Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad to sue Clark County over stormwater violations

The railroad alleges the county has discharged polluted stormwater into its property and nearby waterways for years.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of polished metal pipes, valves, and fittings arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the complex infrastructure of a municipal stormwater system.Intricate plumbing components symbolize the complex infrastructure at the center of a legal battle over municipal stormwater violations.Vancouver Today

Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad has filed a notice that it plans to sue Clark County, Washington for alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act. The railroad claims the county has been collecting, conveying, and discharging polluted stormwater through its municipal system into the railroad's property and nearby Curtin Creek and wetlands for years.

Why it matters

This lawsuit could have significant environmental and financial implications for Clark County if the railroad's allegations are proven. Stormwater pollution can harm local ecosystems and wildlife, while the potential legal costs and penalties could strain the county's budget.

The details

Under the federal Clean Water Act, the railroad is required to provide 60-day notice before filing suit against the county or the Environmental Protection Agency for the alleged violations. The railroad operates the county-owned Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, a 33-mile short line that runs through the region.

  • Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad filed the notice on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • The 60-day notice period will expire in early June 2026, at which point the railroad can formally file the lawsuit.

The players

Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad

The railroad company that operates the county-owned Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Clark County, Washington.

Clark County

The local government in Washington state that owns the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad and is accused of violating the Clean Water Act by discharging polluted stormwater onto the railroad's property and into nearby waterways.

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What’s next

The 60-day notice period will expire in early June 2026, at which point the railroad can formally file the lawsuit against Clark County.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments, businesses, and environmental regulations around issues like stormwater management. The outcome of this lawsuit could set an important precedent for how such conflicts are resolved in the future.