Newport Dump is a 39-acre landfill in Wilder, Kentucky, that accepted residential and commercial waste from the City of Newport from the late 1940s through 1979. The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) added it to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983 because of contamination in groundwater, leachate, soil, and surface water. The site was deleted from the NPL in 1996 after cleanup goals were met.
EPA identified eight contaminants of concern at the site. They are arsenic, barium, benzo[a]pyrene, chromium, nickel, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and toluene. All eight have been detected in groundwater, leachate, surface water, and soil.
Cleanup work started in 1980 when responsible parties installed a leachate collection system, capped the landfill, and replanted vegetation. EPA issued a formal cleanup plan in 1987 that added surface regrading, a new drainage culvert, gas monitoring wells, and institutional controls. A 1995 update confirmed the new culvert was in place and decided against restarting the leachate collection system. Operation and maintenance activities are expected to continue through November 2028. The responsible parties continue to fund monitoring and maintenance.
As of EPA's most recent Five-Year Review, completed in September 2022, human exposure is under control. Contaminated groundwater migration is stabilized, and there is no unacceptable discharge to surface water. The landfill cap is well maintained. Institutional controls, including zoning restrictions, are in place to prevent residential development and other land uses that would be incompatible with remaining contamination levels. The site achieved "sitewide ready for anticipated reuse" status in December 2009 and could support industrial development. The next Five-Year Review is scheduled between August and October 2027.
EPA involves the community through public meetings, interviews, and public notices about cleanup progress. A public information repository is maintained at the Campbell County Library in Newport. Residents with questions can contact the Community Involvement Coordinator or the Remedial Project Manager.
