Columbia Gas of Ohio’s request for eminent domain to install a pipeline through preserved farmland was rejected by the Union County Court of Common Pleas last week, according to Farm and Dairy.

However, the ruling, issued April 26, left the door open for eminent domain action in the future, noting the ag easements were not enough to prevent it.

Combining two cases: Columbia Gas of Ohio vs. Patrick Bailey et al., and Columbia Gas of Ohio vs. Don Bailey Jr., successor trustee of the Arno Renner Trust, Judge Mark S. O’Connor dismissed the petitions and encouraged further mediation.

O’Connor’s ruling was based on an inconsistency between the easement language approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board and what was presented to the court. 

Learn more: Farm and Dairy > Union County court rejects pipeline eminent domain