East Texas landowners in Jasper and Newton Counties may be affected by a new Venture Global pipeline expansion project.
Landowner rights attorney Philip Hundl shares information on Venture Global’s pipeline expansion project. Venture Global is moving forward with a project being referred to as the “Lumberjack Project,” connected to its CP2 LNG and CP Express pipeline system. While the project is still in the early stages, landowners in Jasper County and Newton County, Texas, should be aware of potential survey requests and proposed pipeline activity.
If you own property in the area and have been contacted about survey access, now is the time to begin gathering information and understanding exactly what may be proposed for your land.
What Is the Venture Global “Lumberjack Project”?
The Lumberjack Project is being described as an expansion related to Venture Global’s CP2 LNG and CP Express pipeline system.
The larger CP2 LNG project is associated with facilities in Louisiana, while portions of the related pipeline infrastructure extend into East Texas. The project discussed in this alert is associated with the Silsbee Compressor Station and may affect property owners in the Jasper and Newton County area.
Because the project involves infrastructure crossing between Texas and Louisiana, it is associated with federal regulatory oversight.
At this stage, landowners may be receiving requests for permission to conduct surveys on their property.
Have You Received a Survey Access Request?
One of the first contacts a landowner may receive during a pipeline project is a request for survey access.
A survey request does not necessarily tell you everything the pipeline company may ultimately want to place on your property.
Before signing anything, landowners should understand what is being proposed and what areas of the property may be affected.
Important questions may include:
- Where is the proposed pipeline route?
- What is the proposed pipeline diameter?
- How deep will the pipeline be buried?
- What product will the pipeline carry?
- How wide will the permanent easement be?
- Will temporary construction easements be requested?
- Are above-ground facilities or other appurtenances proposed?
- Will temporary access roads be needed?
- Will permanent access roads be requested?
- Are any surface sites or additional facilities planned?
- What is the anticipated construction timeline?
These details can significantly affect how a project impacts the current and future use of a property.
Existing CP2 or CP Express Pipelines May Also Be Relevant
Some East Texas landowners may already have an existing pipeline or easement on their property related to the CP2 LNG or CP Express system.
If so, it is important not to assume that a new project will automatically follow the same easement, use the same footprint, or have the same terms.
An expansion project may involve additional pipeline facilities, expanded easement rights, temporary workspaces, access roads, or other infrastructure.
Landowners should determine exactly what new rights are being requested.
Why Pipeline Easement Details Matter
A pipeline easement can affect a property long after construction is complete.
The language in an easement agreement may determine where the pipeline can be located, how the company can access the property, what facilities may be installed, and what restrictions could apply to the landowner in the future.
Before agreeing to an easement, landowners may want clarification regarding issues such as:
- The exact location of the pipeline
- The width of the permanent easement
- Temporary construction workspace
- Access rights
- Above-ground equipment
- Future pipeline rights
- Construction restoration obligations
- Damage to crops, timber, fencing, roads, drainage, or improvements
- Restrictions on future property use
The proposed compensation is only one part of the discussion. The easement terms themselves may have a lasting effect on the property.
What Should Jasper and Newton County Landowners Do?
If you receive a letter, survey request, easement proposal, or other communication related to the Venture Global Lumberjack Project, CP2 LNG, or CP Express pipeline system, keep copies of everything you receive.
Do not assume that the first document presented explains the full scope of the project.
Ask questions about what is proposed, where it will be located, what rights the company is requesting, and how construction may affect your property.
Landowners may also want to speak with an attorney experienced in Texas eminent domain and pipeline easement matters before signing documents that could affect their property rights.
Learn More About Your Texas Pipeline and Eminent Domain Rights
Pipeline projects can move from surveying to easement negotiations and construction planning quickly. Understanding the process early can help landowners make more informed decisions about their property.
If you own land in Jasper County, Newton County, or elsewhere in East Texas and believe your property may be affected by the Venture Global CP2 or CP Express “Lumberjack Project,” learn more about the eminent domain process and your rights as a Texas property owner at TxCondemnationRights.com.
Call 800-266-4870 or text 979-320-9320 for an appointment. We can also arrange for online and telephone appointments all over Texas.