Soil Quality
Below are resources to teach about some of the issues in the soils found across Texas and in the Greater Houston area.
Overview
In many areas of Houston, industry has left soils in a state of peril. For example, in Houston’s Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, dioxin levels in the neighborhood’s soils exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s threshold for children. Learn more in this article from the Texas Tribune in 2022.
Catastrophic flooding of industrial sites, more likely as a result of climate change and increased strength and quantity of tropical storms, threatens to transport once-sequestered chemicals into nearby residential areas. In this report from Dr. Thomas Marlow, et.al, they warn that “in Harris County, there are 15 state and federally recognized superfund sites identified by the Government Accountability Office as being at risk of future flooding (GAO 2019). And there are 1985 relic industrial sites in the county at elevated flood risk.” Urban flooding will spread hazardous waste and contaminate soils for thousands of people, especially in socially vulnerable communities.
Soil Quality Issues:
According to the Soil Science Society of America, Soil, in its natural state, is an uncontaminated substance that covers the earth. Some toxins occur naturally in some soils such as arsenic or lead. But when human actions, whether intentional or accidental, add any substance that exceeds naturally occurring levels, the soil is considered contaminated. The waste or contamination can damage the soil and possibly human, plant or animal health.
The Houston Chronicle expresses that several areas within Greater Houston have been found to have dangerous concentrations of soil contaminants that can be harmful to human health. The major contaminated sites are also more often in communities with a lower socioeconomic status and primarily populated by people of color. Although some contaminated sites have been restored and redeveloped, such as Minute Maid Park, other areas are still contaminated and may be causing continued harm to those who live there.
The Soil Science Society of America explains that soil contamination in urban areas such as Houston, Texas, can result from various causes, including:
1. Industrial Activities: The presence of numerous industries, including petrochemical and manufacturing, can lead to soil contamination through spills, leaks, and improper waste disposal. Areas near the Houston Ship Channel and the Texas Gulf Coast often have soil contamination issues due to the extensive petrochemical industry in the region.
2. Oil and Gas Operations: Houston's prominence in the energy sector can contribute to soil contamination, particularly through oil and gas exploration and production activities.
3. Urban Development: Construction and urban expansion can disturb soil, potentially exposing it to contaminants from construction materials, machinery, or previous land use.
4. Agricultural Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agriculture can contaminate soil in rural areas near Houston.
5. Waste Disposal Sites: Improperly managed landfills or disposal sites may release hazardous substances into the soil over time.
6. Transportation: Road salt, vehicle emissions, and accidents involving hazardous materials during transportation can introduce contaminants to the soil.
7. Historical Factors: Legacy contamination from past industrial practices or activities may still affect soil quality in certain areas.
8. Natural Factors: Natural events like floods, hurricanes, and erosion can displace contaminants or expose new areas to pollution.
Contamination And Area Cancer Cluster at Fifth Ward/Kashmere Gardens Union Pacific Railroad Site
The Houston Health Department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) identified that Historical operations on the Union Pacific Railroad site at 4910 Liberty Road resulted in soil and groundwater contamination in Kashmere Gardens, Houston.
For a full timeline of Houston Health Department and supporting city department’s actions since April 2019, please click here.
An analysis conducted by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services found elevated counts of cancers known to be associated with the kinds of chemicals of concern found at the UPRR site.
Fifth Ward/Kashmere Gardens Union Pacific Railroad Site Contamination and Area Cancer Cluster
Continued soil and water testing, cancer cluster analysis, community outreach, health services, and the provision of resource guides have taken place in the community to gain a better understanding of this hazard, support immediate demands for relief actions and remedy, and to better inform the community.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency announced completion of a review of a proposed Union Pacific Railroad permit renewal and corrective actions that govern cleanup of contamination at the Houston Wood Preserving Works site.
This environmental injustice is still harming residents of this community and actions continue to be made by local entities, government departments, state agencies, and the federal government to provide relief to the community, and remediate the contaminated soils.
Assessment of water, soil contamination and land cover changes in Sims and Vince Bayou urban watersheds of Houston, Texas
Authors: Felica R. Davis, Maruthi Sridhar Balaji Bhaskar
With intense increase in urbanization in Southern Houston urban and suburban watersheds, there has been an decrease in vegetation, and increase in impermeable surfaces. This has resulted in a decline in soil quality with high concentrations of harmful heavy metals found within the soil.
Overall, this research sheds light on the impact of urban development and industrialization on Houston watersheds, emphasizing the need to address soil contamination and associated health risks, particularly in areas disproportionately affected by these environmental changes.
Future Flooding Increases Unequal Exposure Risks to Relic Industrial Pollution
Authors: Thomas Marlow, James R Elliott, and Scott Frickel
There is a growing threat of climate change to urban communities with a history of industrial pollution and residential segregation. Flooding, driven by climate change, could release old industrial pollutants from these areas, creating a new form of climate injustice. This study combines flood-risk projections with data on former industrial sites in six U.S. cities including the City of Houston.
The study identifies that vulnerable groups, including racial minorities and those with lower incomes, are more likely to live in these high-risk areas. The findings underscore the importance of rethinking how we address and remediate these sites and involve marginalized communities in resilience planning as cities adapt to climate change.
Soil Testing:
To get soil tested for contamination in Houston, you can consider the following options:
1. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): The TCEQ provides resources and information on soil testing and environmental assessments. They can guide you through proper testing procedures and may offer lists of certified laboratories in the area.
2. Harris County Soil and Water Conservation District: They may provide information on soil testing services or direct you to appropriate resources.
3. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: They offer soil testing services primarily for agricultural purposes but can provide guidance on soil quality and potential contamination.
4. Private Environmental Testing Laboratory or Local Environmental Consultants: Environmental consulting firms in Houston and laboratories often provide soil testing services. They can assess your specific needs and guide you through the testing process.
Before proceeding with soil testing, it's a good idea to contact the relevant organization or laboratory to discuss your specific needs, obtain cost estimates, and ensure that the testing methods align with your objectives.
Activities/Lessons
Explore various K-12 Soil Science activities and curriculums for teachers and educators by visiting Soil Society of America’s Soils4Teachers website.
Check out various soil experiments and hands-on projects for kids by visiting Soil Society of America’s Soils4Kids website.