Government agencies and utility companies have the right by eminent domain to take private property for public use. Utility companies may take property or obtain easements for construction of sewer, pipelines or electric transmission lines.
Plans are underway for the construction of three American Electric Power “AEP” high voltage transmission lines in Ross and Pickaway Counties. The proposed “Biers Run-Circleville” line will be approximately 19 miles long and will cross Deerfield and Union townships in Ross County and Circleville and Wayne townships in Pickaway County. The “Biers Run-Hopetown-Delano” line will be approximately 12 miles long and will be located primarily in Union Township and Green Townships in Ross County. The third transmission line, the “Biers Runs Station” line is planned for Union Township in Ross County, northwest of Chillicothe, Ohio.
AEP must obtain a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the Ohio Power Siting Board before construction of the transmission lines can begin. In order to obtain the necessary certificate, AEP must complete the “siting process” which includes public informational meetings for residents in the construction areas. AEP conducted the public hearings on the project on October 16 and October 17, 2013.
AEP’s application to construct the transmission line for the Biers Run Station is currently pending before the Ohio Power Siting Board and the application for the Biers Run-Hopetown-Delano line is expected to be filed in the fourth quarter of 2013.
If you own property that may be impacted by these transmission lines, contact the Ohio eminent domain attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List to discuss your rights and equitable compensation for right of way easements.