Texas Condemnation Rights

Is Your Land Affected by the AMP 30 Inch Express Pipeline?

The AMP Pipeline is planned to cross Austin, Waller and Washington Counties.  In the video, Attorney Philip Hundl describes this pipeline and cautions landowners about making uniformed agreements.

Summary of the AMP Pipeline Video

– Hi I’m Philip Hundl, I’m an attorney with Wadler, Perches, Hundl & Kerlick and I specialize in land litigation with a focus on representing landowners in condemnation matters.

From time to time I try to bring to your attention, the different Texas eminent domain projects that I’m running across. I’ve had landowners reach out to me recently concerning this AMP Pipeline project.

Initially the route doesn’t seem very clearly defined. I think the company is still determining the precise route of the project. The official name of the project is the AMP 30 Inch Express.  It’s a 30 inch natural gas pipeline.

They’ve filed a T-4 Application with the Texas Railroad Commission, and the pipeline is projected to run through Austin, Waller, and Washington Counties.  The owner of the pipeline is AMP Interstate Pipeline LLC. And once again, it’s referred to as the AMP 30 Inch Express Pipeline.

As I get more information I will post another video.  Hopefully I’ll have a more defined route, and I can post that.

Learn About Your Condemnation Rights Before You Sign an Agreement

If you’re a landowner in Austin, Waller, and Washington Counties, and you’ve been approached by a right-of-way agent  concerning the AMP Pipeline you need to learn about your property condemnation rights.  Just know with any other pipeline projects or condemnation projects, you need to know your rights as a landowner. You also need to be careful what you agree to.

Please be very wary of signing anything like a temporary access agreement or responding to a request for property information.  Be very cautious.

I always suggest that landowners talk with an attorney who is familiar with property condemnation and eminent domain matters. From the very beginning it’s important to not consent or agree to something that later you will wish that you hadn’t.

The Right of Way Agent Is Not Working for You

Oftentimes, unfortunately I see right-of-way agents getting land owners to agree to easement agreements that frankly, the route could potentially still be moved, that would be more accommodating to the landowner, but the landowner just didn’t ask.  So, be very careful.

With this pipeline project once again, if you’re approached by a right-of-way agent, listen and review the information provided, and then go seek some competent legal representation, or at least legal advice on this condemnation matter. So with that, good luck.

Learn More at Our Bellville Condemnation Information Session

If you’re a landowner in Austin, Waller or Washington Counties, and you might be affected by the AMP Pipeline, please consider attending our planned information session, February 12, in Bellville.  Call 800-929-1725 for more information.  If you’d like a complimentary case evaluation, please click this link and complete the form.

Articles Related to the AMP Pipeline

• Texas Railroad Commission Information on Pipeline Eminent Domain and Condemnation
• Landowner Rights in Property Condemnation — A Pipeline Example

 

What Should Property Owners Know About the Pipeline Construction Process?

Attorney Philip Hundl describes the pipeline construction process in this video.  Call 800-929-1725 for an appointment or click this link for a free case evaluation.

Summary of the Pipeline Construction Process

– Hi, my name is Philip Hundl. I’m an attorney with Wadler, Perches, Hundl & Kerlick. My practice area focuses on land litigation, specifically representation of landowners in condemnation projects.

Condemnation projects can be associated with pipeline projects, high voltage power lines, canal projects, roadway expansions or new roadways. I’ve had quite a few questions about the pipeline construction process and the different steps and what a landowner can expect.

So I’ve gone online and I’ve found some interesting videos from different pipeline companies that describe how they do pipeline construction.  I’ve attached a pipeline construction process video from Williams Energy below, and hopefully it is helpful.

Williams Company or Williams Energy is a pipeline company primarily based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It’s got an extensive network of natural gas pipelines and infrastructure.  Their video demonstrates their process. As I think I’ve mentioned before, different companies will have different terminologies for the different steps or processes that they have in their pipeline projects.

Pipeline Construction Process — Preliminary Steps

With the Williams video, they talk about first getting crews out to stake the right of way line. Then the right of way is cleared.

Topsoil is segregated (see the Double Ditching post).  Either a backhoe or trencher is used to dig the trench, depending on the type of soil that’s involved with the project.

Along the Gulf Coast, we’ll see mostly track hoes or backhoes doing the trenching. However once you get a little further into the Hill Country, a little further from the Gulf Coast, you begin to use trenchers because the work involves removing more rocks.

Pipeline Construction Process — Construction of the Pipeline

Once the pipe is laid out next to the trench, it’ll be assembled. If there’s any pipe bending that needs to occur, it can often be done onsite. It may be necessary to bend the pipe because of a change in grade.  I had that recently on a site inspection where there was a significant drop in the grade — it was really like a bluff. 

If the pipe needs to be bent a significant amount, then it’ll be done off site. Or if the route changes and the pipeline changes direction that’s another reason the pipe will be bent.

