Coal terminals in the southeast are located near low-income predominantly black neighborhoods in Newport news. Residents have complained of air pollution for over 30 years. These conditions have been affecting the communities since the terminals opened in 1980. Lambert's point NF’s coal terminal and the communities surrounding it experience similar conditions. 

Physical illnesses derived from air pollution are prevalent in these communities, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

Quality of life is also severely affected. Property is stained black over time reducing value. The cost of overtaxed air filters as well as the cost of drying machines and their operations, as air drying isn't possible, add to an already stressed budget for many of the residents. 

While wet suppression systems have been implemented rail cars are still allowed to travel uncovered and the wet suppression itself only limits 80% of the coal dust the rest of which deposits in the surrounding comedies.