Pipeline & Lease Issues

Understanding Pipeline Easements

As a landowner, one of your main concerns is keeping your property values as high as possible. You maintain the property and try to prevent any building or construction around the area that might cause your property to decrease in value. There are some options, however, that might reduce the property value but could still prove profitable for the landowner. One such example would be pipeline leases.

Some areas of land could house a natural gas reserve deep below the surface that has caught the interest of natural gas companies, or perhaps your property is in the path of a potential gas line to carry natural gas from one location to another. Either way, you may be approached regarding a pipeline lease or "easement" that gives the gas company right of way regarding the land above the pipes that the plan to or have already installed across your land. These right-of-way easements must be negotiated between you as the landowner and the gas company, establishing the width and depth of the leased area, as well as the access rights for the company. Unless these details are fleshed out beforehand, issues may arise.

Issues Related to Leases

If you already have a pipeline easement, you may be experiencing problems. You have the right as the landowner to establish guidelines regarding the length and depth of the pipelines, how long the construction may last, the materials used, the way the surface is restored after installation, and access to the pipelines for maintenance. Violation of any of these terms in your agreement may require litigation, so contact a Fort Worth business attorney right away.

Hire Our Firm

Coontz Cochran is a seasoned business law firm in the Fort Worth area. Since 1990, our legal team has provided aggressive and effective legal representation in all areas of business law. Contact us right away to speak with a member of our team and engage in a free case evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you resolve your pipeline lease and easement issues.