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

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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 and its predecessor, the Southern Pacific Transportation Company, have been investigating the nature and extent of this contamination, and the risk it poses to human health and the environment.

Soil and groundwater contamination within the Railyard properties mainly consists 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 believe 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.

Solvent vapors from contaminated groundwater can make their way up and into buildings. DEQ has concluded that vapor intrusion is not a problem in the River Road neighborhood. Vapor intrusion has potentially affected a small number of homes in the Trainsong neighborhood in the past. DEQ required that Union Pacific install vapor barriers beneath these homes. Currently vapor intrusion in the Trainsong neighborhood is not a problem.

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 in 2010.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has conducted several Public Health Consultations and Assessments related to the Union Pacific Eugene Railyard.  To access the DHS Eugene Railyard web site site, use their link in the Links Section below.

What's Happening Now

The Remedial Investigation (RI) phase of the project is now complete. DEQ is currently reviewing an updated Human Health Risk Assessment Summary report. Union Pacific will implement a Feasibility Study Monitoring Plan in 2010, which will include limited monitoring of groundwater and soil gas throughout the FS phase of the project. DEQ and DHS issued a fact sheet in January 2010 describing the results of the vapor intrusion evaluations in the Trainsong neighborhood.  DHS has updated its Health Consultation for the Trainsong neighborhood in relation to the vapor intrusion issue. Union Pacific is preparing a Feasibility Study Work Plan to guide the process, which DEQ will review.  You can view both the fact sheet and health consultation report by going to the Vapor Intrusion page of this web site.

For more detailed information on the Eugene Railyard project, please check the Sections listed below.
 

Current Documents and Supporting Information

Sections within this Web Site
DEQ Environmental Cleanup Process
Project History
Vapor Intrusion into Neighborhood Areas
Groundwater Contamination
Groundwater Cleanup Activities
Soil Vapor Extraction Pilot Test
Risk Assessment
Feasibility Study

Fact Sheets and Related Documents
The following are Fact Sheets previously issued by the DEQ for the Eugene Railyard project:

• Safety of Homegrown Produce Irrigated with Groundwater Near the Eugene Railyard PDF
• Eugene Railyard 2007 Update PDF
• Eugene Railyard 2007 Update - Spanish Version PDF
• Public Health Assessment (Oregon Public Health Division, May 2007) PDF 3MB

Links
Department of Human Services Eugene Railyard web site
 

  

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