Houston Cancer Cluster: Union Pacific to Test Soil in 5th District

HOUSTON — Union Pacific is set to begin soil testing in Houston’s 5th Ward Wednesday morning, years after health officials identified a cancer hotspot in the area.

This occurs near a rail yard on Liberty Road, where a wood preservative called creosote was used until 1984.

After some weather delays, Union Pacific announced it would finally begin testing for contamination in the area. This comes after the Environmental Protection Agency conducted vapor testing in the area after it was identified as a cancer hotbed. The EPA said several samples collected showed excessive levels of chemicals, including some related to creosote.

Union Pacific crews will work under the direct supervision of the EPA as they collect samples from ground level to 12 inches below the surface.

Company officials said the tests will help them understand the extent of the contamination and determine what action to take next.

Dozens of neighbors in the 5th arrondissement have been waiting for this kind of information for a long time.