EPA test results (link) received today from the Sacramento River below the Railyard Project showed that measured concentrations in the surface water samples did not exceed risk-based screening levels for recreational activity.
The agencies overseeing the project (link) recommend that people avoid contact with the river if there is visible oil sheen and/or cloudy water. However, the City of Dunsmuir is taking this a step further and advising people to stay out of the river below the railyard at all times out of an abundance of caution until river quality shows noticeable improvements and continued testing by the agencies involved in the Railyard Project shows the river is safe.
While the City recognizes that the agencies involved in the Railyard Project have made a number of positive changes to their processes over the last few weeks, releases continue to occur, and the City has asked for additional improvements and more proactive management and messaging coming directly from the Railyard Project agencies to our citizens.
The City encourages residents to report each and every release from the railyard project to the State Warning Center at 1-800-852-7550.
The City will continue to provide updates on the project as we receive new information. However, for the latest information about the Railyard Project, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife project page (link). The EPA also has provided a project overview here (link).
If you have any questions regarding the Railyard Project, contact Union Pacific - Peggy Ygbuhay, Sr. Director of Public Affairs with Union Pacific Railroad, at (916) 789-5957.