Union Pacific continues sharing findings to provide clear answers to the community
The first round of Fifth Ward soil test results have been shared with property owners, providing key data on environmental conditions in Zone 1a near the former Houston Wood Preserving Works site. Over the past year, Union Pacific collected more than 2,000 soil samples from participating properties across five zones to test for the presence of chemicals. These samples are being compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) protective screening levels and will be used to conduct a human health risk assessment.
The Zone 1a results (City and County properties) show nearly all detected chemicals are below the EPA’s protective screening levels, which were developed to protect the most sensitive populations who are assumed to live at the sample locations throughout their lifetime. Additional EPA testing at Julia C. Hester House will focus on dioxins, which are commonly found in densely populated areas with a history of industrial activity.
We remain committed to transparent communication with the community. As part of this process, we are working closely with the EPA and local officials to provide clear, science-based information. As more test results are released in the coming months, we will continue to share updates, listen to and engage with the community.