Recent findings show no immediate health concerns
WICHITA, Kan. (June 25, 2025) – Union Pacific Railroad announced today that results from seasonal indoor air testing from properties near 29th and Grove are below Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) safety screening levels. This indicates no immediate health concerns, as Union Pacific continues working with residents and property owners to expand participation.
Union Pacific will share the results with the 29th and Grove community during an Open House from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 12, at the Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center, 2755 E 19 St. in Wichita. The open house will include interactive booths staffed by environmental specialists and project leaders who will provide updates and answer questions about remediation progress.
“Every round of testing helps build a clearer picture of conditions in the neighborhood,” said Christina Long, Action for 29th and Grove community liaison. “The open house is one more way we are keeping the lines of communication open. We are here to listen, to share updates on our progress and provide residents with useful information about next steps.”
To date, more than 20 properties have completed the free indoor air testing, which involves collecting air samples to check for potential vapor intrusion. Union Pacific has supported outreach through door-to-door canvassing, mailers detailing information about the testing process and its role in the broader cleanup initiative, and social media outreach.
Residents who live within the KDHE-established test zone and have not yet participated in indoor air testing are encouraged to sign up. The zone was established using scientific data collected in 2024 through soil gas and air sampling as part of ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts. To see the test zone map and get an access agreement, visit actionfor29thandgrove.com.
In addition to indoor air testing, Union Pacific conducted a neighborhood survey last year, visiting more than 2,000 properties to identify private wells and understand their current use. Nearly 50 residents responded to the survey, which found:
- No drinking wells. All participating residents are using water supplied by the City of Wichita.
- Two active lawn and garden wells.
Property owners who believe they may have a private well are also encouraged to contact the project team for an assessment.
For more information, contact the project team at 866-896-7511 or email 29grove@up.com.
ABOUT ACTION FOR 29TH AND GROVE
Action for 29th and Grove is an ongoing communication effort by Union Pacific to engage with the community about cleanup and remediation efforts in the 29th and Grove area. The effort is designed to provide clear and timely updates as Union Pacific works with KDHE to complete the remaining cleanup phases. For more information, visit actionfor29thandgrove.com.
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com