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EPA Orders Union Pacific to Assess Contamination in Houston’s Greater Fifth Ward Neighborhood
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) to investigate potential contamination in and around the former wood preserving facility in the Greater Fifth Ward area of Houston, Texas. UPRR will conduct the investigation and evaluation, and EPA will oversee their work. The field work is expected to begin in early Spring 2023. The statement of work requires UPRR to conduct several actions, including on- and off-site soil sampling, vapor intrusion investigation at potentially affected residences, evaluating the off-site storm sewer system for potential contamination associated with the site, developing a proposal supporting EPA’s community involvement plan for the site, and conducting a risk evaluation. The results of the investigation will inform the next steps for engagement at and around the site. Additional ongoing investigation and cleanup of the UPRR property is being conducted by UPRR under a TCEQ Industrial and Hazardous Waste Permit.
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