Sections are then welded together, by welders. As you’ll see in the video, welders have many type of certifications. Then the welds will be visually inspected and x-rayed as well to check the integrity of the welds.

We talk about the coating on the pipe.  Then the pipeline and the welds will be coated, and then there will be more testing of the line. Once the line is placed in the trench, then it’ll be hydrostatically tested.

Pipeline Construction Process — Restoration

Then the right of way is restored by refilling the trench — subsoil first and then topsoil. The depth of the trench is always covered in the easement agreement.  The standard depth that most pipelines companies start out with is 36-inch cover over the pipeline. We always suggest trying to go deeper than that.

The depth of the pipeline is always addressed in the easement agreement.  Segregation of the topsoil and subsoil and then the restoration of the right of way area are extremely important and we deal with those topics in the right of way or in the easement agreement.

It’s also extremely important that what is agreed to in the easement agreement is actually done during the project. Hopefully this video will be educational for you. So, good luck.

Faced with Condemnation of Your Property?

You should talk with an attorney who is experienced in property condemnation BEFORE you sign any agreements with the pipeline company or right-of-way agent.  Call 800-929-1725 for an appointment with Attorney Philip Hundl at our offices or at a location more convenient to you.  If you’d like a free case evaluation, please click this link and fill out the form.

Articles Related to the Pipeline Construction Process

• How Are Pipelines Constructed
• Texas Pipeline Easement Agreement Issues
• Landowner Rights in Property Condemnation — A Pipeline Example

How Pipelines Are Constructed ?  Here’s the Video Answer

In the video below, Condemnation Rights Attorney Philip Hundl answers the question — “how are pipelines constructed”.  He refers to an animation from Kinder Morgan, and that animation is below.  If you’re a Texas property owner faced with condemnation of your property, call for an appointment with Mr. Hundl at 800-929-1725.  You can also click this link to ask for a free case evaluation.

Summary of the “How Are Pipelines Constructed” Video

– My name name is Philip Hundl. I’m an attorney with Wadler, Perches, Hundl and Kerlick.  My practice focuses on land litigation, often representing landowners in condemnation matters.

I’ve been asked by landowners about the specifics of the engineering or the steps involved with the installation of a pipeline when their property is being affected by a pipeline project.  I think sometimes it’s easier to visualize things than to try to just explain it with words. So I’ve found some helpful videos online that are actually put out by the pipeline companies that I think will help illustrate the process and the steps involved with a pipeline project.

One that I found is by Kinder Morgan. We’ve got several ongoing Kinder Morgan projects right now, and we represent  landowners facing condemnation related to those projects.

In the video below, Kinder Morgan lays out the multiple steps involved with acquiring the right of way, surveying the right of way, and then installing the pipe. They go into multiple steps.

When you’re visiting with the engineering departments of different companies, they’ll talk about maybe 14 steps, and not 10 steps, or 15 steps. It just depends from company to company.

How Are Pipelines Constructed – Preliminary Steps

But in general terms as explained in the Kinder Morgan video below, they’ve got the preliminary surveying and staking of the proposed right of way area. Then the clearing of the right of way area. And the next removing the trees, brush, things like that.

In our easement agreements, we try to address what’s going to happen with the trees that are removed? What’s going to happen with the debris? Is it going to be burned on site? Or is it going to be removed completely?

Then the right of way topsoil will be stripped away or segregated out. It’s really important to keep the topsoil segregated from the subsoil. Obviously different compositions of soil need to be kept separate. And you want to make sure that that topsoil gets returned back to the top of the right of way area so that the restoration will be successful.

How Are Pipelines Constructed – the Construction Process

Then going off of the Kinder Morgan animation, the re-staking of the center line for the trench to make sure that once the digging begins it will be in the correct location. Then the trenching happens.  Depending on the composition of the subsoil, it can be done with a track hoe, or backhoe, or if it’s very rocky, with a trencher.  Once the trenching is complete, there may be some padding installed at the bottom of the trench if it’s very rocky.

And the next step is the stringing of the pipe or laying of the pipe along the trench. You’ll see this at project sites. It’s very visible. You’ll see the stringing of the green-coated pipe along the, along the trench.

Then if there’s any bending that needs to happen in the pipe, it can be done in the field.  If it’s more complex bending it’ll be done offsite.  And then the welding. The initial and final welding of the strings of pipe will be done once again along the trench.

Once the pipe is then laid into the trench, the location of the trench will be further recorded with GPS recording so that the location of the pipeline will be precise. Extremely important.

We talked about the welding of the pipe together — the strings of pipe. Once the pipe is welded, the welds will be inspected. An x-ray inspection of the welds will be completed to make sure that the welds are properly done.

And then the welds are coated. Those welds will also be coated with a protective coating. So once that’s done the pipe’s welded together, the welds are coated, then the pipe will be lowered into the trench by a side boom equipment.

Then the trench will be back filled.  How this is done is extremely important. We have this in our easement agreements. We want to make sure that it’s properly back filled, subsoil first and then the topsoil on top.

