|
As natural gas demand grows,
expanding existing facilities or building new facilities may be
necessary. If your property is affected by construction, you
will meet with a Gulfstream representative who will work with
you to make certain the job is performed with the least possible
impact to you or the environment. Our land representatives will
be available before, during and after the project to discuss any
special concerns you may have.
It is our policy to work with local
communities to select a route that will have the least possible
impact on you and the environment. Normal acquisition includes a
permanent easement, usually 50 feet wide, to operate and maintain
the pipeline. During construction, temporary workspace adjacent
to the permanent easement is needed. All temporary workspace will
be returned to the landowner, after construction and restoration,
for his or her full use.
Steps for acquiring
rights of way (easements):
1. Upfront information
A Gulfstream representative contacts each landowner and requests
permission to survey and stake the preliminary route for environmental,
engineering and construction evaluations. Our goal is for all landowners
to understand all proposed features of the pipeline, including the
alignment, underground depth, pipe size, temporary and permanent
width of the easement, and aboveground equipment prior to construction.
A Construction Stipulation Agreement may be used to specify special
requirements, which are mutually agreed upon.
2. Fair compensation to
landowners
Gulfstream will deal fairly with each landowner and pay each
landowner for two things:
- A fair value, based upon
market value principles and number of acres needed, for the
privilege of establishing a permanent easement across their
land. Gulfstream will obtain a permanent easement, but the
landowner retains ownership and use of the land.
- Damages to crops, grazing
lands, timber or any structures directly caused by the
construction and maintenance of the pipeline. Construction
damages will be paid on the area affected by the actual
construction. The settlement for damages to crops either can
be paid in advance, based on records of local yields or can
be paid after construction, based on the actual crop losses.
3. Prompt payment to
landowners
After the conditions and the amount of compensation for an
easement are reached, and the easement agreement is executed, a
check will be issued to the landowner.
4. Advance notice of
construction activities
Gulfstream' representatives will advise the landowner and tenant
(if present) regarding the actual timing of construction, as far
in advance as possible. This allows the landowner or tenant to
schedule farming or other activities in ways that minimize
problems for both parties.
5. Landowner still
retains ownership of land
The easement (for right of way) only gives Gulfstream the right
to construct, maintain and operate a pipeline. Use of the land,
with certain limitations, can remain the same as before
construction.
|
