Default Judgment in Pipeline Condemnation: Court Awards Just Compensation Based Solely on Condemning Party's Remainder Damages Methodology

Mountain Valley Pipeline secured summary judgment awarding $9,291 in just compensation for 1.96 acres of easements (0.12 permanent, 1.84 temporary) on the Rust property in Pittsylvania County after landowners failed to answer the condemnation action. The Western District of Virginia relied exclusively on MVP's appraiser's valuation methodology—allocating $594 for permanent easement, $5,964 in remainder damages, and $2,733 for temporary construction easements—following FERC's December 2025 amended certificate authorizing increased pipeline diameter.