Superfund Sites in Reuse in Rhode Island
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Central Landfill
The Central Landfill Superfund site is a 154-acre former landfill in Johnston, Rhode Island. During the 1970s, operators disposed of industrial liquid waste in the landfill’s hazardous material disposal area. In 1982, the State ordered the site owner to close this area. EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986. Cleanup activities included construction of a multi- layer cap, containment and treatment of groundwater, deed restrictions on groundwater use and land use, and evaluation of the site’s landfill gas collection system. Today, the site remains in continued use. Central Landfill, which is owned and operated by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC), operates on site. It receives over 90% of Rhode Island’s municipal solid waste. RIRRC leads tours of the landfill and recycling center for community groups and local schools. The capped portion of the landfill also includes a pollinator garden. Broadrock Renewables, LLC also owns and operates a facility on site that turns gas collected from the landfill into electricity. The company expanded the energy-generating facility in stages. The facility currently includes 15 engine generator sets that produce up to 20 megawatts of electricity.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. EPA did not have further economic details related to this business. For additional information click here.
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Centredale Manor Restoration Project
The Centredale Manor Restoration Project Superfund site includes a 9-acre property in North Providence, Rhode Island, and downstream areas. A chemical company and a drum reconditioning facility operated on site at different times beginning in the early 1940s. Operations ended in 1972 when a fire destroyed most of the facility. Disposal practices included burying waste or releasing chemicals directly onto the ground or into the river. These practices resulted in widespread contamination on site and downstream. Residential development followed– Brook Village Apartments in 1977 and Centredale Manor Apartments in 1983. EPA investigations found contamination in soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water and animals on site. EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2000. EPA’s early actions included capping and fencing the site, as well as removing some contaminated soil from low-lying residential properties and restoring the Allendale Dam. The long-term cleanup of the site is underway. In 2018, the site’s potentially responsible parties began long-term cleanup of the site with oversight from EPA and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Since then, the site’s potentially responsible parties completed a hazardous waste cap in the Source Area on the peninsula, repaired Sluice gate on the Lyman Mill Dam to make it operational and has been developing design plans for other areas of the Site. In 2019 and 2020, EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program supported a regional seed project at the site to help facilitate reuse discussions among EPA and local stakeholders and plan for future uses at the site. Today, the Brook Village and Centredale Manor apartment complexes remain on site. EPA’s cleanup approach has been compatible with the site’s continued residential use.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA had data on 3 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 11 people and generated an estimated $1,001,840 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.
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Davis (GSR) Landfill
The 58-acre Davis (GSR) Landfill Superfund site includes a 21-acre inactive landfill in the towns of Glocester and Smithfield, Rhode Island. The landfill first received municipal wastes in 1974. In 1978, the public expressed concern about the landfill’s effect on the local groundwater drinking supply. The state cited several violations and later took legal action. The landfill closed in 1982. It was never properly capped or stabilized. The state detected contamination in several on-site and nearby wells in the early 1980s. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986. An EPA investigation found that while the landfill was a source of contamination, the spread of the contamination was not extensive and posed little risk to human health. Residential well tests starting in the 1980s confirmed no site-related contamination. EPA and the state agreed to continue to monitor the site for potential future risks and that no further cleanup action was needed. EPA took the site off the NPL in 1999. Five rounds of residential well tests since then have found no contamination. The site’s ecological resources include a forested area and wetlands.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
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Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center
The former Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center (Davisville NCBC), North Kingston, Rhode Island site is 18 miles south of Providence, Rhode Island. It includes 1,290 acres along Narragansett Bay. From 1951 to 1994, Davisville NCBC supported mobilization of naval construction forces. Operations and waste disposal practices at the site resulted in widespread soil and groundwater contamination. Operations also contaminated surface water in nearby Allen Harbor. In 1989, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL). Davisville NCBC was selected for closure during the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program. Operational closure took place on April 1, 1994. After its closure, various state entities managed and developed the former Davisville NCBC property. The property had three parts: the Main Site (about 846 acres), West Davisville (about 70 acres, located 1 mile from the Main Site) and Camp Fogarty (about 374 acres, located 4 miles west of the Main Site). To date, 1,127 of the 1,290 acres have been transferred or conveyed. In January 1993, the U.S. Navy transferred 374 acres to the U.S. Army for use in training the Rhode Island National Guard. About 445 acres, including the West Davisville parcel, were conveyed to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) via negotiated sale through conveyances in 1998, 2000 and 2004. Additional conveyances included 211 acres to the town of North Kingston in 2000 under a Public Benefit Conveyance (PBC) for parks and recreation purposes through the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service, and a 1-acre area to Bayside Family Healthcare in 1998 under a PBC for public health. RIEDC also received 96 acres under a PBC for port facility purposes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration in 1998. In July 2004, the Rhode Island General Assembly created the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC). The QDC is a special-purpose subsidiary of RIEDC, now known as Rhode Island Commerce Center (RICC), responsible for the development and management of the Quonset Business Park. In 2023, RICC plans to receive 75 acres under the ports PBC via the first of two conveyances. The remaining 88 acres will be conveyed at a later date.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2021, EPA had data on 90 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 1,445 people and generated an estimated $366,599,273 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.
