Virginia is among the top 20 states by number of active Superfund sites. The EPA’s National Priorities List currently includes 29 active NPL sites in Virginia, with 35 total entries when proposed and deleted sites are included. The most hazardous site has an HRS score of 70.71 out of a maximum of 100. 6 sites have been cleaned up and removed from the list. The interactive map below shows all NPL sites in Virginia – click any marker for site details, HRS score, and a link to the EPA’s site profile.
Superfund Statistics for Virginia
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Active NPL Sites | 29 |
| Deleted (cleaned up) | 6 |
| Total NPL Entries | 35 |
| Highest HRS Score | 70.71 |
| Average HRS Score (active) | 51.4 |
| EPA Region | Region 3 |
Highest-Risk Superfund Sites in Virginia
The table below lists the active NPL sites in Virginia sorted by Hazard Ranking System (HRS) score. The HRS is a 0-100 scale used by the EPA to assess the potential threat to human health and the environment. Sites scoring 28.50 or above qualify for NPL listing.
| Site Name | City / County | HRS Score | EPA ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Former Nansemond Ordnance Depot | Suffolk, Suffolk | 70.71 | VAD123933426 |
| Greenwood Chemical Co. | Newtown, Albemarle | 53.17 | VAD003125374 |
| Naval Surface Warfare – Dahlgren | Dahlgren, King George | 50.03 | VA7170024684 |
| Norfolk Naval Base (Sewells Point Naval Complex) | Norfolk, Norfolk | 50.00 | VA6170061463 |
| Fort Eustis (US Army) | Newport News, Newport News | 50.00 | VA6210020321 |
| Naval Weapons Station – Yorktown | Yorktown, York | 50.00 | VA8170024170 |
| Langley Air Force Base/NASA Langley Research Center | Hampton, Hampton | 50.00 | VA2800005033 |
| Marine Corps Combat Development Command | Quantico, Prince William | 50.00 | VA1170024722 |
| St. Juliens Creek Annex (U.S. Navy) | Chesapeake, Chesapeake | 50.00 | VA5170000181 |
| Hidden Lane Landfill | Sterling, Loudoun | 50.00 | VAD980829030 |
| Kim-Stan Landfill | Selma, Alleghany | 50.00 | VAD077923449 |
| Norfolk Naval Shipyard | Portsmouth, Portsmouth | 50.00 | VA1170024813 |
| Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek | Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach | 50.00 | VA5170022482 |
| Naval Weapons Station Yorktown – Cheatham Annex | Williamsburg, York | 49.27 | VA3170024605 |
| Peck Iron and Metal | Portsmouth, Portsmouth | 48.52 | VAN000306115 |
Superfund Cleanup Progress in Virginia
Virginia has made measurable progress on Superfund cleanup: 6 sites have been fully remediated and removed from the National Priorities List. The remaining 29 active sites are at various stages of investigation and cleanup. EPA cleanup timelines vary widely depending on contamination type, site complexity, and the availability of responsible parties to fund remediation.
About the Superfund Program in EPA Region 3
The Superfund program, formally known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), gives the EPA authority to clean up contaminated sites that pose risks to public health or the environment. Sites are assessed using the Hazard Ranking System (HRS) – a score of 28.50 or above triggers NPL listing and formal cleanup proceedings. Virginia falls under EPA Region 3, which coordinates Superfund investigations, cleanups, and community engagement for the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Superfund sites are in Virginia?
Virginia has 29 active sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Including sites that have been cleaned up and removed, the total NPL count for Virginia is 35.
What is the most contaminated Superfund site in Virginia?
Based on HRS score, the highest-risk active Superfund site in Virginia is Former Nansemond Ordnance Depot near Suffolk, with an HRS score of 70.71. The HRS score reflects the site’s potential to harm human health or the environment through groundwater, surface water, soil, or air pathways.
How does the EPA decide which sites go on the Superfund list?
The EPA uses the Hazard Ranking System to score sites based on the likelihood of a release, the characteristics of the waste, and the people or environments that could be affected. Sites scoring 28.50 or higher are eligible for the National Priorities List. Once listed, sites become eligible for federally funded cleanup or enforcement against responsible parties under CERCLA.
Superfund Sites in Nearby States
Explore Superfund data for states bordering Virginia: Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia. For a national overview, see the US Superfund Sites map.
