Union Pacific Railyard Cleanup, Eugene

Environmental Cleanup Site Information Number (ECSI):   312
County:  Lane
City:  Eugene
Region: Western  

Contact Information

Project Manager:  Don Hanson
Phone: 541-687-7349
E-mail: 

Site Summary

Railroad operations that began over 100 years ago at the Eugene Railyard have resulted in environmental contamination from hazardous substances. Under DEQ's oversight, Union Pacific investigated the nature and extent of this contamination, and the risk it poses to human health and the environment.

Soil and groundwater contamination on the Railyard consists mainly of petroleum hydrocarbons, industrial solvents, and metals. Outside the Railyard, low levels of solvents are found in groundwater underlying portions of the adjacent Trainsong and River Road neighborhoods. DEQ and Oregon Public Health Division have concluded that well water in the River Road and Trainsong neighborhoods is safe for outdoor uses, including irrigation, washing, and filling of outdoor swimming pools. All homes in these neighborhoods are connected to the municipal water supply, making indoor tap water safe to drink.

Union Pacific has conducted significant groundwater cleanup on the Railyard, beginning in 2005. Union Pacific and DEQ will evaluate final remedial alternatives in a Feasibility Study, which should be completed in 2012.

Solvent vapors from contaminated groundwater can make their way up and into buildings. DEQ has concluded that vapor intrusion is not a threat in the River Road neighborhood. Vapor intrusion previously affected a small number of homes in the Trainsong neighborhood. The groundwater cleanup on the rail yard has helped to reduce the levels of solvent vapors, and currently vapor intrusion in the Trainsong neighborhood is not a threat.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has conducted several Public Health Consultations and Assessments related to the Union Pacific Eugene Railyard. DHS has concluded that chemicals on the rail yard do not present a health hazard to River Road or Trainsong residents.

What's Happening Now

DEQ has begun evaluating options for a final remedial action to address contamination that may pose a health threat to workers on the rail yard, and to ensure that nearby residents are not exposed to chemicals in the groundwater above regulatory levels. DEQ will ask for public comments on its proposed final remedial action plan in 2012.

Do You Have a Water Well on Your Property?
Are you a well owner or well water user in River Road or Trainsong? A key element of this project is understanding how River Road and Trainsong neighbors use well water, because the groundwater in some areas does contain low levels of contamination that could be unsafe for some uses. Some homes in these neighborhoods have wells that are used for irrigation. Currently DEQ believes that all residents in these areas use city water (EWEB) for their household water supply. If you have a well that you use, or are thinking of using for irrigation or other uses, please refer to the Groundwater Use Map to see recommendations DEQ has for using your well water safely.

For Trainsong Neighbors

• Trainsong Fast Facts
• Trainsong Neighborhood Meeting August 2011

For River Road Neighbors

• River Road Fast Facts
• River Road Neighborhood Meeting July 2011

Background

DEQ Environmental Cleanup Process Project History Vapor Intrusion into Neighborhood Areas

Groundwater Contamination Groundwater Cleanup Activities Risk Assessment Feasibility Study

Project Update, July 2011 Safety of Homegrown Produce Irrigated with Groundwater Near the Eugene Railyard

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