1995

Chappell v. Virginia Elec. & Power Co.


Supreme Court of Virginia
250 Va. 169, 458 S.E.2d 282
 

VEPCO sought an easement for a 230 kV high voltage transmission line. At trial, landowner intended to adduce evidence concerning adverse health effects of electromagnetic fields and the resulting damage to the residue. On motion of VEPCO, trial court excluded all references to electromagnetic fields and their consideration in assessing damage to market value of the residue. Supreme Court affirmed. Proffered testimony was inadmissible as it failed to quantify any damage to the fair market value of the residue attributable to the alleged public fear of high voltage transmission lines.  Speculative matters should not be considered by the commissioners in determining just compensation.

Summary prepared by Judge Jonathan Apgar, 23rd Judicial Circuit in Virginia, for the William & Mary Property Rights Project, Marshall-Wythe School of Law, William & Mary ©2019.


Back to Case Finder Main Page
Volume One Indexes: 
 To Case Name Index
 To Topic Index
To Date Index
To Code Section Index