The Alexandria/Arlington Waste-to-Energy Facility began a $46.1 million bond-financed retrofit of its emission-control technology in order to meet new federal clean air standards. When completed, this facility will be among the cleanest of its kind in the world.

The Alexandria Sanitation Authority is continuing a $200 million upgrade to its wastewater treatment plant. This upgrade is required to meet the rigorous pollution reduction requirements of the Potomac Embayment Policy and the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement and is scheduled for completion by April 2002.

In June 1998, the Environmental Policy Commission presented its report on environmental/quality of life issues to City Council with preliminary recommendations that included: conduct an Environmental/Quality of Life Summit, develop an environmental section for the City’s master plan, improve communication and coordination within the City on environmental issues, and encourage the Planning Commission and City Council to give greater attention to environmental issues. On October 31, 1998, the City held its first Environmental Quality of Life Summit with more than 200 City residents, business leaders, elected officials and civic activists in attendance. The top three environmental quality of life issues identified at the summit were open space, transportation and urban development.