Natural Gas Pipeline

Landowner Guides

The following documents are resources that can be used by landowner or interested stakeholders to learn more about pipeline right-of-ways and easements.

• Negotiating Pipeline Rights of Way in Pennsylvania (Penn State Extension, 2015)
  • This article gives a brief glimpse into a wide variety of areas relating to pipeline right-of-ways. It provides background on natural gas pipelines, describes right-of-ways, describes types of pipelines, pipelines for natural gas liquids, right of condemnation, pipeline regulation, inspection, safety, property use restrictions, and negotiation.
• Natural Gas Pipeline Right-of-Ways: Understanding Landowner Rights and Options (Penn State Extension, April 25, 2010)
  • This article explains what a pipeline right-of-way is and also describes property use restrictions, negotiation, rights of way value, and condemnation through eminent domain.
• Landowners Resource Guide for Pipeline Easements and Rights-of-Way (Chester County Planning Commission, December 2015)
  • This 15 page guide includes helpful tips and steps to take in negotiating an easement, pros and cons w/regards to eminent domain, regulations, and frequently asked questions.
• An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land? What Do I need to Know?  (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, August 2015)
  • A full landowner guide that explains the beginning of the pipeline construction process, installation, abandonment, storage, LNG facilities, safety issues, and environmental issues.
• Landowner’s Guide to Pipelines - Pipeline Safety Trust  (Pipeline Safety Trust, 2014)
  • Includes regulating authorities, safety requirements, risks, landowner’s rights, eminent domain, and financial concerns
• Knowing and Protecting Your Rights when an Interstate Gas Pipeline Comes to your Community (The Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant, 2010)
  • This lengthy guide summarizes the FERC process, explains the roles of the parties, explains state and local permitting requirements, and provides tips and best practices.
• The Landowners Guide to Easements and Rights of Ways  (Jerry Black – Goodlife Publishers, 2005)
  • Easy to understand step-by-step explanation that clearly describes the general procedures that occur during the entire process of negotiating, signing, and receiving compensation for a right of way.
• Understanding and Negotiating Pipeline Easements  (Ohio State University Extension, 2015)
  • This fact sheet explains pipeline easements, oil and gas leases, eminent domain, negotiation, and a detailed list of easement terms.
• Texas Pipeline Easement Negotiation Checklist  (Texas A&M – AgriLife Extension, 2014)
  • An informative, well developed, and organized checklist for landowners to consider when negotiating an easement. The list is general, but contains some specific information for Texas as well.
• Condemnation of Pipeline Easements: The Landowner’s Perspective  (Keith Kebodeaux – The Tax Adviser, 2014)
  • “This article examines income tax issues that commonly arise in connection with the conveyance of easements and surface sites and identifies planning opportunities. Although it focuses on pipeline condemnation proceedings, many of the issues and planning suggestions also apply to the conveyance of surface rights and easements for oil and gas exploration and production activities.”
• Appraising Pipeline Easements - A Practical Approach  (Gary Valentine – International Right of Way Association, 2008)
  • Explains generally how to appraise the amount a pipeline company should pay the landowner for the pipeline easement
• Understanding Natural Gas Compressor Stations (Penn State Extension, 2018)
  • This article provides information on what is a compressor station, which is described as an integral part of the natural gas pipeline network and its impact on the environment.
• Calculating Crop Damage Payments in Natural Gas Pipeline Negotiations (Penn State Extension, 2018) 
  • This article gives some negotiation tips when discussing compensation for crops damaged during pipeline construction.