Trestles on the Jaype rail line present a hazard

Trestles on the railroad line between Orofino and Jaype have been a concern for a number of years, particularly with the potential hazard they presented during the flooding of Orofino Creek during 1996.

With the abandonment of the rail line, a number of groups and individuals are very concerned about what could happen if the trestles are not removed with the rails and ties. Since the line has not been used, it has not been maintained and the trestles are deteriorating. If Orofino Creek floods, the trestles could present an extreme hazard to both property and people down stream. Besides the deteriorating trestles, debris continues to build up behind the structures.

At the time of the 1996 flooding, there was concern about the amount of debris that was building up behind the trestles. There was a real potential that the debris would break loose, further knock out trestles and while coming down the creek cause further damage and flooding. The situation was monitored very closely and fortunately, the threat did not materialize.

Conversation with the railroad and salvage company indicate that they do not intend to remove the trestles when the rails and ties are salvaged. The Surface Transportation Board approved the abandonment and salvage without specifying removal of the trestles though they had received requests from Clearwater County and other organizations to specify that as a condition. Their only concession was to specify that the salvage company "consult" with the county commissioners, DEQ, Orofino Chamber of Commerce and several other groups concerned with the issue.

In a Project Impact Flood Committee meeting this week, the situation was reviewed. The salvage company is expected to do the work this summer and the consensus is that either the salvage company needs to be influenced to change plans and remove the trestles or other means of funding or trestle removal need to be found.

To that end a meeting is being planned in April to educate Congressional representatives, DEQ, EPA and other agencies involved in the issue. Local residents and business representatives are invited to attend the meeting and/or provide comments to the Flood Committee.

Send written comments to Bill Maison at bmaison@clearwatercounty.org.

Watch for further information and meeting date and times in Window on the Clearwater.