Then the pipeline is hydrostatically tested. Water is pumped into the pipe at high pressures to make sure that there’s no failure in any of the welds. No leaks.

How Are Pipelines Constructed — Restoration

And then once the topsoil is replaced, if there’s any sinkage, you know, more topsoil will be replaced. The top of the trench will be leveled multiple times to attempt to prevent substantial sinkage over the pipeline.

And then the other restoration procedures will be completed by the pipeline company, such as reseeding with the particular type of pasture that was there before the pipeline project began.

So this is an interesting and informative video animation. I think it’s helpful. So please take a look.

Is Your Property Affected by Eminent Domain?

In our experience many landowners take the first offer they receive from a right of way agent.  Remember the right of way agent works for the company acquiring your property rights and the agent’s goal is to do the job at the lowest cost.  Protect yourself by talking with an attorney who’s experienced in property condemnation.  If we can help you, please call Attorney Philip Hundl for an appointment at 800-929-1725.  You can also ask for a free case evaluation by clicking this link.

Kinder Morgan “How Are Pipelines Constructed” Video

Articles Related to “How Are Pipelines Constructed”

• Landowner Rights in Property Condemnation – A Pipeline Example
• What’s Double Ditching in an Easement Agreement
• Should You Complete a Property Information Sheet
• Confidentiality in Property Condemnation
• What’s a Temporary Right of Access Agreement

Who’s Affected by the Gulf South Pipeline — Willis Lateral?

In this video, Condemnation Rights Attorney Philip Hundl talks about the new Gulf South Pipeline project called the Willis Lateral.  If you’re a landowner affected by the project or any other eminent domain action, please call 800-929-1725 for an appointment with Mr. Hundl.  You can also ask for a free case evaluation by clicking this link and completing a form.

Summary of the Gulf South Pipeline – Willis Lateral Video

– Hi, I’m Philip Hundl, I’m an attorney with Wadler, Perches, Hundl & Kerlick, and my practice area primarily focuses on land litigation, specifically condemnation projects representing land owners.

Today, I’d like to talk to you briefly about a new project that’s come to my attention.  It’s a Gulf South pipeline project called the Willis Lateral.

Gulf South is a subsidiary of Boardwalk Pipeline Partners. It’s an interstate pipeline company, and it’s regulated by FERC on most of its projects.  Boardwalk Pipeline Partners has approximately 7,000 miles of pipeline throughout the Southern part of the United States.  That area includes South Texas, East Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Southern Alabama, and Western Florida.

Planned Route of the Willis Lateral Project

This Willis Lateral Project is not a big project — it’s approximately 19 miles of 24-inch pipeline in Montgomery and San Jacinto Counties.   The pipeline’s going to start just West of Willis, Texas, west of I-45, and it’s going to run into Southeastern San Jacinto County.  It will connect with an existing line that Gulf South has in San Jacinto County.

The Willis Lateral is going to connect with a power plant in Montgomery County owned by Entergy Texas.  They have an existing compressor station in Polk County. So this Willis Lateral pipeline is going to connect up with the current Gulf South pipeline to feed from an existing compressor station in Polk County.  Then the new section of pipeline supplies an Entergy Texas power station in Montgomery County.

Planned Construction Schedule

So, what’s the timeframe on the Willis Lateral project? It looks like they’re hoping to begin construction near the end of 2019 and have everything completed and ready to go around May 2020.

Last June in 2018, Gulf South Pipeline filed their application certificate of public convenience and necessity with FERC — that’s something that’s required.  I’ve visited the FERC website and I’ve seen where they’ve filed that application. They anticipate  that in May 2019 they’ll receive an order granting their certificate of public convenience and necessity.  Then they anticipate starting pipeline construction in October 2019 with completion of construction in May 2020.

This Gulf South pipeline is planned to run in or along an existing utility right of way, so there could be some land owners affected. There’s also some national forest property there that will also be affected.  Gulf South anticipates this project will cost them approximately $100 million.

That’s just some information that they put out about this Gulf South pipeline project.  If you’re a land owner in Montgomery County or San Jacinto County and you’ve heard about the Willis Lateral Project, hopefully this information is helpful.  Good luck!

Is Your Property Affected by Eminent Domain

In our experience, most property owners accept the first offer given them by the right-of-way agent.  The right-of-way agent does not represent your interests, and the agent’s goal is to obtain your consent to an agreement at the lowest possible cost to the pipeline company.  Don’t sign an agreement without consulting with an experienced property condemnation attorney!

Philip Hundl is an experienced condemnation rights attorney.  He’ll meet with you at our offices or in a location convenient to you.  Call for an appointment at 800-929-1725 or click this link to ask for a free case evaluation.

Articles Related to Pipeline Projects

• Landowner Rights in Property Condemnation
• What’s Double Ditching in Pipeline Construction
• Should You Comply with an Information Request by the Right of Way Agent
• What’s a Temporary Right of Access Agreement
• What Happens if there is Breach of an Easement Agreement