Gas Pipe Line Laws

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania

I live in PA and have a gas pipeline about 30 yards away from my property boundry. When I purchased my house 7 years ago the realtor told me that the neibors were not allowed to put any permenant structures on the gas line but I am 30 yards away so it would not concern me. Texas Eastern came to my door a few weeks ago and said they are going to cut my trees down that line the side of my back yard. I said, "But my trees are not even close to the gas line" He said they need to cut a 30 yard clearing on either side of the gas line. I have very expensive blue spruce pines lining my yard and there are about 30 of them there. They are very large and I assume they are about 20 years old. I do not want them to cut these trees down and I told them this. They said they can do whatever they want to with out my approval. Is this legal for them to do this? My neibors are all getting pounded by these guys and everyone is very upset. Is there anything we can do about this?

[JETX]

You are going to need to review your plat or survey to see what, if any, easement the pipeline company has. Then you will be able to determine what rights they do or do not have.

Would this be on the deed for my house? I want to find out as soon as possible. They are already cutting in our neiborhood.

[JETX]

When you purchased the property, you MAY have ordered a survey. If so, look there. If not, then your local count assessor or recorder should have a copy of the plat or survey.
Though your deed may show 'metes and bounds', it is not a survey.

If they are working now, you may want to talk with an attorney to try to get an injunction filed to stop the work until you can verify.

[HomeGuru]

Check your deed because if the easement was recorded on title, it should show up.
Also call the gas compnay and ask them for a copy of the easement, ordinance or document that allows them to cut the trees in your back yard.

[JETX]

HG: Am I correct in that the deed might state the easement (and might even have confusing 'metes and bounds'), but it wouldn't have the graphic value of an accurate survey??

[HomeGuru]

[quote]Originally posted by Halket
[b]HG: Am I correct in that the deed might state the easement (and might even have confusing 'metes and bounds'), but it wouldn't have the graphic value of an accurate survey??

**A: Yes, and for our readers, a deed and a survey are 2 different things.
Although a recorded easment should be reflected on a survey map, some survey maps may not show the easement although the easment may be listed on a title report as an encumbrance.

Well, thanks for the advice. I was out of town the past two days only to come home this evening to find all of the trees cut down! They even cut two trees that were on the other side of their cut line. Nothing I can do now will bring my trees back. All of my Christmas trees are gone! No Christmas this year Charlie Brown! Oh well, I still have my yard, my house, and my sanity....For Now.

Thanks Again.

[HomeGuru]

[quote]Originally posted by ACDC
[b]Well, thanks for the advice. I was out of town the past two days only to come home this evening to find all of the trees cut down! They even cut two trees that were on the other side of their cut line. Nothing I can do now will bring my trees back. All of my Christmas trees are gone! No Christmas this year Charlie Brown! Oh well, I still have my yard, my house, and my sanity....For Now.

Thanks Again.

**A: call the police and file a report. Take photos and video to document the damage. Then talk to an attorney that believes in Christmas.