Wichita council member Johnson: lease approvals clear path for 2026 start of 10-year cleanup at 29th and Grove

Council member Johnson told a public forum that the Wichita City Council has taken steps to move forward with remediation of the 29th and Grove trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination plume, reporting the council "unanimously approved multiple lease agreements for right of way and public stormwater system usage with Union Pacific Railroad."

Johnson said the approvals allow Union Pacific to install extraction wells intended to remove TCE from groundwater. He estimated the wells could be installed in 2026 and that, "until these extraction wells are in the ground and fully operational, you're looking at 10 years until that cleanup will happen."

Why it matters: TCE is an industrial solvent linked to liver and kidney harm and was first discovered in the plume's groundwater in 1994. Johnson said local, county and state agencies have coordinated on the response, and that the city has worked with local clinics and partners including Sedgwick County, Arcadis and the Boys and Girls Club to prepare for construction and community outreach.

Regulatory steps and public meetings: Johnson said Union Pacific has 180 days from the council meeting to submit final design drawings to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), which will review the designs and schedule a public availability meeting to show specific remediation sites and explain construction impacts. "KDHE will be reaching out," he said.

Funding and responsibilities: Johnson stated that Union Pacific has financial responsibility under an existing agreement and earlier consent order (case no. 01-ED-0191, executed by KDHE on 10/04/2002). He told the forum, "Funding wise, Union Pacific Railroad has to pay for this. So the money's there."

Soil remediation and monitoring concerns: A resident in attendance criticized cuts to staff at a local water center, saying the center once had "5 or 6 employees" but now has only one or two and that reduced staffing limited education and monitoring. Johnson said he would take that critique "under advisement and talk to staff" and said he has visited the water center and observed displays and staff work there.

Health screenings: Johnson urged residents living in the plume to get screened, warning some health effects may not appear immediately. He said the city is working with the Kansas Health Foundation on funding to make screening free and that more information will be announced in coming weeks.

Timing and next steps: Johnson emphasized that while the city has cleared local approvals, KDHE must approve the final designs and Union Pacific must complete predesign investigations and submit required materials. He said the public should expect construction notifications and a KDHE-led availability meeting before field work begins.

What remains unresolved: Johnson and the attendees discussed prevention, communication and long-term monitoring practices; the council member said the city will plan for regular communication and coordination with KDHE and Sedgwick County. He did not provide a firm construction schedule from Union Pacific, which he said will release more detailed timelines when available.

The council member closed by encouraging residents in the area to get tested and by reiterating that the city will continue to work with partners to move the remediation forward.