Commissioners Intervene In Energy Company Dispute

Washington County will soon be involved in a court dispute between two different energy companies looking to utilize the same portion of land in East Finley Township. Tunnel Ridge, LLC is currently seeking a temporary injunction to have Mark West Liberty Midstream & Resources, LLC cease using their gas transmission pipelines while Tunnel Ridge longwall mines coal underneath those lines. Tunnel Ridge is further seeking a permanent injunction. Washington County Solicitor Gary Sweat was alerted to the case by attorneys from Range Resources. According to Sweat, typically, in situations like this, gas companies would simply raise the pipelines above ground until all mining is complete. In this case that is impossible because these lines would then be located in protected wetlands. A second solution would be for Mark West to construct another cryogenic production plant. Unfortunately, that would be a 3-4 year construction process. The county is intervening because of the large loss of revenue that could occur if Tunnel Ridge’s injunction request is granted. According to figures submitted to Sweat from Range Resources, 40 percent of royalty owners would cease to receive payments. 156 wells would be idled. Locally, 6-7 townships would have royalty and/or impact fees affected by an injunction. Washington County alone would see a financial loss of nearly $60,000 per month of royalty payments. Compensatory figures are being exchanged between the two parties. A hearing on the injunctions is scheduled for August 27-29.