News Releases
Environment
Union Pacific Railroad Welcomes EPA Letter of General Notice
Omaha, Neb., January 31, 2023
At the request of Union Pacific and our community partners, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a general notice letter outlining a path toward future activities at the former Houston Wood Preserving Works (HWPW) site.
Union Pacific voluntarily sought action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), which is commonly linked to “Superfund” sites. The EPA takes the lead at those sites, identifying responsible parties and often taking direct action to clean up the site.
That is not the case at the former HWPW site, where Union Pacific has taken responsibility and conducted remediation for decades. Instead, the EPA's use of CERCLA will enable Union Pacific to take actions more quickly – actions needed to inform and empower all stakeholders. Work at the former HWPW site has been and will continue to be performed at Union Pacific’s expense – not the taxpayer.
“Union Pacific is grateful to the EPA and welcomes this step to collaboratively develop solutions with our community partners, under the EPA’s guidance, for the long-term benefit of the neighborhood,” said Clint Schelbitzki, assistant vice president – Public Affairs.
Since acquiring the property, Union Pacific has:
- Installed over 120 wells at the site and in neighboring Fifth Ward.
- Pumped and removed creosote from wells on and off site.
- Capped a significant amount of creosote contaminated soil on the site.
- Monitored groundwater to understand and address the extent of contamination.
For more information about the former Houston Wood Preserving Works site, visit: https://www.houstonwoodpreservingworks.com/.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.
The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.
Media Contact
Kristen South
402-544-3435
kmsouth@up.com
@ksouth14