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 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

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Union Pacific Railyard Cleanup, Eugene - Risk Assessment

An initial Baseline Human Health Risk Assessment was completed in January 2006. The risk assessment identifies areas of the Railyard where contamination levels exceed DEQ’s cleanup standards for exposures to people. The risk assessment included an evaluation of the use of groundwater in the Trainsong and River Road neighborhoods, and the associated risks. The risks associated with residential groundwater use have also been addressed in several subsequent evaluations. In October 2010 DEQ approved all of the elements of the Human Health Risk Assessment for the site. The October 6, 2010 DEQ approval memorandum (below) summarizes the risk assessment process and DEQ’s review process. The results of the Human Health Risk Assessment identify parts of the site and affected areas that need some kind of remedy or cleanup. Remedial actions will be developed in a Feasibility to address areas of the site and neighboring areas where there are current or possible future risks above DEQ’s cleanup standards.

DEQ also required that UPRR evaluate the impacts the site may have on ecological receptors such as plants and animals on and near the rail yard. Initial ecological risk assessment activities were conducted at the Rail Yard in 2002, but were never completed. DEQ required a re-evaluation of the ecological risk assessment in 2010. On January 11, 2011 DEQ approved the final Ecological Risk Assessment Addendum report (ERA), which concludes the ecological risk assessment that is required under DEQ’s rules. The ERA did not identify any unacceptable risks for wildlife, invertebrates or plants potentially exposed to site-related chemicals. This included an on-site assessment, as well as an evaluation of possible impacts to the River Road pond system. A link to the ERA report is given below.

For more information about DEQ's Land Quality programs, visit the DEQ contact page.

For more information about DEQ's Land Quality Division call 503-229-5696 .

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Headquarters: 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204-1390
Phone: 503-229-5696 or toll free in Oregon 1-800-452-4011
Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900  FAX: 503-229-6124

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is a regulatory agency authorized to protect Oregon's environment by
the State of Oregon and the Environmental Protection Agency.

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