WhiteWater’s Eiger Pipeline: Initial Offers, Stakeholder Meetings, and Knowing the Scope on Your Property

The WhiteWater Eiger Pipeline Project is moving forward, and many Texas landowners are now receiving survey access requests, plats, and initial offers from right-of-way agents. In this update, Texas landowner attorney Philip Hundl explains how the Eiger Project compares to WhiteWater’s earlier Matterhorn Pipeline and what landowners should know about stakeholder meetings, easements, and the scope of the project on their property. Understanding where you are in the process—and what the project will permanently place on your land—is critical before attending meetings or responding to offers.

The Eiger Pipeline Project is being developed by WhiteWater and largely parallels the company’s prior Matterhorn Pipeline Project. While the route is not identical, much of it follows a similar corridor.

This is a large, high-pressure natural gas pipeline. In some areas, particularly the laterals, the pipeline diameter is approximately 42 inches, while the main or trunk line is approximately 48 inches in diameter. The project begins at the Waha Hub in West Texas and runs to Katy, with a major compressor station planned in Wharton County.

Many landowners along the route have already:

• Been asked to grant survey access, and
• Received initial offers from right-of-way agents with Norfleet, the same firm involved in the Matterhorn Project.

One notable difference from Matterhorn is that initial offers on the Eiger Project are higher.

That said, an offer is still an offer, and it must be evaluated carefully. Regardless of the dollar amount, landowners should review the proposed easement and project impacts with counsel to determine whether the offer is reasonable.

Many landowners have received invitations to Eiger Pipeline stakeholder meetings and have asked whether attendance is required.

The short answer is no. Attendance is not mandatory, and there are typically multiple meeting locations and dates.

Most of what is presented at these meetings is general project information—the same type of overview already available on the project’s website. While right-of-way agents from Norfleet and possibly a representative from WhiteWater may be present, these meetings usually do not focus on how the project specifically affects individual properties.

If you choose to attend, it is generally best to:

• Listen more than you talk
• Ask questions only to clarify the scope of the project on your property
• Avoid sharing opinions or reactions about the project prematurely

Why Understanding the Scope of the Project Is Critical

From the very beginning, landowners must understand the full scope of the project on their property. This includes more than just the pipeline itself.

Landowners sometimes believe the impact will be limited to temporary workspace, only to later discover:

• A permanent pipeline easement crosses their land
• A permanent access road is included
• There may be surface sites, valve sites, or other appurtenances

These permanent features can significantly affect land use and value. Knowing exactly what is proposed—and where—is essential before agreeing to anything.

In addition to higher initial offers, several factors distinguish Eiger from the earlier Matterhorn Project:

• Land prices have increased, which should be reflected in compensation
• The pipeline may require larger or different easement areas
• Depending on how Eiger parallels Matterhorn on your property, the location of the new easement relative to the existing one matters greatly.

All of these details vary by property and must be reviewed individually.

For many landowners, the project is currently in Steps One and Two of the condemnation timeline:

1. Survey access and preliminary negotiations
2. Initial offers and plats

Typically, 30 to 45 days after the initial offer, landowners may receive a final offer accompanied by an appraisal, which moves the process into the next stage.

In some cases, condemnors issue what appear to be “pre-offers” and later follow up with more formal initial offers. Regardless of how it is labeled, once an offer is made, it should be carefully evaluated.

The Eiger Pipeline Project is moving quickly, and many landowners are receiving questions about offers, easements, and stakeholder meetings. The most important takeaway is this:

Always know where you are in the process and fully understand the scope of the project on your property before responding or attending meetings.

If you have questions about an offer, an easement, or how this project could affect your land, speaking with experienced counsel early can help you make informed decisions.

Questions about the Eiger Pipeline Project?
Call 800-266-4870 or visit LandRights-Law.com or TxCondemnationRights.com to learn more about your rights as a Texas landowner.

• Eiger Express Pipeline Update: Survey Access and Landowner Precautions
• WhiteWater Eiger Express Pipeline Project Landowner Rights
• Pipeline Alert For Texas Landowners: Are You Impacted By WhiteWater’s Eiger Express Pipeline?
• Steps in the Condemnation Process