Neighborhood group complains to STB about CSX noise, pollution

A Portsmouth, New Hampshire, neighborhood group is asking the Surface Transportation Board to help resolve what the group says is excessive noise and pollution related to nearby CSX rail operations.

In January 2022, members of the Islington Creek Neighborhood group complained at an STB public hearing about noise, fumes, excessive diesel engine idling and unused rail-car storage issues as a result of CSX rail operations in the area of its Portsmouth Yard. At the hearing, CSX leaders assured the neighbors that the matters would be addressed.

However, the issues have persisted, the group's members said in an Oct. 29 filing with the STB.

"With many interactions between neighborhood representatives and CSX officials, our major complaints continue to be unresolved in spite of 1) assurances early on in the public hearing process that we would be able to reach a 'mutually acceptable solution' among us and 2) many interactions with CSX officials with no meaningful changes," neighborhood members said in the filing.

The group added that they believe "simple fixes" could mitigate some of the problems. The group acknowledged that in July 2023 CSX referred to some "low-hanging fruit" solutions that could address excessive idle time, as well as longer-term solutions to address the rail-car parking situation.

"We are still seeking a mutually agreed-upon solution," the group wrote. "For this, we need [the STB's] help."

Asked to comment on the group's concerns, a CSX spokeswoman said in an email to Progressive Railroading that it has maintained "an open line of communication" with local Portsmouth officials and has worked with the Islington Creek neighborhood to adjust daily operations to significantly reduce locomotive idling.

"When current or expected temperatures fall below 40 degrees, it may be necessary to keep locomotive engines running to maintain brake pressure or prevent freezing of locomotive components. Due to the nature of our business in the Portsmouth Yard area, there is a certain amount of locomotive idling that is necessary for routine operations. Our intent is to minimize idling time whenever possible," CSX's statement said.

"CSX is committed to operating a safe and fluid railroad throughout New Hampshire and across our network as we diligently serve the area businesses who depend on freight rail," the company added.