Guay v. Washington Natural Gas Co.

Treble damages are sought in this action for injuries to trees, timber, shrubs and land.

Appellant owns an undeveloped 40-acre tract of land in King County. Its highest and best use, achieved through contour or curvilinear platting, is first-class suburban residential. The respondent, Washington Natural Gas Com pany, sought easements across a part of this tract to run a pipeline to the Hazelwood Housing Development located about a mile from appellant’s property.

To obtain these easements, the gas company’s supervising engineer, Malcolm McCallum, designated one Willis Cook, who had little or no…