(quoted from post at 07:40:19 07/03/13) Yesterday I was notified that this company wants to conduct a survey of my farm and also my son's farm, with plans to run this 20" pipeline thru us. It would cross along my north side just inside the fence line, and not sure yet on his ground, but, most likely across his big hay field.
So any tips, advice, secrets, what have you that I should know about? There is a lawyer group (landowners) already formed, do I become a part of that or not??
http://www.bluegrasspipelinelawyers.com/docs/Official_Bluegrass_Proposed_Route.pdf
The link you posted is not working.
Do you have any existing pipelines running through your farm? Have they offered a price for the pipeline? Usually they offer it by the $/foot.
This project is not subject to eminent domain. If all they are asking for is a chance to look at the property, it will not make you vulnerable by any means.
There are several ways to look at this project, and what it means for landowners.
This is a large scale expensive project. Pipelines do not go in straight lines anymore. In fact, they resemble more of a creek, where the water follows the path of least resistance. Any lawyer group who gets involved is not getting involved for your best interest. They are getting you together for their best interests.
The path of least resistance for a pipeline is not a path that follows downhill, but the resistance comes in 2 forms: Environmental, and Monetarily.
Obviously, there are places that putting a pipe would have large environmental impacts, so the pipeline has to divert. That is, of course, if money is an object for those who are environmentally minded. Believe it or not, there are places where things happen that are not good for environmental concerns, but, local government officials look the other way, by imposing "fines" or "impact fees." In other words, it's only a concern to the environment if you can't match our steep price tag. It happens. The pipeline companies are not corrupt, it is the "environmental stewards" that can be bought.
Ask me about drilling for gas in county parks a few hundred feet from the shore of a lake.
:roll:
Then tell me who is really corrupt, is it the gas company, or the local government who took the money?
Anyhow...
following path of least resistance means that someone is going to sell out downstream of you, and upstream of you. Whether or not you think the money they offer is worth it, or whether or not you actually need the money, is up to you.
This is my best advice and then I won't say too much more on the subject...
Let them look all they want, but don't sign anything. When they come to you with an offer, completely ignore the number you see on the paper. Instead, first think of a number that they would have to offer in order for you to let them tear up a 100 foot wide swath of your farm. Give them that number. Stick to that number and don't budge. Chances are, someone around you will settle for a lot less. Then you don't have to worry anymore. If they do pay you that number you thought of, then take the money and be happy that you were compensated well.
don't be afraid to ask.