Gulf Coast Midstream-Nash Storage Hub Pipeline Alert: What Texas Landowners Should Know About Survey Requests

Landowner Rights Attorney Phil Hundl shares information on the Gulf Coast Midstream – Nash Storage Hub Pipeline. Texas landowners near the proposed Nash Storage Hub project may be contacted by surveyors or right-of-way agents seeking access to their property. While the project is still in its early stages, landowners should understand what is being proposed, ask questions about the potential route and facilities, and know their rights before agreeing to survey access or signing documents.

Summary of Gulf Coast Midstream – Nash Storage Hub Pipeline Alert: What Texas Landowners Should Know About Survey Requests

Texas landowners in portions of Wharton County and the Fort Bend/Brazoria County area may begin hearing more about a developing pipeline project associated with the Nash Storage Hub, a project involving Gulf Coast Midstream Partners.

According to Texas eminent domain attorney Philip Hundl, the project is still in a very early stage. At this point, some landowners may be approached by surveyors or right-of-way agents requesting permission to enter their property and conduct surveys for a potential pipeline route.

For affected property owners, this early contact is an important time to begin gathering information and understanding what may be proposed for their land.

What Is the Gulf Coast Midstream – Nash Storage Hub Pipeline Project?

The project is being referred to as the Nash Storage Hub project. The storage facility was previously known as the Freeport Energy Storage Hub.

Based on information currently available to Land Rights Law, the proposed pipeline is understood to begin in the area north of Hungerford, Texas, where it would connect with the Matterhorn pipeline, and extend toward the Nash Energy Storage Hub near the Fort Bend and Brazoria County line, east of Damon.

Unlike some of the large pipeline projects that extend hundreds of miles across Texas, this appears to be a more localized project affecting a smaller geographic area.

However, the project remains in its early stages, and important details—including the precise route, pipeline specifications, easement requirements, and locations of any surface facilities—may still be developing.

Landowners Are Being Contacted About Survey Access

One of the first contacts a property owner may receive regarding a proposed pipeline project is a request for survey access.

As Hundl explains in the accompanying video, this can occur even before the formal eminent domain or condemnation process begins.

In fact, if you think about the condemnation process as a series of steps, a survey request may be considered “step zero.”

The pipeline company is still evaluating its proposed route and determining how the project could cross individual properties.

That does not mean landowners should simply sign whatever document is presented to them.

Do Texas Landowners Have to Agree to a Pipeline Survey Request?

Receiving a request from a survey company or right-of-way agent does not mean a landowner should automatically sign a survey permission form.

Before agreeing to access, landowners should determine who is requesting entry, what project the survey relates to, what areas of the property they want to inspect, and what activities they intend to perform.

The specific rights of the company and the landowner can depend on the circumstances, so property owners should consider consulting with an attorney regarding their particular situation.

Questions to Ask Before Granting Survey Access

If a surveyor or right-of-way agent contacts you about the Nash Storage Hub project, consider asking:

• What company are you representing?
• What project is this survey related to?
• Where is the proposed pipeline route across my property?
• How wide is the area you want to survey?
• What size pipeline is currently being considered?
• Where would the pipeline be located on my property?
• Are any above-ground facilities being considered?
• Could there be a valve site or other surface installation on my property?
• What type of access will survey crews need?
• What activities will survey crews perform while on my land?

Because the project is still developing, a right-of-way agent may respond that some of these details have not yet been determined.

That is useful information as well.

Landowners should document what they are told and keep copies of any letters, maps, survey permission agreements, plats, or other materials they receive.

Why the Proposed Route Matters

The location of a pipeline across a property can have a significant impact on how that property can be used in the future.

Even before easement negotiations begin, landowners should try to understand where the company is considering locating the pipeline.

What Should You Do If a Right-of-Way Agent Contacts You?

If you receive a survey request or are contacted about a potential pipeline easement, do not feel pressured to make an immediate decision.

Contact an attorney who specializes in Eminent Domain/Condemnation matters to guide you through the process.

Stay Informed as the Gulf Coast Midstream – Nash Storage Hub Project Develops

This project remains in its early stages, and additional information about the proposed route, pipeline specifications, easements, and affected properties may become available as planning continues.

Land Rights Law and TxCondemnationRights.com will continue monitoring the Nash Storage Hub project and providing information for potentially affected Texas landowners.

If you have received a survey request or other communication concerning the Nash Storage Hub project, take the time to understand what is being requested and how the proposed project could affect your property.

Related Links

• Gulf Coast Midstream Website
• Diagram of the Steps in the Texas Condemnation Process
• Introduction to the Condemnation Process Steps
• Step 1A in the Condemnation Process
• Step 1B in the Condemnation Process
• What’s a Temporary Right of Access Agreement
• Protect Your Rights When Negotiating Access Easements