(a) Except as otherwise provided in this part, the Board may begin an investigation under this part only on complaint.

If the Board finds that a rail carrier is violating this part, the Board shall take appropriate action to compel compliance with this part. (b) A person, including a governmental authority, may file with the Board a complaint about a violation of this part by a rail carrier providing transportation or service subject to the jurisdiction of the Board under this part. The complaint must state the facts that are the subject of the violation.

The Board may dismiss a complaint it determines does not state reasonable grounds for investigation and action.

However, the Board may not dismiss a complaint made against a rail carrier providing transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the Board under this part because of the absence of direct damage to the complainant. (c) A formal investigative proceeding begun by the Board under subsection (a) of this section is dismissed automatically unless it is concluded by the Board with administrative finality by the end of the third year after the date on which it was begun.