According to a spokesperson, the eminent domain process could be used to acquire rights-of-way necessary for a proposed Columbus Pipeline Group project planned for southeastern Ohio.
The proposed Leach Xpress project involves construction of approximately 160 miles of natural gas pipeline and compression facilities. The pipeline would impact landowners in southeastern counties including Perry County, Morgan Countyand Noble County. According to Columbia Pipeline Group community relations manager, Zach Daniels, the company will seek 50 foot wide permanent easements from 85 landowners in Perry County, 33 landowners in Morgan County and 80 landowners in Noble County. The entire project will impact 950 landowners and 1,200 parcels of land in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
Daniels said that once the Federal Emergency Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the pipeline, the properties would fall under eminent domain laws. “CPG takes all steps to avoid that. We would negotiate on the courthouse steps if that is what it takes.”
The $1.75 billion pipeline would transport up to 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from the Marcellus and Utica production areas. If approved by the FERC, construction of the 36-inch pipeline is estimated to begin in late 2016 and be completed by the fall of 2017.
Pipeline construction is a major use of eminent domain.
If you are a landowner who is affected by the Leach Xpress pipeline, or any other government or public utility project, contact the Ohio Eminent Domain Attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List to insure that you receive just and adequate compensation for your property.