Tree sitters remain after deadline passes

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Although a judge ordered Huntingdon County tree sitters to abandon their posts by June 30, a group of protesters is still perched on land slated for Sunoco’s Mariner East 2 pipelines.

Common Pleas Judge George Zanic signed an order June 28 prohibiting the people keeping watch over 3.2 acres of land dubbed “Camp White Pine” from interfering with clear-cut timbering and installation of a 20-inch and a 16-inch pipeline on the easement.

The Gerharts’ attorney, Rich Raiders, called Judge Zanic’s order “broad and disappointing,” and said because of the way it is written, “anyone in the vicinity of the easement could be subject to arrest.”

Mr. Raiders said the Gerharts are considering an appeal of last week’s order to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.

Separately, they are awaiting word from the state Supreme Court on whether it will hear an appeal on the original eminent domain ruling.

As of Monday afternoon things were quiet in the Gerharts’ neck of the woods. No law enforcement had come by and construction has yet to begin on the parcel of land.

Jeff Shields, communications manager for Sunoco Pipeline L.P., said that because of the pending litigation, he cannot comment on construction plans on the Gerhart land.

However, he did release the following statement: “We have followed the proper legal process and we have gone out of the way to avoid confrontation. We understand there are varying opinions on our country’s underground pipeline infrastructure. We will continue to conduct ourselves according to the law at all times and we fully expect those who oppose the project to do so peacefully and in compliance with the law.”