Union Pacific Must Face Suit Over Toxic Chemical Leak in Texas

Union Pacific Railroad Co. will have to face a suit by Houston-area residents alleging that it failed to warn them about cancer-causing contaminants in soil and groundwater emanating from the company’s facilities, a state court of appeals said.

Betty Chenier and a dozen other residents of Houston’s Fifth Ward sued Union Pacific alleging negligence, fraud, and nuisance after it released creosote, a toxic chemical used to treat wooden railroad ties, into the environment. The residents alleged they suffered property damage and personal injuries, including past and future medical expenses. They sought over $50 million in damages.

Union Pacific contacted property ...