Gould Island: Site History and Environmental Cleanup

Gould Island is a small, uninhabited island located in Narragansett Bay, sitting just west of Jamestown and east of Newport, RI.

The U.S. Navy acquired the island between 1918 and 1920 to test torpedo guidance and launch techniques. Operations peaked during World War II when Gould Island served as the Navy’s primary torpedo testing facility. In the 1950s, the Navy began outsourcing its torpedo production, and operations on the island were significantly reduced. Today, ownership of the island is divided. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard still own the northern tip and a few small parcels. However, between 1975 and 1989, roughly 39 acres in the center and south of the island were transferred to the state of Rhode Island. This state-owned land is now managed by the Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) as a designated bird sanctuary.

Current Environmental Investigations
Because of its military history, the state-owned bird sanctuary is eligible for environmental review under the Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) program.

Between 2018 and 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) tested the property to see if past military activities left behind chemicals that could harm people or the environment. We are currently analyzing that data to create a comprehensive health and ecological risk assessment.

What Happens Next?
Once the risk assessment is finalized, USACE will follow a step-by-step process to ensure the island is safe:

• Identify Risks: Determine exactly which areas pose an unacceptable risk to human health or wildlife.
• Study Alternatives (Feasibility Study): Evaluate different cleanup methods to address those risks.
• Propose a Plan: Recommend a specific cleanup strategy in a "Proposed Plan" that will be shared with the public.
• Public Comment Period: Hold a public meeting and a comment period so the community can ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed cleanup.
• Final Decision: Review all public comments, publish our responses (a "Responsiveness Summary"), and issue a final Record of Decision that outlines exactly what cleanup actions will be taken.

Get Involved
Community input is a vital part of this process. The Gould Island project has an active Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) that meets twice a year—every June and October. These meetings are a great opportunity to get updates on our progress and share your feedback.