For more information:
- Reuse and the Benefit to Community: A Beneficial Effects Economic Case Study for the Davisville Naval Construction Battalion Center Superfund Site (PDF)
- Superfund Site Profile Page
Newport Naval Education & Training Center
The Newport Naval Education & Training Center (NETC) Superfund site (also known as Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport) has been used by the Navy since the Civil War era. Activities increased during war time but decreased later as Navy forces were reorganized. Between 1900 and the mid-1970s, the facility was used as a refueling depot. NETC was established at NAVSTA Newport in the 1970s. In the mid-1990s, several new laboratories were constructed at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC, formerly Naval Undersea Systems Center or NUSC) to provide research, development, testing, evaluation, engineering, and fleet support for submarines and underwater systems. In 1998, NAVSTA Newport was established as the primary host command, taking over base operating support responsibilities from NETC. The NAVSTA Newport facility encompasses approximately 1,000 acres on the west shore of Aquidneck Island, facing the east passage of Narragansett Bay in the towns of Portsmouth, Middletown, and Newport, Rhode Island. The facility also encompasses the northern third of Gould Island, which is part of the Town of Jamestown, Rhode Island. EPA listed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1989. The U.S. Navy continues to lead ongoing investigations and cleanup at 17 recognized sites and continues to host different commands on the naval base. Several non-Superfund parcels and buildings have already been transferred and redeveloped as a marina, a community college campus and other recreational, commercial and industrial uses. Parcels continue to be considered for transfer. Additionally, two Superfund sites on the base (a landfill and a former tank farm) are currently being developed with solar arrays through a Navy lease with a private party. Construction of Solar Breakers McAlister and Solar Breakers 4 is complete, and power will be sold to Rhode Island Universities.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2021, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
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Peterson/Puritan, Inc.
The Peterson/Puritan, Inc. Superfund site spans over 500 acres in Providence County, Rhode Island. In 1959, a plant at the north end of the site began packaging aerosol consumer products. A rail car accident and tank spill on the property in 1974 released 6,000 gallons of solvent. In 1979, the Rhode Island Department of Health found contamination in groundwater affecting nearby public well fields. Immediate measures were taken to provide an alternative water supply to the local communities. EPA determined that the Peterson/Puritan, Inc. facility was the source of the groundwater contamination. EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. In 1990, EPA divided the site into two cleanup areas, known as operable unit 1 (OU1) and OU2. The cleanup design for OU2, which includes wetlands and wildlife habitat, began in 2016. For OU1, systems are in place to clean up contaminated groundwater and soil. Cooperation between EPA, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the community enabled on-site businesses to remain in operation during the cleanup. Megawatt Energy Solutions installed over 2,000 solar panels on the roof of a warehouse building on site in 2014. The solar array produces about 650,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. The warehouse owner also installed a similar system on a second building at the site. The state of Rhode Island and the municipality also completed redevelopment projects on site, including a town dog pound. Other redevelopment in the area includes a riverside park and a bike path along the Blackstone River and Canal. The Blackstone River remains an important natural, recreational and cultural resource for the region. In 2014, the area became part of the national park system as the Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park. EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program provided support for a regional seed project at the site between 2018 and 2020 to help Region 1 make sure the site’s cleanup supports the recreation and cultural heritage goals of area communities.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA had data on 35 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 889 people and generated an estimated $67,643,898 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.
For more information:
- Reuse and the Benefit to Community: Peterson/Puritan, Inc. Case Study (2014) (PDF)
- Reuse Assessment: Peterson/Puritan, Inc.
