September 11, 2026 - A new study from the city of Newport News, Virginia found that wind fence configurations could reduce the amount of coal dust moving into nearby neighborhoods. The project could cost up to $22 million.

Newport News residents who live near the coal terminals have been fighting for a fix to the coal dust in the air, which can cause multiple health problems. Yugonda Sample-Jones previously spoke to News 3 about the effects the coal dust has had on her family over the years.

"Me being a resident in the community, I know that my son was affected. He had to be on a nebulizer, inhalers. That's something that we did not experience when we lived in other parts of the country," Sample-Jones said.

Her car and home also had to be frequently cleaned because of marks from the coal dust.

Coal piled high in Newport News

Photo by: WTKR

Researchers from the University of Virginia's Repair Lab placed devices around Newport News to measure air quality. Their studies were released by the city on Thursday, finding that wind fence configurations could reduce dust movement in many conditions.

“The findings indicate that a wind fence could significantly reduce coal dust movement and improve the quality of life for residents in our community. We will continue working with federal and state partners to move this effort forward and identify the resources needed to make this project a reality,” said Mayor Phillip Jones in a release sent to News 3.

A wind fence is a large barrier designed to reduce wind speed and control dust.

Mayor Phillip Jones said the data now supports moving forward.

"Now we have the data in hand. The data shows us that a wind fence will significantly reduce the amount of fugitive coal dust, now we need to find the money," Jones said.

Jones said the project will not come cheap.

"This is gonna be a $14-22 million project. It's gonna require state and federal partners. We're gonna keep beating the drums on this. This is important to all members of our community," Jones said.

Lathaniel Kirts, co-founder of the community group Coal Dust Kills, said the city is heading in the right direction. Kirts and other concerned neighbors monitor air quality sensors throughout the city that measure the amount of coal dust in the air. His group also played a role in shaping the study's direction.

"So, we made a recommendation to the city to use Dust Solutions. Dust Solutions completed the feasibility study to reduce the amount of coal dust that's blowing off into our communities," Kirts said.

Kirts said the study gives him reason to be optimistic.

"Hope to me means, pretty much, hold on, pain ends. Or in this case, hold on, pollution ends," Kirts said.

He said he now wants to see city leaders turn the study's findings into action.

"I'm very hopeful that this one, you know, this wind fence feasibility study leads to a sound building plan, and of course, some type of public-private partnership that allows for our city to get this wind fence built in our area," Kirts said.

In a release sent to News 3, Jones said the findings point to a meaningful improvement for residents.

City Manager Alan Archer said in the release that the city is committed to "transparency and open communication" with the community as they review the Repair Lab's findings.

“The concerns raised by residents are important to us, and we are committed to listening, sharing information, and evaluating options that could provide relief to the Southeast community,” Archer said. “This study gives us additional information to consider as we continue that work.”

The study will soon be available to the public on the city's sustainability website, alongside additional information from the review and community engagement process.