Newport, ME (04953) – Environmental Hazard Report

ZIP: 04953

Newport, Maine

Score: 10/10

Newport faces a critical environmental hazard score of 10.0 due to its proximity to the Eastland Woolen Mill Superfund site. Hazardous substances from past industrial activities remain active in the local environment. For your daily life, this means soil and groundwater near the site may contain chemicals that are unsafe to touch or drink. Avoid gardening in untested soil or using well water without professional filtration. Keeping dust out of your home is essential to limit accidental exposure to these toxins.

Hazard Data Summary

Hazard Score
10/10
Risk Level
Critical
Primary Contaminant
Unspecified Hazardous Substances
Nearest Superfund Site
EASTLAND WOOLEN MILL- RT 222
Distance to Nearest
3.2 mi
Sites Within 5 Miles
2
Sites Within 10 Miles
5
County
Penobscot
NPL Status
Active

Regulatory Overview

The Eastland Woolen Mill- RT 222 site, identified by EPA ID 110071099843, remains on the National Priorities List with an active cleanup status. Environmental investigations have identified hazardous substances that pose significant risks through multiple exposure pathways, including ingestion of contaminated groundwater and inhalation of volatile vapors. Long-term exposure to these unspecified hazardous materials is linked to developmental issues, organ damage, and increased cancer risks. The EPA monitors the migration of these contaminants to prevent further spread into the Sebasticook Lake watershed. Residents must implement three specific defensive measures to mitigate personal risk. First, utilize a high-efficiency particulate air filtration system indoors to capture airborne contaminants. Second, rely exclusively on municipal water supplies or install point-of-entry carbon filtration systems if using private wells, as groundwater plumes often extend beyond site boundaries. Third, maintain a no-shoes policy inside the home to prevent tracking contaminated outdoor soil into living spaces. Continuous monitoring of EPA progress reports is necessary to stay informed of plume stabilization or remediation failures. Every resident within a ten-mile radius of the five identified local sites should consider these protocols mandatory for health preservation.

Threat Summary

Newport faces a critical environmental hazard score of 10.0 due to its proximity to the Eastland Woolen Mill Superfund site. Hazardous substances from past industrial activities remain active in the local environment. For your daily life, this means soil and groundwater near the site may contain chemicals that are unsafe to touch or drink. Avoid gardening in untested soil or using well water without professional filtration. Keeping dust out of your home is essential to limit accidental exposure to these toxins.

Nearby Superfund Sites

Site NameEPA IDDistanceNPL Status
EASTLAND WOOLEN MILL- RT 2221100710998433.21 miActive
EASTLAND WOOLEN MILLS INC1100074017024.04 miActive
IRVING TANNING – MAIN STREET FACILITY1100710998469.01 miActive
WEST SITE/HOWS CORNERS1100604774259.46 miActive
GUDROE JUNKYARD1100242858799.99 miActive

Action Required

Residents should contact the Penquis Community Action Program at 207-973-3500 or the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program at 207-859-1500 for housing safety assistance. These HUD-approved agencies help manage environmental risks in local homes. For ecological data, engage with the 7 Lakes Alliance or the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition. You must verify your water safety if you use a private well near the Eastland Woolen Mill site. Requesting a soil assessment from environmental professionals can identify hidden toxins on your property. Prompt communication with these agencies ensures your family remains protected from local industrial legacy contaminants.

HUD Housing Counseling

Government Verified
Penquis Community Action Program
Bangor, ME
Kennebec Valley Community Action Program
Waterville, ME

Environmental Organizations

IRS Verified
  • 7 Lakes AllianceEnvironmental
  • Belfast Bay Watershed CoalitionEnvironmental
  • Belfast Garden ClubEnvironmental

Data Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS). Facility data from EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS). Nonprofit data from IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File. Housing counseling data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This report is generated from publicly available government data and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For current site-specific information, visit EPA Superfund.

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