Naval Station Newport Disposes of Snow into Narragansett Bay Amid Blizzard Aftermath

Following a significant blizzard on February 22, 2026, Naval Station Newport (NAVSTA Newport) and the General Dynamics Electric Boat facility in Quonset, Rhode Island, were authorized to dispose of snow into nearby waterways. This decision came after Rhode Island environmental regulators temporarily suspended permit requirements for snow disposal due to public safety concerns.

Snow Disposal at Naval Station Newport

On February 23, NAVSTA Newport dumped approximately 5,000 tons of untreated snow from Pier 2 into Narragansett Bay. According to a statement from Public Affairs Officer Bruce Katz, this action was “deemed mission-essential” for the station’s operations. [1]

Katz emphasized the installation commander and base operations’ commitment to environmental stewardship, stating they are working to balance operational needs with community and environmental responsibilities.

State Authorization and Public Safety Concerns

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) previously announced it would suspend the requirement for towns to obtain permits before disposing of snow in waterways, citing the large amounts of accumulated snow and the potential for public safety hazards. Joe Haberek, DEM administrator of surface water protection and water quality, explained the agency’s rationale.

“Someone could say we should never be allowing this,” Haberek said. “But we don’t aim for someone’s 90-year-ancient grandmother passing away because there was two feet of snow in the road and the ambulance couldn’t reach her house.”

Environmental Considerations and Monitoring

DEM acknowledged that snow can contain contaminants such as road salt, sand, litter, and other pollutants. While a permit isn’t currently required, local officials are expected to notify DEM of their disposal plans and visually inspect the snow to ensure it isn’t heavily contaminated. The agency is relying on municipalities to “self-verify” the snow’s condition.

As of March 3, 2026, Electric Boat and NAVSTA Newport were the only entities to submit snow disposal plans. [2]

Response from Environmental Advocates

Save the Bay’s director of advocacy, Jed Thorp, expressed understanding of the demand to prioritize public safety. He stated his organization believes most municipalities are seeking alternative locations for snow disposal and using waterways only as a last resort.

“We hope that most cities and towns will only do it when they’ve exhausted other options,” Thorp said.

DEM indicated that municipalities will be held accountable if contaminated snow is found to have been disposed of in local waterways.

About Naval Station Newport

Naval Station Newport, located in Newport and Middletown, Rhode Island, has a history dating back to 1881. [2] It is home to the Naval War College and the Naval Justice School. [3] As of 2022, the base encompasses 1,063 acres across Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, and Jamestown, Rhode Island.