Test Results will be used for a Health Risk Assessment expected this summer
HOUSTON, May 5, 2025 – Union Pacific released the final round of results from the most extensive testing ever conducted in the area surrounding the former Houston Wood Preserving Works site (HWPW) in Houston’s Fifth Ward. The soil samples, collected under the supervision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and analyzed by independent laboratories, consistently indicate no immediate health risk.
The final round included 18 properties sampled between October 15 and December 20, 2024, following a deadline extension granted in response to community requests.
- Results from 14 properties are below EPA’s protective screening levels.
- Results from four properties are above EPA screening levels but below the thresholds that pose an immediate health risk or require urgent action.
The addition of this last round brings the total number of properties tested to 176.
- Results from 135 properties are below EPA’s protective screening levels.
- Results from 41 properties are above EPA screening levels but below the thresholds that pose an immediate health risk or require urgent action.
The EPA screening levels used are intentionally conservative, based on a child’s exposure every day and all day over the first six years of life. These benchmarks help determine if additional evaluation or action is needed.
The soil sampling effort spanned five geographic zones from property owners who voluntarily granted access and conducted under EPA supervision. The company spent more than a year engaged in community outreach efforts to encourage participation. Test results were mailed directly to each owner – or their attorney of record – to maintain resident and property owner privacy.
“We appreciate the residents and property owners who participated in this sampling effort to help us reach this important milestone,” said Toni Harrison, Union Pacific spokesperson and community liaison. “We’ve prioritized transparency and collaboration throughout the process.”
The next step is a health risk assessment, which will provide a scientific evaluation of potential long-term health concerns and help determine appropriate next steps, if any. The assessment is expected to be completed this summer.
Union Pacific inherited HWPW through a 1997 merger with Southern Pacific. For more than 20 years, the company has conducted continuous testing and remediation under the oversight of the EPA, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), City of Houston and Harris County. Previous testing, including soil, groundwater, vapor, storm and sanitary sewer sampling, has consistently found no exposure pathways from the HWPW site to neighboring properties.
For more details on the HWPW site and Union Pacific’s ongoing remediation efforts, visit visit www.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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