Chesapeake sues Putnam residents for denying pipeline access

WINFIELD – Chesapeake Appalachia, LLC, is suing two Putnam County residents after it claims they have denied access to a leaking pipeline.

Chesapeake Appalachia has the right to lay, maintain, operate and remove a pipeline for the transportation of gas over and through the lands subject to the right-of-way, according to a complaint filed June 10 in Putnam Circuit Court.

The company claims due to the age of a certain pipeline, leaks were detected under State Road No. 34, which is adjacent to property of Putnam County residents Greg A. Parsons and Regina J. Parsons.

In order to perform the work needed to repair the leaks in the pipeline, Chesapeake needed to enter upon the defendants' property, but the defendants have denied access, according to the suit.

Chesapeake claims the defendants have wrongfully refused access to the surface.

The defendants' actions will cause Chesapeake to suffer irreparable harm and risks danger due to the leaking natural gas under State Road No. 34, according to the suit.

Chesapeake claims the defendants' refusal to permit access to the real property has interfered with its enjoyment of the right-of-way and its pipeline.

As a result of the defendants' refusal to permit Chesapeake access to the real property, the company has suffered damages, including delay damages, loss of use of the right-of-way and costs, according to the suit.

Chesapeake is seeking for an order requiring the defendants to allow the company access and an injunction barring the defendants from interfering with Chesapeake's rights in the property. It is being represented by Matthew S. Casto and Steven M. Green.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 11-C-158