(The following story by Emily Jones appeared on the Idaho State Journal website on January 15.)
POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho Department of Environmental Quality officials are asking for help finding possible contaminated areas at Union Pacific’s rail yard here.
Information from the public will be used to help conduct a site investigation of soil, groundwater and surface water on and near the rail yard. The investigation was ordered by the Environmental Protection Agency after they conducted a preliminary assessment of the area in July 22 in response to citizen complaints.
DEQ received complaints of leaking oil, burned railcars, tipped and leaking transformers and foul smells.
As part of the order for an investigation, Union Pacific has given DEQ a preliminary plan to investigate the area, and will have a second draft of the plan soon, said DEQ Project director Mary Kauffman.
Although general information is also useful, Kauffman says she wants to talk to people with specific information about where Union Pacific should test for contaminants. Information can be given anonymously, and will be accepted throughout the project, but Kauffman said now is a good time to present information, before the investigation begins.
The investigation will probably begin in the spring, Kauffman said.
“We’re really trying to get information from the public,” Kauffman said. “This is really the most opportune time.”
Union Pacific will conduct the investigation under DEQ’s supervision. Kauffman said the company has done investigations in other cities, and is well-qualified.
“We’re getting good cooperation from Union Pacific,” Kauffman said.
If the investigation reveals contamination that is potentially damaging to human health or the environment, a remediation plan will be required, Kauffman said.
The proposed work plan is public record, and is available for the public to view at DEQ’s Pocatello office, 400 Hospital Way, Kauffman said.
To contribute:
If you have any information about possible contamination at the Union Pacific rail yard from the North Main Extension to the Cheyenne Crossing, you can inform DEQ by phone, e-mail or mail. You may remain anonymous.
(208) 236-6160 , mkauffma@deq.state.id.us, or
Mary Kauffman, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, 400 Hospital Way, Suite 333, Pocatello, ID 83201.