Judge Bars Pipeline Surveyors from Couple’s Property

A judge has ruled that the developer of a proposed natural gas pipeline can’t survey a West Virginia couple’s property without their permission.

Monroe County Circuit Court Judge Robert Irons said Mountain Valley Pipeline failed to show that the project would provide sufficient public use to justify entering private property without an owner’s permission.

Irons issued an injunction on Wednesday, Aug. 5, sought by Bryan and Doris McCurdy, of Greenville. The pipeline company sent the couple a letter citing eminent domain early this year threatening legal action if they didn’t allow the surveyors onto their property.

Mountain Valley Pipeline spokeswoman Natalie Cox said the company will review the judge’s order and consider its options.

The 330-mile pipeline would transport natural gas from Wetzel County to another pipeline in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

The pipeline would require a 125-foot construction easement and 75-foot permanent easement.