Toxic Legacy: Soil Contamination and Community Impact in Houston’s Fifth Ward

In May 2025, Union Pacific Railroad released long-awaited soil test results from Houston's Fifth Ward, confirming widespread contamination in a historically underserved community. Roughly one in four tested properties showed toxin levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) screening thresholds. This revelation intensified concerns that had simmered for years about the health implications of creosote, a chemical used in wood preservation at a former rail yard. As residents continue to raise questions about their safety and demand accountability, this development marks a crucial turning point in the fight for environmental justice in the Fifth Ward.

Houston’s Fifth Ward, a predominantly Black and Latino neighborhood, has long been burdened by environmental hazards, most notably from the operations of a former Southern Pacific (now Union Pacific) rail yard. For decades, this site was used to treat wooden railroad ties with creosote, a tar-based preservative known for its carcinogenic properties. While operations ceased in 1984, lingering contamination beneath the surface has posed ongoing risks to the community.

Residents have reported elevated cancer rates, prompting local activists and environmental groups to push for investigations into the connection between the former rail yard and health issues in the area. In 2019, the Texas Department of State Health Services identified a cancer cluster in the Fifth Ward, but questions remained about the full scope of exposure and long-term consequences. Union Pacific had previously acknowledged the presence of contamination but had not provided a comprehensive assessment until now. The release of the latest soil test results is the culmination of years of community demands for transparency and action, reflecting a broader narrative of environmental neglect in marginalized communities across the U.S.

The soil testing conducted by Union Pacific in Houston’s Fifth Ward revealed troubling levels of toxic contamination. According to the report released in May 2025, approximately 25% of the 100 properties sampled exceeded the EPA’s recommended screening levels for hazardous substances. The tests identified several pollutants, with creosote-related compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) being the most prominent. These chemicals are known to persist in the environment and have been linked to various health issues, including respiratory ailments and cancers.

Contamination was not limited to isolated hotspots; it appeared in residential yards, vacant lots, and even areas near schools and community centers. Experts noted that the results indicated a significant risk of long-term exposure, particularly through soil contact and groundwater infiltration. Union Pacific’s testing effort, prompted by persistent community pressure and oversight from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), is now being used as a basis for further risk assessments. The findings have reignited fears among residents who feel their concerns were ignored for decades, even as their families experienced disproportionately high rates of illness. These results lay the groundwork for possible remediation and legal challenges ahead.

The release of soil test results has intensified scrutiny of the health risks facing Fifth Ward residents. Creosote, a substance classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA, contains compounds such as benzo[a]pyrene, which are known to cause cancer after prolonged exposure. The presence of these contaminants in residential areas raises fears about increased risks of skin, lung, and bladder cancers, especially among children and older adults who are more vulnerable to environmental toxins.

Community members have long pointed to elevated cancer rates and chronic respiratory conditions in the neighborhood as possible consequences of exposure. A 2019 study by the Texas Department of State Health Services supported these concerns by identifying a statistically significant cancer cluster, but the root cause remained officially inconclusive until now. In addition to the health impacts, the environmental degradation has eroded trust in regulatory bodies and fueled frustration over perceived inaction.

Environmental experts warn that the full impact may not yet be visible, as the toxins can leach into groundwater or become airborne during dry conditions. They stress the need for ongoing monitoring, public health interventions, and soil remediation to protect current and future residents from the enduring consequences of this toxic legacy.

Union Pacific has acknowledged the contamination but emphasized that it is cooperating with local and federal authorities to address the issue. Following the release of the soil test results, the company committed to supporting a comprehensive health-risk assessment scheduled for later in 2025. This study, conducted in collaboration with the EPA and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), aims to evaluate the potential health implications and inform any necessary remediation efforts.

However, critics argue that Union Pacific’s response has been slow and insufficient, given the decades of pollution and its documented health impacts. Advocacy groups are calling for more aggressive cleanup plans, financial compensation for affected residents, and a transparent timeline for action. Meanwhile, local officials, including members of Houston’s city council, have urged both state and federal agencies to apply stricter oversight and ensure that remediation is prioritized for the most affected zones.

Community members and advocacy groups in Houston’s Fifth Ward are not waiting passively for government or corporate action. Organizations such as IMPACT Fifth Ward and local environmental justice coalitions have amplified calls for transparency, relocation support, and full-scale cleanup. Their efforts have led to increased media attention and pressure on elected officials to prioritize the neighborhood’s needs in upcoming policy decisions.

Looking ahead, the Fifth Ward may serve as a critical case study in the broader national conversation about environmental justice. Advocates are urging federal agencies to use this incident to reinforce policies that prevent industrial pollution in marginalized communities. Many residents continue to call for reparative justice, including health care access and long-term monitoring.

While the soil test results validate long-held concerns, they also underscore the urgent need for coordinated action. Without sustained oversight and investment, the community risks becoming yet another example of how environmental neglect perpetuates inequality.