Landowner attorney Philip Hundl shares an early alert about the proposed Aspen Katy Hub Pipeline, a possible 56-mile, 30-inch high-pressure gas line that may impact landowners in Washington, Austin, and Waller Counties. Landowners contacted about survey access should understand their rights before signing documents or granting entry.
Introduction to Aspen Katy Hub Pipeline Alert: Survey Access and Landowner Rights in Texas
Texas landowners in Washington County, Austin County, and Waller County may begin receiving calls, letters, or in-person visits regarding a new pipeline project referred to as the Aspen Katy Hub Project.
This project appears to be in the very early stages. However, even at the early survey-access phase, landowners should take the process seriously. The decisions made at the beginning of a pipeline project can affect access to your property, potential route placement, easement negotiations, and future compensation issues.
What is the Aspen Katy Hub Project?
The Aspen Katy Hub Project is reportedly connected to Aspen Midstream, a company active in the Austin Chalk area, including parts of Austin County, Washington County, and Waller County.
The entity reportedly associated with acquiring pipeline easements is Aspen Katy Hub LLC. According to the information currently available, this entity was recently formed in mid-March, and landowners began being contacted shortly after in late March or early April.
Because the project is still preliminary, many details may continue to change. At this stage, landowners are primarily being contacted about survey access for possible pipeline routes.
Proposed Pipeline Details
Based on early information, the Aspen Katy Hub Project may involve:
- A proposed 30-inch diameter high-pressure gas pipeline
- Approximately 56 miles in length
- A route beginning in the southern portion of Washington County
- A path cutting across the northern portion of Austin County
- A route continuing into Waller County
- A proposed endpoint near the Katy Hub interconnect
The Katy Hub interconnect is reportedly connected with other major energy infrastructure, including Kinder Morgan and other companies familiar to many Texas landowners affected by pipeline development.
Why Are Landowners Being Contacted?
At this stage, landowners are reportedly being contacted about survey access.
Survey access allows a pipeline company or its representatives to enter private property to evaluate possible routes, conduct studies, take measurements, review environmental conditions, and gather information before finalizing a route.
Even though survey access may sound routine, it is still access to private property. Landowners should understand what is being requested before granting permission.
Who is Contacting Landowners?
For the Aspen Katy Hub Project, right-of-way acquisition agents are reportedly working through Defined Land Management.
Landowners across Texas often hear from various right-of-way acquisition companies during pipeline projects, including companies such as Norfleet, Percheron, and others. In this case, the company reportedly involved is Defined Land Management, working on behalf of Aspen Midstream or Aspen Katy Hub LLC.
Should Landowners Grant Survey Access?
Landowners should not feel pressured to immediately grant survey access without understanding their rights.
Before signing a survey permission form or allowing entry onto your land, you should carefully review the proposed access terms. In many situations, survey access should be limited, clearly defined, and documented.
Final Thoughts
If you are approached by Defined Land Management, Aspen Midstream, or representatives connected to Aspen Katy Hub LLC, take time to understand your rights before granting survey access or signing any documents.
Pipeline projects can move quickly once landowner contact begins. The best time to get informed is at the beginning of the process.
Landowners: If you are impacted by the Aspen Katy Hub Project or any other pipeline project, seek an experienced team to help you navigate the process.
Call 800-266-4870 or text 979-320-9320 for an appointment. We can also arrange for online and telephone appointments all over Texas.