Attorney Phil Hundl of Land Rights Law shares information on the Pickton Gas Storage Pipeline. Texas landowners in Delta County, Hopkins County, and Lamar County may be receiving survey access requests or initial offers related to the Pickton Gas Storage pipeline project. This proposed natural gas pipeline may involve a 50-foot permanent easement, a 50-foot temporary workspace, and one pipeline up to 24 inches in diameter. Before signing any survey access agreement, easement, or offer, landowners should understand what rights are being requested and how the proposed route could affect their property.
Summary of Pickton Gas Storage Pipeline Project
Texas landowners in Delta County, Hopkins County, and Lamar County may be receiving survey access requests, initial offers, or other communications related to the Pickton Gas Storage, LLC pipeline project. If you have been contacted, it is important to understand where you are in the process, what rights may be requested, and why early action matters.
The Pickton Gas Storage project is a proposed natural gas pipeline project that appears to cover approximately 45 miles across Northeast Texas. Based on current information, the project crosses or impacts areas in Delta County, Hopkins County, and Lamar County.
For many landowners, the first notice of a project may come from a right-of-way agent asking for survey access. In some cases, landowners may also receive an initial offer or easement documents early in the process. Before signing anything, landowners should carefully evaluate what is being requested and how the proposed route could affect their property.
What Is the Pickton Gas Storage Pipeline Project?
The Pickton Gas Storage, LLC project is a high-pressure natural gas pipeline project. The project recently received a T-4 permit from the Railroad Commission of Texas in May, and Pickton Gas Storage has been classified as a gas utility for Railroad Commission purposes.
While details may continue to develop, current project information indicates that the pipeline route involves Delta County, Hopkins County, and Lamar County. The route appears to generally move diagonally across the region, traveling northwest to southeast in an area south of Paris, northeast of Sulphur Springs, and ending near the area west and north of Winnsboro.
What Easement Rights Are Being Requested?
Based on information currently being reviewed, Pickton Gas Storage is seeking:
- A 50-foot-wide permanent easement
- A 50-foot-wide temporary workspace area
- An easement for one pipeline
- A maximum pipeline diameter of 24 inches
Although a 24-inch pipeline is smaller than some of the larger 36-inch, 42-inch, or 48-inch pipelines seen in other Texas projects, it is still a significant high-pressure natural gas pipeline. The size of the line, the location of the easement, and the rights included in the easement agreement can all have long-term consequences for the property.
Landowners should pay close attention to whether the easement is limited to one pipeline, whether the maximum diameter is clearly stated, and whether future additional lines, above-ground facilities, access rights, or expanded uses are included or excluded.
What Should Landowners Do If They Receive a Survey Access Request?
If you have been contacted by a right-of-way agent about the Pickton Gas Storage project, you may still be very early in the process. In many cases, survey access happens before an official easement agreement or condemnation filing.
Survey access should generally be handled in writing. Verbal permission can create confusion or disagreement later about what was allowed, who could enter the property, where they could go, and what activities were permitted.
Before granting survey access, landowners should consider speaking with an attorney who handles eminent domain and condemnation matters for Texas landowners.
Why Route Review Matters Early
One of the most important things landowners can do early is evaluate the proposed route across their property. Even if a right-of-way agent says the route is already established, landowners may still have important information that the company does not know.
If the proposed route creates avoidable damage, the earlier that issue is raised, the better. Rerouting may not always be possible, but waiting too long can make the process more difficult.
Timber, Crops, and Property Use Should Be Considered
For landowners with timber, crop production, grazing, or other active property uses, timing can be very important.
For example, if valuable timber may be impacted by the proposed easement or temporary workspace, a landowner may need to evaluate whether timber can or should be harvested before clearing occurs. If crops are planted or harvest is approaching, the construction schedule may also matter.
These are practical issues that should be part of a broader strategy before signing an easement agreement.
What Step Am I At in the Condemnation Process?
If you have only received a survey access request, you may be at the very beginning of the process. On the TxCondemnationRights.com condemnation timeline, this may be considered step zero or step one.
That does not mean the request is unimportant. Early decisions can affect later negotiations, property access, routing discussions, and documentation of damages.
If you have already received an initial offer, easement document, or proposed agreement, it is especially important to understand what rights the company is seeking and what limitations should be included.
Should I Sign the First Easement Agreement?
Landowners should be cautious about signing an easement agreement without review. Pipeline easements can affect property for decades. The language in the agreement may control what the company can do on the property now and in the future.
A landowner should understand both the payment being offered and the long-term restrictions being placed on the property.
Key Takeaways for Texas Landowners
If you are contacted about the Pickton Gas Storage pipeline project, be proactive early in the process. Survey access, routing discussions, and initial offers are important steps that can affect your property rights.
Before signing any survey access document, easement agreement, or offer, landowners should understand what is being requested, what rights may be limited, and how the project could impact the long-term use and value of their land.
Have You Been Contacted About the Pickton Gas Storage Pipeline Project?
If you own property in Delta County, Hopkins County, or Lamar County and have been contacted about the Pickton Gas Storage project, you may have questions about survey access, easement negotiations, compensation, or your rights as a Texas landowner.
Visit TxCondemnationRights.com for project updates, landowner resources, and information about the Texas condemnation process.
To speak with Land Rights Law about a Texas eminent domain or condemnation matter, call 800.266.4870, text 979.320.9320 or schedule a free consultation here.
Call 800-266-4870 or text 979-320-9320 for an appointment. We can also arrange for online and telephone appointments all over Texas.