Months after toxins detected, recent soil tests at Fifth Ward community center return safe levels
The Environmental Protection Agency conducted additional testing on plots of the greenspace situated behind the Julia C. Hester House after previous samples revealed levels of dioxin, a highly toxic chemical compound, that exceeded the EPA's screening levels for children. Some nearby residents expressed skepticism about the latest testing results.
EPA releasing soil testing results for Houston’s Fifth Ward as part of contamination investigation
This Wednesday through Saturday, the EPA will be holding “open office hours” for residents to discuss the soil testing results from their private properties, which are being sent to them by mail.
Dioxin levels in soil near Fifth Ward community center exceed levels safe for children, EPA says
The discovery is part of an ongoing investigation into contamination linked to the Union Pacific railyard, which is contaminated with creosote — a likely human carcinogen — that resulted in the Kashmere Gardens community being deemed a cancer cluster in 2019.
Uncertainty at EPA causes concerns about cancer cluster investigation in Houston
In 2023, the EPA directed Union Pacific Railroad to begin conducting investigations throughout the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens area to detect the presence of harmful chemicals in the soil of nearby homes and businesses.
Houston’s Fifth Ward soil testing deadline extended until Saturday
The contaminated railyard has been the source of contention for years after creosote, a likely human carcinogen, was discovered in nearby groundwater. Fifth Ward residents have repeatedly raised questions about abnormally high cancer rates in the area.
Soil samples reveal toxic levels of lead in some Fifth Ward residential areas
Soil sampling in residential areas across the city's Fifth Ward was conducted by researchers in 2021. The study, published in September, showed toxic levels of heavy metals like barium, chromium and lead detected in soil in yards and play areas. Researchers concluded that the study could fast-track environmental protection programs.
Kashmere Gardens, Fifth Ward gets $20 million for solar energy generation and ecosystem enhancements
Part of the grant will fund nature-based solutions, like the installation of native trees and grasses, intended to address runoff from the contaminated site as well as flooding and heat.
Meow Wolf Houston to open on Halloween; ‘explorable radio station’ featured exhibition
Tickets go on sale Oct. 1 with doors opening Oct. 31. Pre-sale tickets are available Meow Wolf subscribers or season ticket holders.
Immersive art company Meow Wolf to open in Houston this fall, now hiring 50 workers for Fifth Ward location
The Santa Fe-based interactive art company, known for its large-scale immersive exhibits, will open in Houston’s Fifth Ward this fall. It’s now hiring more than 50 workers for the Houston location.
$20 million Environmental Protection Agency grant will boost Fifth Ward energy resilience
The Houston Health Department was awarded a $20 million grant by the Environmental Protection Agency to boost energy resilience in the Greater Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens.
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