Dakota Access eyes properties for eminent domain

Last week, Texas-based Dakota Access LLC began filing paperwork with the Iowa Utilities Board identifying parcels of land on which it wants to secure easements to bury a crude oil pipeline under but has not reached agreements with the landowners.

The documents currently single out 31 properties in Story County and another 48 in Boone County — just two of the 18 counties through which Dakota Access wants to bury the pipeline, which it has said would transport up to 570,000 barrels of crude a day from oil shales in North Dakota to a hub in Illinois for further distribution.

The filings are a requirement in Dakota Access’ attempt to secure a hazardous liquid pipeline permit from the IUB. If that happens, the IUB could grant the company the power of eminent domain to bury the pipeline on the properties of unwilling landowners, although whether Iowa law grants the board the power to do so is under dispute.

Full story here.

If you think you may be affected by the Dakota Access Project and/or are interested in a free consultation, contact our eminent domain landowner attorneys at 1-888-318-3761 or visit us on the web at www.landownerattorneys.com.