A proposed natural gas pipeline in eastern North Carolina is drawing opposition1 from landowners. They are concerned that eminent domain will be used and that they will be forced to sell their land.
The project is called the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and construction could begin as early as fall 2017. The pipeline would be 600 miles long and would cost $5 billion to build. The purpose of the pipeline is to carry natural gas from West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania to North Carolina. This would be only the second major interstate gas line in North Carolina.
Worries of Landowners
The landowners argue that having a pipeline in the area could jeopardize their health and negatively affect property values. They are concerned that the pipeline, which will be buried three to five feet underground, will leak into farmland or the water system or that it could explode. Some of the land that could be affected has been in the landowners’ families for generations.
Landowners are also concerned that they will be told by the energy company what they can and cannot do with their land. For instance, landowners who allow the pipeline on their property cannot grow trees on that part of the land. Furthermore, environmentalists point out that the methane released into the air by natural gas pipelines could accelerate global warming faster than carbon dioxide released by coal.
Fighting an oil or natural gas company can make landowners feel powerless. With the help and guidance of a knowledgeable eminent domain lawyer, you can take on the companies that are trying to use your property. Such a fight begins long before the pipeline is scheduled to be built. For this reason, it is important to seek out legal counsel as soon as possible. Property law is a complex area of law and the energy companies have access to many lawyers. You should also seek out such resources.
Contact our Skilled North Carolina Eminent Domain Lawyers Today
The condemnation lawyers at the law firm of Sever Walker Padgitt, LLP stand up for the rights of landowners in states
including Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. Call us for help today at 888-318-3761.
1https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article115949788.html
