In this video, Land Rights Law Attorney Philip Hundl describes the double ditch method of topsoil conservation which should be negotiated in most pipeline easement agreements. Call Philip at 800-266-4870 or text 979-320-9320 for an appointment. Our office is in Wharton County, but we help landowners all over Texas. Meetings can be in person, online or by phone.
Summary of the Double Ditch Method Video
Hi, Phil Hundl here. I want to give a brief update on the pipeline construction site. We’re at Matterhorn Pipeline in Williamson County, not far from the town of Walburg. As you can see, construction is still ongoing here, while other places along the Matterhorn Pipeline route have already been finished.
This is where the pipeline is crossing FM 972. We can pan over to the other side of the road. This is what we’ve talked about before, where they do boring underneath the road, and as you can see, they come out right next to it.
In this area, there tends to be quite a bit of rock and not as much topsoil. Therefore, it becomes crucial to segregate the topsoil from the deeper, rocky layers when they’re building the pipeline.
They’ve moved over the topsoil to one side to commence the double ditching. Once they dig the ditch, they’ll lay the pipe, put the subsoil on top of the pipe, and then place the topsoil back on top. This double ditch method helps preserve the topsoil on your land.
As a landowner with cropland or pasture, you want to bargain for the double ditch method to be included in the easement agreement. If it’s not, the pipeline construction contractor will likely mix your topsoil with the subsoil, potentially damaging your pasture and cropland for many years to come.
This is a good example of why it’s important for them to double-ditch correctly and ensure proper trenching of the pipeline.
Get the Help You Need Negotiating Your Pipeline Easement
It’s important to remember that the right of way agent works for the pipeline company — not you. The law of eminent domain and the condemnation process in Texas is complex. Get an experienced eminent domain lawyer to help you safeguard your rights. Call Philip at 800-266-4870 or text the office at 979-320-9320 for a meeting. Our office is in El Campo in Wharton County, but we work for landowners all over the State.
Call 800-266-4870 or text 979-320-9320 for an appointment. We can also arrange for online and telephone appointments all over Texas.