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Permalink Reply by Jack Straw on November 23, 2012 at 12:04pm

The notice you recieved is not from the EPA, but from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Affairs.

It appears that Columbia Gas have just (11/15) applied to the State for a permit to replace their D-88 natural Gas Pipeline.

It is likely that they are replacing the existing Pipeline for either (or both) of two reasons: age/deterioration (it might be prudent to replace or they need a larger capacity/pressure pipeline to accomodate more gas transmission.

It appeard that Columbia Gas has just started the process of applying for a permit, and the State have just started the review of this application.

 

If this Pipeline is near your property, it is possible that you were notified as required by law.

 

If this Pipeline crosses your property, then your direct interests are potentially involved.

If this Pipeline crosses your property, I suggest that you pull out the Pipeline Easement Agreement that allowed for the existing Pipeline, and read it carefully. If you do not have a copy of the Pipeline Easement Agreement, I would suggest that you quickly obtain a copy form either Columbia Gas (if they are cooperative) or your County Courthouse (helps to have your property deed particulars - Book and Page and/or your Tax Parcel No.). What you might be entitled to (if anything) depends upon the verbiage contained in the original Pipeline Easement Agreement. Caution: old Pipeline Easement Agreements tend to have been totaly written by Pipeline Comany lawyers and highly favor the Pipeline Company. If you have a favorable Pipeline Easement Agreement, you might be entitled to substantial damages for installation of new pipeline and/or compensation for installation of larger pipeline .... all depends upon what is said in the original Pipeline Easement Agreementy.

 

All IMHO,

                JS

 

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Permalink Reply by mkf on November 23, 2012 at 12:51pm

Thanks for the info!

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Permalink Reply by Ed on November 23, 2012 at 4:03pm

I have a copy of the pipeline lease going through my property from 1927.  It clearly states 25ft. wide right of way and 16 " diameter pipe.  Nothing much else other than location.  Equitrans replaced it in the late 80s and told me they were going to put in a 20" line and I said no way.  They said I couldn't stop them.  I threatened a lawsuit and there is still a 16" line and a 25ft right of way. 

Beware to all land owners...there are state laws controlling width of right of way as it relates to diameter of pipe.  When you get up into the 20" + range of pipe the right of way is substantially wider...100 + ft.  Your property value could be adversely affected by this. Especially on a small plot of land. 

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Permalink Reply by Jim Litwinowicz on November 23, 2012 at 2:04pm

Where does this pipeline run from and where does it go?

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Permalink Reply by mkf on November 23, 2012 at 4:32pm

Any way of finding out where they will replace the pipeline?

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Permalink Reply by Jack Straw on November 23, 2012 at 5:12pm

I have read where (due to fears of terrorism) post 9/11, detailed pipeline location maps are no longer easily accessible in the public domain. A bit weird, as (on the ground) they are legally required to mark the location at prominent spots ... and you can easily pick the pipelines out on Google Earth. Just another example of the Nanny State trying to protect us by making it hard for everyone except for the bad guys to find information that should readily be available.

Your best bet is to locate one of the pipeline markers where it crosses a highway.

Call the phone number noted on the marker and ask for the contact number for the individual responsible for your section of the pipeline. That person is most likely to be able to tell you what is planned and when they hope to accomplish the work. Best to go to the source; everything else is rumor.

 

All IMHO,

                 JS

 

 

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