The state of Virginia is poised to embark on a significant air quality study focusing on the impact of coal dust from terminals in Norfolk and Newport News. After years of anticipation and numerous delays, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is now accepting contract bids for the long-awaited investigation.
The study, which aims to assess the health implications of coal dust in the two communities, will be conducted at Lamberts Point in Norfolk and the Southeast Community in Newport News. The coal terminals at these locations have been operational since the 19th century, with the capacity to handle millions of tons of coal annually for international shipping.
The research has been years in the making, with previous statements from DEQ project managers indicating that air monitors would be installed as early as 2024. The study is now expected to wrap up by the end of the year, following a $526,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The study's focus is on the potential health risks associated with coal dust, which has long been a concern for residents of both Norfolk and Newport News. One mother previously shared her son's asthma diagnosis, which she linked to the move to the Southeast Community. Coal dust has also been a persistent issue, visibly coating homes and cars in the neighborhoods.
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 to be below federal thresholds, posing no risk to public health. However, a 2005 Peninsula study revealed a significantly higher asthma rate in the community compared to city and state averages.
To gather data for the study, DEQ will install monitoring sites across both cities. In Norfolk, three sites have been approved by the City Council, including locations on West 25th Street, 43rd Street and Hampton Boulevard, and West 26th Street and Bowden's Ferry Road. These sites will house temporary monitoring stations for a period of 16 months.
In Newport News, two monitoring sites have been planned, situated at the An Achievable Dream Tennis Center and at the intersection of 31st Street and Wickham Avenue. The monitoring stations will collect particulate matter samples, which will be analyzed for toxic materials such as arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel. The study will also examine fine particulates and conduct additional microscopic analysis.
Despite the delay in the study's launch, residents in both communities remain vigilant about the potential health risks associated with coal dust. The new study is a significant step forward in addressing their concerns and could potentially lead to changes aimed at improving air quality and public health in the area.
Construction related to the study is expected to commence 60 days after the bid is awarded, according to a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson. The DEQ's commitment to this comprehensive study reflects a growing recognition of the need to assess and mitigate the health risks associated with coal dust in areas surrounding coal terminals.
For more information on the study and its progress, 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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