Background Soil Samples Reveal No Harmful Chemical Levels
OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 7, 2024 – Union Pacific will join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at a Nov. 7 community meeting from 6-8 p.m. at the Carl Walker Junior Community Center to share results from recent background soil testing. An independent laboratory analysis revealed the detected chemical levels do not pose a risk to people’s health.
To provide a baseline comparison, background samples were collected from 20 city, county and school-owned properties located away from potential contamination associated with the former Houston Wood Preserving Works (HWPW) site. The samples were analyzed for the presence of chemicals typically associated with creosote, the product used at the former HWPW site. This sampling provides greater insight into general environmental conditions and will serve as a comparison for soil samples collected from areas on and near the former HWPW site.
To date, several testing efforts have been completed:
- Background soil sampling.
- Cold weather vapor intrusion testing.
- Warm weather vapor intrusion testing.
All results will be part of the comprehensive human health risk assessment, which will be completed after soil sampling at properties near the former HWPW site concludes. This comprehensive testing initiative, the most extensive ever conducted in the Fifth Ward, underscores Union Pacific’s commitment to safeguarding residents’ health and well-being.
“We recognize how important this testing is to the Fifth Ward, and we are focused on making the process and findings accessible and clear as we work with the EPA to share the results,” said Toni Harrison, spokesperson and community liaison for Union Pacific. “The results will be key to the upcoming health risk assessment and guiding next steps in the neighborhood.”
The last day for residential soil sampling is Nov. 15, and those results will also be part of the health risk assessment. Union Pacific conducted a door-to-door campaign and social media outreach to inform residents about the deadline and encourage them to sign the access agreements. Properties without signed agreements will not be assessed for harmful chemicals.
Working under state and federal oversight, Union Pacific has been actively engaged in cleanup and remediation efforts since acquiring the former HWPW site in a 1997 merger with Southern Pacific. Previous testing has consistently shown no pathways of exposure to the community.
For more information on the HWPW site and Union Pacific’s ongoing remediation efforts, visit houstonwoodpreservingworks.com.
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.
Union Pacific Media Contact: Robynn Tysver at 402-544-6037 or [email protected]
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