Sugar maples get cut down to make way for new pipeline

A Pennsylvanian (USA) family who own a maple syrup business could be held in contempt of court if they continue to obstruct crews from cutting down trees in order to lay Constitution Pipeline Co.’s new shale gas pipeline.

If the family and supporters intervene again – as they had on 10 February when they blocked the chainsaw crew – they could face arrest, US District Court Judge Malachy Mannion stated.

Judge Mannion explained: "I’m going to direct that US Marshals are empowered to arrest or detain anyone who obstructs the felling of trees. Then they will be brought before me for a contempt hearing. We are a land of laws. A court is obliged to uphold the law whether it likes it or not.”

The US$875 million, 124 mile pipeline has been battling with the owners over the right-of-way through the farm. The pipeline will transport shale gas from Susquehanna County to New York and New England (USA).

As a result, the 120 ft pipeline right-of-way would cause approximately 200 maple trees, almost 80% of the sugar trees, to be cut down.

Edited from various sources by Stephanie Roker

Sources: Reuters, The Times Tribune

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/22022016/sugar-maples-get-cut-down-to-make-way-for-new-pipeline/