- Superfund Site Profile Page
Picillo Farm
The 8-acre Picillo Farm Superfund site is in Coventry, Rhode Island. During the 1970s, a pig farm was on site. In 1977, farm owners allowed for the disposal of liquid chemical wastes, solid wastes and at least 10,000 drums of hazardous substances in several unlined trenches. These actions contaminated soil, surface water and groundwater with chemicals, including industrial solvents, pesticides, oils and paint sludges. In September 1977, regulatory agencies discovered the site after an on-site explosion and fire. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. Cleanup included removal of bulk wastes and buried drums, removal and off-site disposal of contaminated soils, treatment of onsite soils, groundwater extraction and treatment, surface drainage controls, fencing and institutional controls. Groundwater monitoring is ongoing. In 2016, a wind energy developer installed three wind turbines next to the site. One of the turbines is in the groundwater institutional control area. Power generated by the turbines is sold back to the grid.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
Rose Hill Regional Landfill
The Rose Hill Regional Landfill Superfund site is a former municipal landfill in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. From 1967 to 1983, South Kingstown leased the land for use as a domestic and industrial waste disposal facility. Improper disposal activities contaminated site groundwater, soils and three nearby private wells. Runoff contaminated nearby surface water bodies. EPA discovered the contamination in 1981. In 1983, the facility stopped operations and the operator graded and seeded the disposal areas. In 1989, EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL). Early investigations found landfill gases moving off site toward nearby homes. Cleanup activities included extending the municipal water supply to residences with contaminated wells, installing gas alarms for nearby residences and relocating one residence. Landfill cleanup activities include consolidating landfill areas, capping the landfill, installing a landfill gas destruction system, monitoring, and restricting groundwater use. EPA will determine the need for additional cleanup activities based on monitoring. A South Kingston transfer station for municipal wastes is located on part of the site. Surrounding land uses support a hunting preserve, a bird dog kennel and field training facilities, and a pet cemetery. The South Kingstown Town Council also authorized development of a solar photovoltaic energy farm on the property. The 4.7-megawatt solar farm was completed on the landfill caps in 2018.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA had data on 2 on-site businesses. EPA did not have further economic details related to these businesses. For additional information click here.
For more information:
- Site Redevelopment Profile: Rose Hill Regional Landfill Superfund Site (PDF)
- Superfund Site Profile Page
West Kingston Town Dump/URI Disposal Area
Two former dumping areas in South Kingston, Rhode Island, make up the 18-acre West Kingston Town Dump/ University of Rhode Island (URI) Disposal Area Superfund site. A gravel mine began operating on part of the site, the West Kingston Town Dump area, in the 1930s. From the late 1940s until 1975, a gravel mine also operated on site, at the URI Disposal Area. Starting in 1951, area towns and URI began disposing of unregulated waste on site. The dump closed in 1978. However, disposal continued until at least 1987. Starting in 1988, the State connected affected residential wells nearby to city water. A 1989 inspection found leaking drums next to the site. Drum contents contaminated subsurface soil and groundwater. EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in October 1992. For cleanup, the potentially responsible parties combined waste from both areas and capped it on site. In 2009 and 2011, EPA injected chemicals to help break down contaminants in the groundwater. Operation and maintenance activities and groundwater monitoring are ongoing. Residents and URI students use walking trails on site. Solar facilities were completed for the West Kingston Town Dump area and the URI Disposal Area and adjacent field in 2018. These facilities have a combined capacity of 4.6 megawatts.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. EPA did not have further economic details related to this business. For additional information click here.
For more information:
- Site Redevelopment Profile: West Kingston Town Dump/URI Disposal Area Superfund Site (PDF)
- Superfund Site Profile Page
Western Sand & Gravel
The Western Sand and Gravel Superfund site includes about 25 acres in a rural area on the boundary of Burrillville and North Smithfield, Rhode Island. From 1953 until 1975, a sand and gravel quarry operated on site. From 1975 to 1979, a waste disposal area operated on site. Operators disposed of wastes in unlined lagoons and pits. These waste handling practices resulted in contamination of soil and groundwater. EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. Cleanup included a groundwater recirculation system, an alternate water supply, restrictions on groundwater and land use, and monitoring of natural processes to clean up groundwater. Cleanup also included waste removal, capping of a 2-acre area and fencing of the 6-acre contaminated soil area. In 2001, Supreme Mid-Atlantic purchased the site property. In 2004, the company completed construction of a 20,000-square-foot truck-body assembly building and open space for truck parking. Supreme Mid-Atlantic conducted assembly, sales and service activities at the site until 2016, when it closed its Rhode Island operation. Doering Equipment Company bought the property in 2018. It operates a body shop for service and utility trucks on site.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 22 people and generated an estimated $4,380,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.
For more information: