Westford Officials Steamed Over Unattended Trains in Graniteville

Frustrated town officials are reaching out to state agencies -- and possibly the Department of Homeland Security -- to stop rail cars from being left unattended in the Graniteville section of town.

For weeks, a string of rail cars has been left on a section of tracks over the Stony Brook Reservoir. The roofs of the cars have accumulated snow from recent storms.

The tracks are owned by Pan Am Railways.

Selectman Robert Jefferies called the situation "unacceptable" because the cars are left unguarded on top of the reservoir -- an important drinking water supply for the town. Most of the cars apparently contain lumber.

Jefferies said some of the cars are left running for hours, violating the Clean Air Act. Neighbors have complained about the noise and pollution.

A Pan Am representative was told about the situation, but did not show up to discuss the matter at a selectmen meeting Tuesday.

Town Manager Jodi Ross said State Sen. Eileen Donoghue has been alerted about the matter and could work to resolve it.

Jefferies suggested alerting Homeland Security because the situation involves the aquifer.

"We need to step up how we’re approaching this," he said. "(Pan Am has) to treat this town with a minimal amount of respect."