In response to Eric Temple’s letter (“Local railroad remains diligent,” Our Readers’ Views, Nov. 24), I would question Mr. Temple’s assertion that Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad adhered to “best practices” while trampling upon Chelatchie Creek as he built his road to access Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad’s soon-to-be-expanded Chelatchie Yard.
Homeowners who live at the edge of the creek have presented graphic evidence to the contrary at both Clark County Council and Railroad Advisory Board meetings, showing compromised water flow in the creek and dead and dying fish in the wake of the railroad’s “best practices.” This evidence depicts a very definite, negative impact on the fish population in the creek, and such evidence does, in fact, have a logical, physical foundation in the truth. No witch hunt here, Mr. Temple.
The actions have many former advocates reconsidering their support of Mr. Temple and PVJR: Does he really have the best interests of Clark County residents at heart?
Perhaps the Clark County Council should also reconsider its ties to the railroad. After all, the council members do live in Clark County, unlike Temple, who resides in King County, a long way from Chelatchie Creek and the quarries he builds roads to support.
