EPA Chief visits Houston to address cancer clusters in Fifth Ward

For decades neighbors in Houston's Fifth Ward have complained about the alarming rate of cancer deaths in the area. The deaths have been traced back to the old Union Pacific rail yard located near the intersection of Liberty Rd and Lockwood Drive. Environmental Protection Agency Chief Michael Regan met with residents and says the federal government is committed to cleaning up the area. He said the Biden administration wants to get this right.

Texas sets date for Union Pacific to clean up Fifth Ward site

Union Pacific has now until August 31, 2020 to collect additional environmental data and come up with a cleanup plan. The railroad company will also be required to provide interim reports in the spring and summer, throughout their data-collection process.  

Houston Fifth Ward residents want answers on cancer cluster

Last year, a study conducted by the Texas State Dept. of Health Services found higher than normal instances of cancer near the Kashmere Gardens neighborhood. The cancer clusters were associated with a former creosote facility, owned by Union Pacific.