So you too are waiting to finalize your agreement? Please update this post if you learn any new information or settle; it's appreciated.
I was recently sent a registered letter from Atmos energy notifying me that they own an easement on my land and would be "accessing my property for right-of-way clearing". I was initially contacted by a private company regarding the gas pipeline and now Atmos is stepping in. I know there is an easement for a gas line in existence, but I am not sure of the particulars. I will have to drive to the courthouse to get a copy of the original easement. I did not reply to Atmos or give permission in any manner. I am of half a mind to make them prove they are successors to the original easement because I am sure it was not created for "Atmos". Does anyone have any experience with the issue of whether this line is for a "common carrier" or public utility as opposed to a private enterprise? I doubt that the easement rights could be transferred/extended from a public utility to a private enterprise... I will have to get a copy of the original easement to be sure, but thought this may be a common issue and there may already be some answers out there. Thanks
Was this the Sterling III pipeline? Because when I spoke to the right-of-way agent back in June they said there may be another company seeking a easement. Not sure if this is Atmos.
I was originally contacted last year RE: the Sterling III and allowed survey rights, then heard nothing more. Then, a couple of weeks ago Atmos sent a registered letter notifying me that they are clearing their ROW. Seems a bit of a coincidence...
Are you also in Collin County? So you never settled with Sterling either. If you get any information from Sterling III please update this post. I would certainly question Atmos presence and ownership. Hopefully your court records will reveal this or maybe a neighbor has information about it. Good luck.
Here is a good publication for you, you need to read this and ask the company some questions, I recommend doing it in writing or by email, try not to talk to them in person or on the phone, this allows you to maintain some level of control on the conversation and will keep you off the defensive. Remember kill them with kindness, but make sure you separate your rights, this is a decision that will last for decades
AND NEVER SIGN ANYTHING THAT SAYS "FINAL" or "TOTAL" ect...
Joe
James said:
2849-SB1928.pdf (223 KB) 2850-SB00018F.pdf (106 KB)I spoke with a right-of-way agent quite awhile ago regarding my rural property in Collin County; was offered literally the minumum rate per rod; I did give the permission to survey and we met with them to discuss possible damages and addendums to their agreement; nothing since then as to a counter-offer; has anyone else settled with them; please give me any update you have; I don't want them attempting to begin construction on other pretense;
For the record we signed today for $500/rod plus damages in Trinity Co., TX. They accepted all of our demands but one (they refused to bore our creek). We basically followed Eric Camp's suggestion in this blog.
I hope this helps someone.
Are you allowed to elaborate on what "your" demands are,
Vernon said:
For the record we signed today for $500/rod plus damages in Trinity Co., TX. They accepted all of our demands but one (they refused to bore our creek). We basically followed Eric Camp's suggestion in this blog.
I hope this helps someone.
Only (1) pipeline 16" or smaller, nothing above ground but markers, limits of ingress and egress, damages, debris removal, time limits, double ditching, cattle crossings, abandonment issues, no grantor liability, & etc.
Eric covers most of these in the above blog.
Joe Denison said:
Are you allowed to elaborate on what "your" demands are,
Vernon said:
For the record we signed today for $500/rod plus damages in Trinity Co., TX. They accepted all of our demands but one (they refused to bore our creek). We basically followed Eric Camp's suggestion in this blog.
I hope this helps someone.
Sorry for late reply..have been out of pocket for awhile. Thank you for the update. Good settlement. Did they say anything about when construction would begin?
They mentioned that they wanted to start construction in early 2013. No specifics however.
If you do come to learn any specifics, please share them here. You've been helpful. Thank you again.