EPA Finds Cancer-causing Chemicals In Greater 5th Ward

Good Friday is known as a “slow news day” in media circles, but the Union Pacific chose that day to publicize the first phase of EPA testing near the railroad’s yard in Greater Fifth Ward/ Kashmere Gardens. The testing was prompted by continued presence of chemicals from old creosote operations on the railroad property and sampling last year by the Houston Health Department that found Dioxin in the neighborhood next to the rail yard. 

The results: Sampling has found nine chemicals that exceeded EPA screening levels:

• 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene

• 1,4-Dichlorobenzene

• Benzene

• Bromodichloromethane

• Chloroform

• Ethylbenzene

• Naphthalene

• Xylenes, total

• n-Nonane

Significantly, five of the chemicals found are related to creosote.  At least three have been linked to cancer. Most of the chemicals were found as vapors in the soil, but they were also found in monitoring wells, and both sanitary and storm sewers. 

The chemicals were found in 17 sites or one-third of the 51 locations where samples have been completed by the lab so far.  The lab still needs to complete 66 more site samples, meaning that there may be more evidence of exposure to come.  

Initial sampling areas shown in blue.

What’s Next? The EPA says it will do another round of testing during the warmer summer months, when the heat may increase vapor releases, and perform its analysis in the fall.

The results of the testing will be important for the future of the community.  The Houston City Council has already allocated up to $2 million to relocate residents of the neighborhood based on the level of contamination that is determined.  Additionally, the level of contamination will also help define the extent of the cleanup that the railroad will be required to perform at the site.