What is a pipeline right-of-way?
A pipeline right-of-way is a strip of land over and around natural gas pipelines where some of the property owner's legal rights have been granted to a pipeline operator. A right-of-way agreement between the pipeline company and the property owner is also called an easement and is usually filed in the county Register & Recorders office with property deeds. Rights-of-ways and easements provide a permanent, limited interest in the land that enables the pipeline company to install, operate, test, inspect, repair, maintain, replace, and protect one or more pipelines within the designated easement. The agreement may vary the rights and widths of the right-of-way, but generally, the pipeline company's rights-of-way extend 25 feet from each side of a pipeline unless special conditions exist.
Right of Condemnation or Eminent Domain
In Pennsylvania, eminent domain or right of condemnation generally only applies to transmission lines, or lines moving gas longer distances between two or more states.
Individual gathering lines (pipelines running between well sites, compressor units and metering stations) are not subject to eminent domain, and the pipeline operator must negotiate easements with each individual landowner along the pipeline route.
There is a provision in Pennsylvania that allows operators of a ‘public utility’ to use eminent domain to secure pipeline easements. In the event of an eminent domain proceeding, the landowner will be compensated by the court or regulatory authority at a fair market value for the easement.
Pipeline Identification
Pipeline markers are located along the path of a gas pipeline. These markers identify the general location of the pipeline and list the products transported, the operator’s name and the emergency contact number. Pipeline markers do not identify the exact location of the pipeline, so it is critical that landowners contact the One Call Center prior to any excavation near the pipeline easement.
Right of Way Maintenance
Pipeline operators will regularly conduct aerial and ground inspections to check right-of-way conditions, test for leaks, install and maintain pipeline makers and to clear brush that restricts access to the right-of-way or visibility during inspections. Rights of way are kept clear of trees, brush and other obstructions so the pipeline operator can safely operate, inspect, maintain and repair its pipelines.
Property Use Restrictions
If you are negotiating a right of way easement on your property, you should be aware of the pipeline operator’s guidelines for property use and construction near natural gas pipelines and equipment. Generally, property owners are prohibited from installing any structures, storing anything that could be an obstruction, or planting trees or shrubs along the right of way. Unauthorized building or planting in the pipeline right-of-way is known as right-of-way encroachment.
Normal gardening and agricultural activities are generally acceptable. However you should never dig or construct anything within the easement without first having a pipeline representative mark the pipeline, stake the right of way and explain the company’s construction guidelines
Negotiating a Right of Way Agreement
Easement agreements are formal legal agreements granting the operator long-term use of the right-of-way. A change in ownership of the property does not alter the easement agreement. Because easement agreements are legally binding contracts, landowners are encouraged to have the contract reviewed by an attorney who is knowledgeable in PA oil and gas law and experienced in reviewing right of way agreements before entering into any contract.
Many aspects of a pipeline easement are negotiable. Typically a pipeline representative will present the landowner with a pre-printed agreement. This document can serve as a starting point for a two-way negotiation, or it can be fully accepted or rejected by the landowner. You can make changes to the easement by creating an addendum that is approved by both parties
Below are is sampling of considerations that may be included in a pipeline agreement or addressed with an addendum:
· Width of the permanent easement and time line for completion of construction.
· Define the nature and width of temporary construction easement.
· Require identification of any independent and sub-contractors that the pipeline company will use and make the pipeline company responsible and liable for all acts on your property by independent and sub-contractors.
· Require the pipeline company to indemnify the landowner from the acts and omissions of the independent and sub-contractors.
· Define and limit access to both permanent and temporary easements.
· Specify payments for trees, crops, etc damaged during the installation of the pipeline.
· Specify re-seeding of easements and what types of grasses and other improvements, stating the amount of time following completion of construction for surface restoration to be completed.
· Identify all stream crossings, state methods of stream crossings, and require restoration of stream crossings after construction.
· Require that landowner be provided an “as constructed” survey of the easement with an official seal by the surveyor within a stated period of time following completion of construction.
· Specify replacement or installation of fencing and gates, stating which gates will have locks and nature of the locks.
· Limit number of keys or number of persons with lock combinations.
· Identification of a named person at the pipeline company who will be landowner’s contact. Require the pipeline company to give 30 days prior notice to landowner of any such change in contact person or related contact information.
· Define access post-construction to the easement with specific method and location of all access roads and methods.
· Prohibition or limitation of surface appurtenances to the pipeline.
· Requirement of minimum depth to top of buried pipeline and requirement that this minimum depth be maintained at all times.
· Termination of the lease by stated number of days of no use of the pipeline.
· Define “abandonment” of the pipeline as a termination of easement event and require the pipeline company to remove all abandoned pipeline.
· Require prior landowner consent for any assignment of the easement to another party.
· Limitation of the easement to one pipeline of a stated diameter, with no right to install additional pipelines and no right to increase the diameter of the pipeline.
· Require the same post-construction restoration of surface for pipeline repairs as for original construction.
· Reserve the right to seek surface damages for pipeline repairs as for the initial installation.
· Confirm whether gas to be transported will be scented or unscented.
· Make sure that the permanent and temporary easements are by metes and bounds descriptions and with official surveys – pre-construction and post-construction (as-built survey).
· Choose an alternative dispute resolution method that makes it’s the cheapest, quickest, and least burdensome way to resolve conflicts between landowner and the pipeline company.
· Consider what surface uses by the landowner will be prohibited, if any, of the easement.
Value of Rights of Way
Payments to landowners for granting right of way easements can be quite variable between pipeline operators and from location to location. Most payments involve set dollar amount per linear foot (or per ‘rod’ which is 16.5 feet). In Pennsylvania, easement agreements have ranged from less than $5.00 per linear foot to more than $25.00 per linear foot. Some pipeline operators will also offer a ‘signing bonus’ (a fixed dollar amount for signing an easement agreement) in addition to the payment per linear foot. Be sure to get the amount and terms of payments in writing before signing an easement agreement.
Extension’s Role
Penn State Cooperative Extension provides educational resources for landowners about Marcellus shale and the natural gas leasing and exploration process. County Extension offices may host an educational workshop, discuss leasing arrangements, or refer you to regulatory or legal specialists.
Although extension educators cannot provide legal advice, they can provide additional insights about leasing and right of way considerations.
For more information about Marcellus shale, natural gas development, leasing and pipeline rights of way visit: http://naturalgas.extension.psu.edu
