Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. v. an Exclusive Natural Gas Storage Easement in Clinton Subterranean Geological Formation Beneath 80 Acres

MEMORANDUM OPINION

DOWD, District Judge.

I. INTRODUCTION.

This action is brought pursuant to § 7(h) of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. § 717f(h)) whereby Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation seeks to condemn an underground natural gas storage easement in the Clinton Sandstone beneath a tract of land owned by Mr. and Mrs. Earl F. Arn-holt. The tract of land is within the “map area” of the natural gas storage field known as the Weaver Storage Field. The power of Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation to condemn the tract in question arises from the fact that the tract is within the Weaver Storage…