervisors on April 9^th, 2024. This project will generate revenue for Henrico from the lease of this property for the solar installation.

The county also contracts with a private company to produce up to 4 Megawatts of electricity from methane gas withdrawn from the Springfield Landfill. This process generates 4 megawatts of electricity for the local power grid.

Mobility and Active Transportation

Henrico will be celebrating National Bike Month in May. National Bike to Work Week is May 13 – 19.

Green Space and Recreation

The county also continues to work on an ADA compliant historical trail which will be at the location of the Civil War Battle of New Market Heights. This historical site is significant for the valorous efforts of the United States Colored Troops who were honored with 14 Congressional Medals of Honor.

An archeological study has recently been completed of this area.

Henrico has applied for a planning grant from US National Parks Service for a Conserved Lands planning grant.

The H.E.A.R.T. Youth Council will be helping with a phenology (the study of our cyclical natural phenomena) project started by Henrico Recreation and Parks. The data from observations of the natural world will give county employees critical information for tracking trends related to local climate and its impacts on flora and fauna.

Water Resources

A stream cleanup is planned for Earth Day on Monday, April 22 on a segment of Rocky Branch located behind the Henrico County Training Center.

Henrico is partnering with Henricopolis Soil and Water District to distribute free Virginia native tree seedlings on noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20 at three locations in the county. Five native trees will be available per family at these locations: Deep Run Park, Libbie Mill Library and Varina Area Library. Trees are first come first served until the stock runs out.

Outreach

Henrico Recreation and Parks and Keep Henrico Beautiful will be celebrating Earth Day 2024 at Deep Run Park on Saturday, April 20. This event will mark the start of the 2024 community environmental education season.

The committee has been very active publicizing this event including segments on WTVR 6’s Morning Show and Radio Poder AM 1380.

Upcoming Events

EARTH DAY CELEBRAT ION

April 20

STREAM CLEANUP

April 22

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