(The following story by Michael Schroeder appeared on The Journal Gazette website on November 18.)
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — On Monday night, the Fort Wayne-Allen County health board approved a local ordinance regulating railroad mobile camp car systems stopping in Allen County.
Health department administrator Mindy Waldron hoped it would be approved by the Allen County commissioners Friday in time for a state rule – expected to take effect next month – which requires local health departments to regulate the camp car systems, including inspecting the premises.
The local ordinance, outlining fee and enforcement provisions, follows legislation passed in 2007 and pushed by a union official who said workers in the camps often toiled in “filthy” conditions. Norfolk Southern Corp., which has a camp-car depot near Brooklyn Avenue in Fort Wayne, disputed the claim and has been cooperating with the local health department.
Under the local ordinance, a permit would be required for each mobile camp car system, each time the camp car system arrives in Allen County. Within two days of arrival, the railroad would need to apply for the permit, costing $465 for a one- to 10-car mobile camp system or $620 for 11 or more cars.
Railroad camp car systems, sometimes housing 30 to 50 workers, stop in Allen County – on average – about six times a year, staying up to six weeks, Waldron said.
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health has met with railroad officials to discuss the new state rule and the pending local ordinance passed Monday night. Earlier this month, health workers were allowed to tour a 15-car system in addition to safety training provided by railroad police and engineers.
The Indiana State Department of Health is expected to schedule training for local health departments in December. In the administrator’s written report to the board, Waldron said when that occurs, the health department will be ready to begin the new inspection program. The Allen County Building Department will also be involved in inspections – part of a team approach – providing expertise in electrical and plumbing. The department’s fees will be contractually incorporated into the permit fees.