This is a repost of the Cal Spill Watch page. For a direct link to the latest updates of the Dunsmuir Railyard Project, click here (link).
DUNSMUIR – An active cleanup and shoreline restoration project continues at the Dunsmuir Railyard, adjacent to the Sacramento River. As part of an ongoing response action, a containment barrier will be installed this month, temporarily decreasing the width of the river. The barrier will contain any sediment or other waste product from the adjacent construction area. This narrowing of the waterway may impact kayakers or other river enthusiasts transiting the area.
The project began in 2021 and involves the removal of oil-impacted soil to be replaced with clean fill. The final surface will also be revegetated with native riparian plants. The project is being led by a Unified Command of agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and Union Pacific Railroad.
Engineering controls have been installed to protect water quality. Collection and laboratory analysis of water samples will be conducted to assess potential impacts to public health and the fishery in the river.
A fishery closure was not recommended based on the 2024 assessment by the state Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). OEHHA advises avoiding consuming fish caught in areas of visible sheen or odor. Measured concentrations in the surface water samples analyzed in 2024 did not exceed risk-based screening levels for recreational activity based on an individual being in the water 4 days/week and 3 hours/day.
For more information and updates on the Dunsmuir Historical Oil restoration project, please visit Cal Spill Watch at https://calspillwatch.wildlife.ca.gov/
For any questions, please call: Peggy Ygbuhay, Sr. Director Public Affairs with Union Pacific Railroad at (916) 789-5957.