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Resident urges action as WATCO locomotives run generators through the day
Summary
Colfax residents told the council that new WATCO locomotives have run their generators 'all day' for months, rattling blinds and disturbing neighborhoods; the council directed staff to draft a letter to federal and state representatives and said legal limits on local action are constrained by federal rail exemptions.
Andrew Nolan, a Colfax resident, told the council that WATCO brought two new engines and that "the generator ran all day long," adding the complaint has been open for seven months without resolution. He said neighboring houses experience rattling blinds and persistent noise even on warm days when engines should not be idling.
Mayor Jim Retzer and staff member Hammer said they have met with WATCO and contacted state officials but described limited immediate remedies because federal law exempts rail operations from local noise ordinances. Councilmember Guenthner urged broader advocacy, suggesting contacting Congressman Michael Baumgartner and Representative Joe Schmick and offering to sign a council letter. "Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease," Guenthner said.
Councilmember Sevedge acknowledged the hardship and apologized to affected residents; staff said they will draft a letter for council review and signature. The council did not adopt a formal ordinance or motion beyond directing staff to prepare advocacy correspondence. The issue remains unresolved pending outside agency engagement and further staff follow-up.
