Trainsong Park's cleanup will cover most of the contamination, not carry it away

Eugene is preparing to seal dioxin-contaminated soil inside Trainsong Park rather than haul all of it elsewhere. The proposed $1.2 million construction plan would excavate the most contaminated areas, gather that soil beneath a new four-foot berm, and cover the berm and other affected ground with fabric, gravel and clean soil.

Removing the full estimated 8,000 cubic yards would take roughly 770 to 800 truckloads and cost about $3.4 million. The city's federal brownfields grant cannot carry that. The capped design also adds a 2,500-square-foot concrete plaza and a long-term inspection plan. Construction is expected to take about 13 weeks in summer 2027, with the whole park reopening in the fall if the schedule holds. The playground, basketball court, baseball field and skate park remain open now; fenced areas remain closed.

The contamination source is still unknown. City staff said no scientific link to the former J.H. Baxter wood-treatment plant can be proven. Oregon regulators use the narrower conclusion that available evidence cannot link the sites, not that every possible connection has been ruled out. The cleanup plan goes next to the Department of Environmental Quality and a 30-day public-comment period.