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Understanding Vapor Intrusion

Union Pacific Railroad is committed to the safety and sustainability of the communities where we operate. We are working closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to complete environmental cleanup activities for the 29th and Grove project in northeast Wichita. This includes conducting extensive testing by analyzing thousands of air, water and soil samples over the last several years. Our efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to remove contaminants from groundwater in the project area and soil at the nearby railyard. In late 2023, Union Pacific started re-evaluating the potential for vapor intrusion in the project area. The initial phases of our evaluation are almost finished. While tests inside area schools and soil gas samples taken across much of the project area are below regulated levels, additional sampling is recommended for a portion of the area. Affected property owners will be contacted.

What is vapor intrusion?

Vapor intrusion can occur when chemicals underground transform into gases and travel through the ground, potentially into buildings. Cracks in foundations and other openings to the ground, such as plumbing lines and sumps in a basement or crawl space can allow these vapors to enter a house or building and affect indoor air quality. In this round of testing, air samples will be collected from indoor living spaces, basements or crawl spaces, and/or under the concrete slab foundation (called sub-slab sampling). Samples will be checked for trichloroethylene (TCE), a common industrial solvent used to clean metal parts and found in some household products. The testing will determine if vapor intrusion is impacting indoor air quality and what next steps may be needed.

What happens during indoor testing for vapor intrusion?

The photos below show what to expect during indoor sampling of your home or business. Union Pacific’s contractor Arcadis will visit your property two or three times to perform the testing. The first visit is to set up the equipment for air sampling. A second visit is to retrieve the equipment and send the samples for lab testing. A third visit may be needed for sub-slab sampling. A property access agreement must be signed for testing to take place. Testing can only be done with your permission. There is no cost to participate. Union Pacific is covering the cost of air testing.

What happens after testing?

After the samples are collected, they are sent to a certified laboratory to check for TCE. Results are verified and then submitted to KDHE and shared with the homeowner. This additional testing is to evaluate whether air quality meets the indoor air quality standards set by KDHE. If test results show air quality levels above KDHE safety standards, Union Pacific will work closely with KDHE and other relevant organizations to review the results and determine next steps. If needed, next steps could include installing a ventilation system or implementing other measures to prevent or reduce contaminants entering the building. We encourage and appreciate your participation.

For questions or to learn more, contact:

Arcadis Vapor Intrusion Process Manager:

Brooke Glasrud,
913-228-3502, brooke.glasrud@arcadis.com

KDHE Project Manager from the Site Remediation Unit:
Mary Daily,
785-296-8896, Mary.Daily@ks.gov