Program of the Month
Public Affairs Office
Communicating information is the primary driving force behind work in the DEQ Public Affairs Office.
“Our goal is to provide information about DEQ activities effectively, accurately and consistently,” said Bill Hayden, director of the Public Affairs Office.
The office works on projects related to the news media, internal and external websites, community involvement and other communication efforts. This requires working with reporters, members of the public, DEQ employees and government agencies.
Issuing news releases, providing information to the public and news media, planning media events, and developing publications, talking points and speeches are examples the communication efforts undertaken by Public Affairs. Additional projects include working with DEQ staff members on the development of communication plans, providing guidance on communication issues and participating on task forces.
The office also has been supporting groups within DEQ on community involvement issues. The Public Affairs Office and the Office of Environmental Education have been working with the watershed group, for example, to improve opportunities for members of the public to become involved with water quality studies and associated cleanup plans. These projects have included ways to increase awareness of public meetings in the news media and the development of publications that help explain water quality improvement efforts.
In addition to traditional communication tasks, the Public Affairs Office is responsible for overseeing the content, maintenance and design of the DEQ website and providing support to more than 40 web authors.
“We work to make the website expandable for future growth and as easy to use as possible,” said Aaron Wagner, Public Affairs web developer.
This includes developing web-based applications to improve communication and enhance access to public information as well as ensuring that the website and its contents are accessible to people with disabilities.
One of DEQ’s newest communication tools is a free, subscription-based service called DEQcast – Info on demand that was developed by Public Affairs. Anyone can sign up to receive information on air quality forecasts and health alerts, news releases and other information. DEQcast ensures that members of the public can receive updates on information important to them.
Other communication tools and publications developed by the Public Affairs Office are available on the DEQ website. These include:
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Permit Expert – A web-based tool that allows a potential permit holder to see if a project may require a permit from DEQ.
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Publications – Facts sheets and booklets on air quality, water quality and waste management information.
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Environmental Sound – A monthly newsletter with contributions from DEQ staff on significant environmental actions, outreach events and community involvement activities.
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Glossary – Descriptions of environmental terms for a general understanding of the issues covered by DEQ.