August 31, 2026 - Virginia is moving closer to launching a long-delayed study examining air quality near coal terminals in Norfolk and Newport News, with the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) now accepting bids for the project.

The study will assess particulate pollution near the Lamberts Point coal terminal in Norfolk and coal-handling operations in Newport News' Southeast Community. The project, which dates to 2021, has faced delays related to monitoring-site approvals, contracting and construction procedures, and an Environmental Protection Agency review of increased costs.

Norfolk City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an agreement allowing DEQ to install temporary air-monitoring equipment at three locations. The sites will be at the end of West 25th Street, near the fire station at 43rd Street and Hampton Boulevard, and near West 26th Street and Bowden's Ferry Road.

Two additional monitoring stations are planned in Newport News, including one at the An Achievable Dream Tennis Center and another near 31st Street and Wickham Avenue.

The stations are expected to collect data for 16 months. DEQ spokesperson Irina Calos said particulate samples will be analyzed for arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and nickel. The agency will also measure fine particulate matter and conduct microscopic analysis of collected samples.

Residents near the coal and rail operations have raised concerns for decades about coal dust accumulating on homes and vehicles and its potential effects on respiratory health.

Previous research has not established a direct connection between the coal terminals and adverse health effects. A 2017 Norfolk study found particulate concentrations remained below federal limits and did not represent a public health risk. A 2005 Peninsula-area study similarly did not establish a link between coal dust and health problems, although it found asthma rates in the community were significantly above Newport News and Virginia averages.

The latest study is being financed through a $526,000 EPA grant.

Coal operations have existed in both areas since the 19th century. Lamberts Point began operations in 1885, while coal terminals in Newport News' Southeast Community date to the 1880s. The facilities can handle millions of tons of coal annually, transferring shipments from rail cars to vessels for export.

Construction associated with the monitoring project is expected to begin about 60 days after the contract is awarded, according to DEQ.