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EPA updates residents on cancer cluster
Fifth Ward residents impacted by the deadly cancer cluster in their neighborhood learned about what's next to address the neighborhood concerns. They were updated on efforts made to clean up the toxic chemicals. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle reports on what was discussed.
HOUSTON - Residents of the Fifth Ward community, heavily impacted by a concerning cancer cluster, recently received updates on the proactive measures taken to address their concerns at their Multi-Service Center Tuesday night.
On Nov. 8, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will start a comprehensive three-part investigation aimed at understanding and mitigating the presence of toxic chemicals in the area. The EPA held a meeting to ensure that residents were well-informed about the upcoming actions.
Casey Luckett, the EPA project manager overseeing this effort, expressed the agency's commitment to the well-being of the community. "EPA is committed to this community in tracking and finding contamination from the former site and taking action needed to protect people's health," Luckett said. "We have to have information and data to take that action."
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Luckett presented information vapor intrusion, a process through which volatile chemicals in soil and groundwater can enter and accumulate inside buildings. Volatile chemicals, which easily evaporate into the air, include substances like gasoline.
The EPA's phased testing approach, similar to what was done in 2020 by Union Pacific, involves collecting samples from various sources, including soil gas, air, groundwater, sewer systems, and storm drains.
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The initial phase of the investigation focuses on 342 properties located near the creosote site. Property owners will receive the data results from the testing. Additionally, residents directly impacted by the cancer cluster, as identified in previous studies by the State Health Department, were present at the meeting. They emphasized the importance of staying informed throughout the investigative process. Residents will also need to grant the EPA access to their properties for soil sample collection.
Several residents voiced their concerns during the meeting, stressing the need for regular updates from officials. Keith Downey, the president of the Kashmere Gardens Super Neighborhood Council, highlighted the digital divide within the community, stating, "Keep us informed. A lot of people don't have WiFi in our community. It's very important that the EPA communicates to the community leaders and the community on a regular basis."
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Luckett assured the community that communication would be a priority throughout the investigation, both through on-site interactions and on various social media platforms.
This extensive investigation is expected to continue through the summer of 2024. At that point, the EPA will have gathered enough information to determine whether a cleanup is necessary to mitigate risks to public health.