Since I'm already on record as opposing government confiscation of private property through eminent domain, you won't be surprised to learn that I'm even more opposed to confiscation of property by private companies or public utilities or any combination of government and private.

There are exceptions, of course, such as building a highway that benefits the community at large. Or, perhaps, building a hospital or a school.

But infringing on someone's property rights for no better reason than to enhance a company's or utility's profit potential is a no-no in my book. It crosses the line.

So if I tell you I'm totally empathetic with Ken and Susie Buchmyer in Hellam Township, you'll know where I'm coming from.

The Buchmyers own 2.3 acres of land in rural Hellam Township. It's the part of Hellam Township north of Route 30 where trees abound. It's what attracted them to the property when they purchased it in 1997 -- trees, a little privacy, some fresh air, being surrounded by nature.

In the 12 years they've lived there, they've fallen in love with the place.

So imagine their shock when they found out a company by the name of Texas Eastern Transmission had plans to run a natural gas pipeline through their wooded lot. Well, not just them, but 270 properties in Marietta, Lancaster County, and several municipalities in York County, that could be similarly affected if the proposed 30-mile pipeline is approved.

The Buchmyers, of course, are concerned about the impact

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on their land if a 50-foot right-of-way for the pipeline is approved by the feds. How many mature trees would be lost? What effect would it have on their private waste disposal system? How much damage would result to their driveway?

In short, what would become of their little piece of paradise?

It's a fair question. And so far, there haven't been many answers.

One thing is sure, however. If approved by all the powers that be, this project will be backed by the feds' power of eminent domain, which would allow land to be accessed for the purpose of laying a natural gas pipeline. And if you don't like it? Too bad.

Yes, landowners would be compensated. But how much? And would it be a fair price according to the views of the property owner? Or would it simply be a like-it-or-else approach by the feds, where landowners would receive a check, but a good deal less than its worth in the eyes of the people who own the land?

Time will tell, I guess. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) won't make a decision until later this year.

So the Buchmyers wait. They wonder. And they worry.

If I put myself in the Buchmyers' shoes, I'd worry, too.

I own a piece of property in West Manchester Township about the same size as the Buchmyers' land. I've lived in eight or nine places in my life, and it is easily my favorite. I'd be perfectly content to be living there when I die.

I love my space for all the same reasons the Buchmyers love theirs. The peace and tranquility are hard to beat, especially considering it's also situated within five or 10 minutes of just about everything I need in life.

It's a long piece of land, the back half of which is thickly wooded. Mature trees -- oaks, walnut, sumac, wild cherry, mulberry, dogwood, locust, assorted maples, and all manner of pine trees, mountain laurel and several kinds of honeysuckle -- provide security, shade and peace of mind from every direction.

It's not perfect, certainly no Taj Mahal, but it's as close as I've come to it.

I'd be furious if I thought anything or anyone was planning to cut a 50-foot or a 10-foot swath through my property. And I don't care why they wanted to do it.

Because that 50-foot right-of-way would give them -- the utility or the feds -- the right to come in anytime they chose. They'd have to maintain it. They'd be allowed to tear it up as often as necessary if there was a maintenance issue. In short, the land would cease to be mine for all practical purposes. I'd own it and I'd have to pay taxes on it, but I wouldn't be able to do anything with it.

Eminent domain for a natural gas pipeline? Through my property?

Thanks, but no thanks.

Columns by Larry A. Hicks, Dispatch columnist, run Mon days, Wednesdays and Fri days. E-mail: lhicks@yorkdispatch.com.