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The Environmental Protection Agency announced an agreement to oversee the testing and evaluation of a contaminated rail yard in Northeast Houston. Higher-than-average cancer rates have been confirmed in the area. The rail yard was used decades prior to treat wooden railroad ties and has since seeped into the soil and groundwater.
According to the agreement with the EPA, Union Pacific is required to conduct and pay for testing both on-site and in the community.
Earthea Nance, EPA Regional Administrator, stated in a press release, “Houston’s Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens neighborhoods have experienced generations of harm. Today’s action represents a major step forward for people living in this area. We intend to use every tool at our disposal for this community.”