Current Cleanup Activities
Indoor Air Testing—As part of Union Pacific’s ongoing environmental monitoring and cleanup activities at the 29th and Grove site, we are working to reach selected property owners for further testing. This requires a signed access agreement for authorized technicians to collect indoor air samples. Results will help guide next steps.
Private Well Survey—Union Pacific, with the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, began conducting a private well survey in March 2024 in the neighborhood around the site. The survey is designed to understand how private wells are being used and promote access to safe drinking water. Homes with unsafe wells will receive Union Pacific funding to help cover capping costs and connect to safe city tap water. The survey should be completed by the end of June.
Groundwater Monitoring—In 2024, the groundwater monitoring network will continue to be sampled quarterly to check groundwater conditions and track the effectiveness of cleanup activities.
Water Well Survey
Wichita-based group “Root the Power” is going door-to-door with a few brief questions about private wells on behalf of the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Union Pacific.
Important Information to Know
- Private water wells should not be used for drinking or bathing because of the affected groundwater in this area.
- The City of Wichita’s public water supply is treated and safe to drink and use for bathing.
- The City of Wichita will not penalize homeowners for having unpermitted wells used for lawn and garden purposes.
- The cost to connect to city water will be paid by Union Pacific, including meter placement and installation costs. Property owners or tenants will be required to pay their water bill going forward.
- Union Pacific will pay to cap any well used for drinking.
- If you have a pipe or well in your yard or basement that looks something like these photos, please let us know by emailing 29grove@up.com or calling 1-866-896-7511.
Indoor Air Testing
In May 2024, Union Pacific began reaching out to property owners in the 29th and Grove area whose properties have been identified as needing further testing. This involves collecting indoor air samples, which can begin once owners provide a signed access agreement. The agreements are required for authorized technicians to check that indoor air meets the standards set by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Testing is paid for by Union Pacific. The efforts are part of the railroad’s focus on in-depth testing and evaluation for long-term cleanup efforts that benefit community well-being.
Property owners can request an access agreement or find out if their property is on the list for this additional testing by calling 866-896-7511 or emailing 29grove@up.com.
Groundwater Monitoring
Monitoring the groundwater regularly is a crucial part of the cleanup efforts at the 29th and Grove site.
Throughout 2024, we will sample the water from our extensive network of monitoring wells every three months. This frequent testing allows us to closely track groundwater quality and assess the effectiveness of ongoing cleanup activities.
By analyzing the data from these tests, we can fine-tune our strategies to better meet the site’s cleanup goals. This quarterly monitoring provides a clear picture of the underground conditions and confirms the progress we are making. All findings are reported to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.