HOUSTON – Union Pacific has released the final round of soil testing results from the area surrounding the former Houston Wood Preserving Works site in the city’s Fifth Ward, confirming no immediate health risk, consistent with previous findings.
READ: Latest sample results from Fifth Ward soil released
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The samples, collected under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency supervision and analyzed by independent laboratories, included 18 properties tested between Oct. 15 and Dec. 20, 2024. The testing followed a deadline extension requested by community members.
Of the most recent samples, 14 properties were below the EPA’s protective screening levels. Four properties exceeded those levels but did not reach thresholds considered an immediate health risk or requiring urgent action, according to the company.
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In total, 176 properties have now been tested. Results from 135 properties fell below EPA screening levels, while 41 properties tested above the screening levels but remained below levels that trigger immediate health concerns.
The EPA’s screening levels are conservative, designed to reflect daily, all-day exposure for children up to six years old. These benchmarks help determine whether additional investigation or intervention is warranted.
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The sampling effort, the most extensive in the site’s history, covered five geographic zones. Testing was conducted with permission from property owners who voluntarily granted access.
Union Pacific said results were mailed directly to property owners or their attorneys to maintain privacy.
READ: Elevated levels of toxic chemicals found in Houston’s Fifth Ward cancer cluster
The company said the next step is a health risk assessment, expected to be completed this summer. The assessment will provide a scientific evaluation of potential long-term health effects and guide any further action.