The state of Virginia is poised to initiate a significant environmental study aimed at assessing the potential health impacts of coal dust emissions near the Norfolk and Newport News coal terminals. After years of anticipation and numerous delays, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is now accepting contract bids for the study.
The study will focus on the coal terminals at Lamberts Point in Norfolk and the Southeast Community in Newport News, two facilities that have been in operation since the late 19th century. These terminals handle millions of tons of coal annually, transferring it from rail cars to cargo vessels for international shipping.
The research project, which has been in the planning stages since 2021, has faced several setbacks. These include obtaining approvals for monitoring sites, the construction award process, and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review of budget increases. Despite these challenges, the study is now set to move forward, with construction expected to begin 60 days after the bid is awarded.
In Norfolk, the DEQ has secured approval for three monitoring sites, including locations at the end of West 25th Street, next to a fire station at 43rd Street and Hampton Boulevard, and an open lot near the intersection of West 26th Street and Bowden's Ferry Road. These sites will house temporary monitoring stations for a period of 16 months, collecting data on particulate matter and other toxic materials.
In Newport News, two monitoring sites have been planned, one at the An Achievable Dream Tennis Center and another at the intersection of 31st Street and Wickham Avenue. The monitoring stations will collect particulate matter samples, with filters analyzed for toxic materials such as arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel. The DEQ will also sample for fine particulates and conduct additional microscopic analysis.
For decades, residents in both Norfolk and Newport News have expressed concerns about the health impacts of coal dust from passing trains. One mother, speaking to The Virginian-Pilot, recounted how her son developed asthma after moving to the Southeast Community. The dust from the coal terminals has also been known to coat homes and cars in the area.
While previous studies have not conclusively linked the coal terminals to health risks, they have raised concerns. A 2017 study in Norfolk found particulate matter levels in the air were below federal thresholds and did not pose a risk to public health. However, a 2005 Peninsula study found the asthma rate in the community was significantly higher than city and state averages, despite not linking coal dust to health issues directly.
The current study is funded through a $526,000 grant from the EPA. The research is expected to provide valuable insights into the potential health impacts of coal dust emissions and could inform future regulatory decisions.
The Lamberts Point terminal has been in operation since 1885, while the Southeast Community coal terminals began operations in the 1880s. Both facilities have a significant environmental footprint, and the findings of this study could have far-reaching implications for the future of coal operations in the region.
As the study progresses, residents of Norfolk and Newport News are hopeful that the results will provide clarity on the health risks associated with coal dust emissions. The study's findings could also influence the debate over the role of coal in the region's energy future.
For more information on the study, residents can visit the DEQ's website at [deq.virginia.gov](https://www.deq.virginia.gov/news-info/shortcuts/topics-of-interest/tidewater-air-monitoring-evaluation-project).
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