Siding project raises concerns

BONNERS FERRY — Neighbors are up in arms about a two-mile stretch of the Union Pacific Railroad’s track along Moyie River Road in the permitting and design process to add a two-mile siding between the twin bridges over the Moyie River and Snyder Guard Station.

Landowners along the stretch of track are unhappy with the possibility, saying that possible effect on the watershed, including a section of wetlands, has not been fully researched. Additional concerns over changes to railroad crossings, noise and other pollution from idling trains and thepossibility of railcar leakage have been cited by landowners who feel that the railroad is not considering their well-being.

The project was slated to begin in April, but a permit for activities impacting jurisdictional waterways is being considered by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, the Idaho Department of Lands and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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