EPA Says Results Show No Immediate Risk to Human Health
OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 27, 2025 – Soil testing results from the first round of residential sampling in Houston’s Fifth Ward show no immediate risk to human health, according to data collected under the supervision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and analyzed by independent laboratories. These results are part of the most extensive soil testing conducted near the former Houston Wood Preserving Works (HWPW) site.
“This soil testing effort reflects Union Pacific’s commitment to working alongside the community, and we appreciate every resident and property owner who participated. We know people have been seeking clarity, and these initial results provide valuable information to help guide next steps,” said Union Pacific Community Liaison Toni Harrison. “We remain committed to sharing timely, accurate updates and will continue working closely with the EPA and local leaders to keep the community informed throughout this process.”
This first residential round of testing involved 26 properties, including residential and church properties, and a City of Houston parcel.
- Eighteen properties showed no detections above EPA’s protective screening levels.
- Eight properties had chemical detections above EPA screening levels, but below the threshold requiring immediate action and do not establish immediate health risks.
The EPA’s protective screening level assumes a child is exposed to the property 24/7 up to six years of age. Dioxins and other chemicals that were sampled are commonly found in densely populated areas with a history of industrial activity and derive from a large variety of sources. It is premature to identify a source before the entire testing and evaluation process is completed.
The EPA and Union Pacific are directly notifying property owners to share detailed individual test results. To maintain resident and property owner privacy, individual results will not be publicly disclosed.
The soil sampling effort included five testing zones, with more than 2,000 samples collected. Additional results are scheduled for release in phases between now and the end of April. A comprehensive human health risk assessment will be conducted and provided to residents in mid-2025. It will help identify potential health concerns by specific location and determine any next steps.
Working under state and federal oversight, Union Pacific has been actively engaged in remediation efforts since acquiring the former HWPW site in a 1997 merger with Southern Pacific. Previous testing has consistently found no pathways of exposure to the community.
For more information on the HWPW site and Union Pacific’s ongoing remediation efforts, visit www.houstonwoodpreservingworks.com.
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Union Pacific Media Contact:
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