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Eugene Railyard Contamination Specifics
The past of the Eugene rail yard is very similar to many across the nation. When new herbicides gave railroads an easy way to keep yards and tracks clear of vegetation and maintain good vision on their rights-of-way they were adopted as standard practice. When chlorinated solvents provided a quick way of washing parts and engines they seemed like a great advance in technology. The current environmental problems stemming from these practices at the Eugene yard are compounded by dumping, nearby industries, and a lack available remedies.Chlorinated solvents used at the yard were released into soil in significant quantities, and are responsible for a plume of contaminated groundwater moving southwest into the Trainsong neighborhood and north into the River Road community. In addition to further degrading well water quality, these solvents pose a health risk as they evaporate out of the groundwater and contaminate indoor and outdoor air above the plume. The most severe risk from this source is located in the Trainsong neighborhood where the groundwater is most contaminated.
Additionally soil on the yard is contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and semivoatile organic compounds from fuel spills. This contamination is spread around to the surrounding neighborhoods, particularly on dry windy days and when cars and equipment are driven on the yard.
Detailed information on specific types of contamination can be found on the following pages: