Union Pacific, EPA will begin soil testing at various locations in Fifth Ward

HOUSTON – On Wednesday, Union Pacific will start the process of testing soil surrounding the former Houston Wood Preserving site in Fifth Ward.

PREVIOUS: Soil sampling tests in Fifth Ward postponed after deadly windstorm |

KPRC 2 has been covering the cancer clusters in the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens area extensively over the past few years. We will also have the opportunity to watch crews sample the soil at Boyce Dorian Park and speak with a project manager who will explain how the process works.

It’s a big step forward for several people who’ve been asking for help and pushing for transparency. A lot of people in fifth ward developed cancer and some of whom have passed away.

RELATED: EPA meets with residents in Houston’s Fifth Ward cancer cluster

Crews will use hand augers, shovels, and spoons to collect soil samples from depths ranging from ground level to 12 inches below the surface. Sampling will take place on the HWPW site and across five designated zones determined by the EPA which include homes, schools, parks, and recreation centers.

The testing will provide valuable insights into the extent of contamination, both associated and unrelated to past activities at the site. Results from soil sampling and recent vapor intrusion testing will be used to conduct a health risk assessment, which will help determine the next steps.

RELATED: Cancer Clusters: New developments continue to pop up in Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens despite contamination concerns

KPRC 2 has been covering the fifth ward cancer cluster for years. It has affected hundreds of families.

“It’s been going on for so long. I want to trust the city but it’s hard to trust anyone,” LaTonya Payne said.

MORE: ‘They don’t care about us:’ Houston cancer cluster residents feel ignored as they battle rail giant

“Don’t nobody care about us because we black and Hispanic, if it was River oaks, they would have done something,” Barbara Mouton said.

The EPA will host open hours from 4:30-6:30 in the Fifth Ward Multi service center. The community is welcome to drop by to meet with EPA and ask any questions.

KPRC2′S Rilwan Balogun will have updates throughout the day and live report on KPRC2.

SEE MORE:

• Fifth Ward residents living in cancer cluster call out Mayor, state senators over campaign contributions from Union Pacific
• Fifth Ward residents still pleading for action on cancer cluster found in neighborhood
• EPA chief visits Fifth Ward neighborhood where cancer cluster identified
• Family sues Union Pacific, City of Houston over teen’s cancer death
• ‘People have already died’: In Houston, residents demand relief from chronic pollution during EPA chief’s visit
• Cancer cluster found in Fifth Ward, Kashmere Gardens
• State health report finds alarming rate of cancer diagnosis among children in 5th ward
• Fifth Ward residents demand answers from Union Pacific Railroad about cancer cluster found in neighborhood
• Residents in 5th Ward, Kashmere Gardens to discuss contamination concerns in water, soil and air
• Residents fight for environmental justice in Houston neighborhoods dealing with hazardous sites and air pollution
• Elevated levels of toxic chemicals found in Houston’s Fifth Ward cancer cluster