Belle Fourche Pipeline Co. v. Elmore Livestock Co.

RAPER, Justice, Retired.

In this case, the Elmores (appellees) filed suit against Belle Fourche Pipeline Company (appellant) for the damage done to their land and the groundwater beneath it when appellant’s high pressure crude oil pipeline ruptured and spilled oil on appellees’ land. *508After a jury trial, appellees were awarded $40,000 for the damage done to their land. Additionally, appellant was required to pay $57,250 into the court registry to restore the groundwater to its prior condition, to be expended subject to stipulation or order of the court. Appellant questions both the amount of…