Landowners in Nacogdoches County are being contacted for survey access by right of way agents working for a planned Enterprise Pipeline. In the video, Landowner Rights Attorney Philip Hundl describes what’s going on and what you can do to protect your rights. Call 800-266-4870 or text 979-320-9320 for an appointment with Philip. Meetings can be in-person, online or by phone. Our office is in Wharton County and we help clients all over Texas.
Summary of the Nacogdoches County Enterprise Pipeline Project Video
Hello, this is Phil Hundl with a pipeline alert. We’ve learned that Enterprise is working on a project still in its initial phases. Right of way agents have been contacting landowners in Nacogdoches County, requesting access to conduct surveys and assess their proposed route.
Texas Landowners Have Rights in the Condemnation Process
If you are a landowner who’s been contacted by these right of way agents, it’s important to remember you have specific rights. These agents also have obligations, as they act on behalf of a condemning authority.
So, what should be your next steps? Primarily, seek more information about this project. Understand their intentions for your property. It’s still in its early stages, and they may not have all the details yet. However, the more information you have, the better you can understand the impact on your property.
How to Place Boundaries on Survey Access in Nacogdoches County
In terms of survey access, we often recommend entering into strictly defined temporary access agreements. Certain pipeline companies such as Matterhorn, Blackfin, and Whitewater Midstream, are known for their aggressive tactics, including obtaining temporary restraining orders shortly after seeking survey access.
When negotiating survey access, exercise caution. Right of way agents often ask for verbal permission. But remember, anything verbal can easily be misinterpreted. Ensure that your conversations with these agents are clear and understood by both parties.
I advise that any access for surveying should be governed by a negotiated, limited temporary access agreement. This negotiation involves back and forth with the pipeline company, with a lot of different terms and conditions for both parties to consider. If the company does not agree, they often resort to seeking court intervention to gain access to your property.
Beware of giving verbal consent for surveying as it can be misconstrued. You might have previous experience where there was no misinterpretation, and that’s excellent, but I have seen many cases where confusion arose from verbal agreements.
Get Help Protecting Your Rights as a Texas Landowner
As a landowner, always be aware of your rights and understand where you stand in the process. This stage is the starting point of the condemnation timeline. Good luck with your interactions with Enterprise Products regarding their new or proposed line in Nacogdoches County.
Call 800-266-4870 or text 979-320-9320 for an appointment with Philip. Meetings can be in-person, online or by phone. Our office is in Wharton County and we help clients all over Texas.
Call 800-266-4870 or text 979-320-9320 for an appointment. We can also arrange for online and telephone appointments all over Texas.