Residents urge Colfax to press railroad over low-frequency generator noise

Residents near the railroad told the Colfax City Council on Feb. 2 that a generator used to keep a parked locomotive's fluids warm is producing persistent low-frequency noise they say is harming families.

Andrew Nolan read a prepared statement asking the railroad to "recognize this nuisance" and to coordinate with WATCO and the Whitman County Health Department to address what he described as "low frequency disruptions it causes his family and neighbors day and night." Rod Nemitz told the council the generator "runs remotely on and off 24 hours a day," described the sound as like tinnitus and reported the unit produces a 138-hertz tone at 5,500 RPM and "runs approximately 20 hours per day." These residents said six families have joined a complaint filed with the railroad.

Public Works staff (Hammer) and Mayor Jim Retzer said they have met with railroad representatives and were told the locomotive sits on a federally designated maintenance track and that a generator is used to hold fluids at about 80° because, according to the railroad, it reduces diesel consumption and produces cleaner exhaust than idling the engine. Retzer read a portion of CMC 8.20.050 noting that railroads are listed among noise-control exemptions and said the tracks are state-owned and subject to federal mandates.

Councilmembers discussed potential remedies including sound barriers, relocation of the locomotive and contact with state representatives. Hammer said he will contact the Washington State Department of Ecology to seek guidance. No formal council action was taken at the meeting.