The Gerharts have been fighting Sunoco Logistics from laying a pipeline through their three acres since last February. Thursday, Sunoco filed an emergency injunction to move forward without proper permits.

 

“It’s not serving any public purpose in Pennsylvania,” Ellen Gerhart said.

 

Sunoco Logistics planted stakes throughout the Gerharts’ property Wednesday.  On Thursday, the Gerharts were staking out the operation.

 

“Even though it’s our property there are guidelines,” Gerhart said. “We can’t be in the right of way. We can’t technically harass the crew or anything.”

 

Sunoco Logistics has to clear cut to lay a pipeline that will carry natural gas liquid from Ohio to Delaware.  

 

“That’s why we’re here just to watch and ask them respectfully to leave the property. They don’t have any other permits.That’s one of our big issues,” Gerhart explained.

 

Sunoco Logistics submitted a wetlands application to the Department of Environmental Protection last year.  It was rejected. 

“They’re gonna come in here, they’re gonna clear cut trees that were supposed to be part of the forest stewardship program we signed up for.”

 

The emergency injunction doesn’t give the Gerharts the time they need to prove the land needs to be protected. 

 

“Unfortunately the stakes tend to be a little absolute,” said the Gerharts’ attorney, Rich Raiders.

 

Stephen Gerhart met with Raiders at the Huntingdon County Courthouse Thursday. 

 

“Worst case scenario is that Sunoco gets the unlimited right to clear out the trees off the property wherever they want before March 31st,” Raiders said. 

 

Sunoco Logistics has until March 31st to start clear-cutting.  From April to November, cutting is prohibited to protect endangered wildlife.

 

A hearing is scheduled for Monday at the courthouse.