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BNSF’s full-page ad touting the environmental benefits of rail ignores a growing problem. Ever since the rail traffic increased and the summer storms a few years back resulted in clear cutting the right of way along Highway 200, rail noise has become almost unbearable in some areas of Ponderay, Ponder Point and Kootenai.

Why can’t our local officials ask for a “Quiet Zone” designation? Why can’t BNSF replant the lost trees with appropriate vegetation to help hide their giant eyesores parked in our community? Why can’t we get grants to build sound-reducing walls in keys residential and other sensitive areas? There are grants and loans that may help pay these costs but if we don’t ask we’ll never get help.

BNSF, please be a good corporate citizen and help us reduce this noise problem and clean up the current eyesores along Highway 200. County and city elected officials, the grants, regulations and rules are already there, let’s use them to cut noise pollution and senseless warning horns at already protected crossings. Homeowners and businesses, you are not without recourse, but you must act and speak out to preserve your rights.

A little cooperation and coordination can help solve a problem and continue to keep Bonner County a place of beauty and scenic wonder. Do we really want Highway 200 to be an industrial-looking wasteland instead of a pleasant gateway to Sandpoint and local areas of interest? Do we want our sleep and peaceful use of property preempted by noise with no consideration?

STEVEN MORGAN

Sandpoint