Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Camp on February 25, 2009 at 17:57

I'm not sure if it will require more than 50ft. but it makes sense that it might.

As for landowner compensation, in negotiations the ROW agents' offers will be per linear foot or rod (1 rod = 16.5 feet). This is related to the appraised value of the land (but the extent of this relationship can vary greatly).

If it goes to condemnation, the formula for determining a landowner's damages has 2 steps. First, determine the value of the land being taken. This is based on the appraised value of the land. The second step is to determine damages to the remaining property. This is usually significant when the property has development potential.

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Permalink Reply by Richard Rudd on February 26, 2009 at 12:14

Thanks for the reply. This property is used for timber growing. The most probable route they will want to take will split a section which will inhibit timber growth, access, not to mention lost future income from timber sales. Not sure what is fair and what is not when it comes to giving up part of the property. Of course, they will be using it to pipe out gas from the new shale find in North Louisiana, so we're trying to do the best thing for that, but not get low balled either.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Camp on February 26, 2009 at 18:53

In that case, you might want to also consider hiring a timber appraiser to assess the damages. How big of an easement or ROW are they seeking? How many acres of timber will be lost?

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Permalink Reply by Richard Rudd on February 27, 2009 at 4:50

Yes, we are hiring a timber appraiser. The thing is, this timber was cut 5 years ago, and has now been replanted for about 3 years, so the timber is still very young. They just received permission from the court to go in and survey to determine the route, but we have a pretty good idea where they will want to put it. We do not know as of right now the exact length or width they are seeking, so we do not know how many acres this will total. We do know that the route they will probably want will travel across a section that will effectively divide that section making it necessary to cross the pipeline to get from one part to the other, so it's going to be a little tricky. Total acreage taken, depending on the width and length may be as small as two acres or as much four or five, we just don't know yet. Thanks for the reply. Any info on what is normal for this type of situation would be greatly appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by P.G. on February 27, 2009 at 5:03

Have them put you in some kind of durable crossing!

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Permalink Reply by The_Baron on February 27, 2009 at 5:09

Or even an all weather road alongside the pipe inside their ROW.

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Permalink Reply by Richard Rudd on February 27, 2009 at 5:11

Yes, thanks. We're just getting started on this, and are learning as we go!

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Permalink Reply by Sue on February 27, 2009 at 5:20

This was in the Bossier Parish Police Jury Feb 4, 2009 Meeting Minutes. Should we be concerned?

"Mr. Ford advised of a request from Southern Star Operating, Inc., to install a 4 1/2” welded steel natural gas pipeline across Kingston Road. Mr. F. Earl Poythress, Southern Star Operating, Inc., stated that Southern Star is seeking permission to install a 4 1/2” welded steel natural gas pipeline across Kingston Road, 1,870 feet east of the Benton Road intersection by the horizontal directional drilled crossing method, and to place a portion of the pipeline one foot inside the southerly right-of-way 143.3 feet in length. He stated that several wells are being drilled in this area and the pipeline will ultimately feed to a 16” pipeline owned by Centerpoint Energy.
Mr. John Hodge, Weiner, Weiss & Madison, stated that regulations are needed pertaining to privately owned pipelines which cross parish rights-of-way. He stated that regulations should mirror State regulations as uniformity is beneficial to all parties involved.
Mr. Poythress stated that permission is needed today to bore under Kingston Road and Lafitte Lane. Mr. Ford stated that the boring work will be done in accordance with State regulations at this time, and advised that a highway department employee will verify that State guidelines are being followed. Mr. Hodge stated that Southern Star Operating will be asked to execute a hold harmless agreement with the police jury. Motion was made by Mr. Avery, seconded by Mr. Plummer, to approve the request of Southern Star Operating, Inc., to install a 4 ½” gas pipeline across Kingston Road and Lafitte Lane, and to authorize the President to execute any agreements made by the police jury with oil and gas companies in connection with the work done by oil and gas companies on parish roads and parallel to or within parish rights-of-way. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the Bossier Parish Police Jury in regular and legal session convened on this 4th day of February, 2009, that Glenn Benton, President, be and is hereby authorized to execute on its behalf, any and all agreements with oil and gas companies in connection with work done by the oil and gas company on parish roads or parallel to or within parish rights-of-way.
The resolution was offered by Mr. Avery, seconded by Mr. Plummer. Upon unanimous vote, it was duly adopted on this 4th day of February, 2009.
CINDY A. DODSON GLENN BENTON, PRESIDENT
PARISH SECRETARY BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY"

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Permalink Reply by Karla on February 27, 2009 at 12:24

more than likely compensation will be an amount per Rod (every 16.5 ft) -- I'm just guessing it would be around $150-$250 per rod-- Normally (before the big hype) a decent to great amount was $75 per rod -- you need to know how many lines they are laying now and ensure you have a set amount per foot (not rod) for future line rights -- it's in most standard contracts at around $3.00-$6.00 -- you should always ask for timber damages -- and that will be a certain amount per acre of timber -- las I knew -- going rate was around $1500- $2000 per acre of timber and usually 1/2 that for crop land -- damages can also include temporary work space; valve sites; etc. Sometimes they will stay close to your property lines -- it normally depends on the environmental aspect of the land -- DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK!

Good Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Richard Rudd on February 27, 2009 at 12:40

Hey, thanks so much for the reply. They are sure wanting to hurry up and do it. Of course, that might change at any moment. Thanks for the info on the average amount per rod. Have a great day.

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