by Sarah Cross, Extension Educator
Farmland owners and local residents are being asked to sign right-of-way agreements on a regular basis. Like an oil and gas lease, there are many items of importance for the landowner to consider prior to signing or renewing a right-of-way agreement.
The Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Farm Bureaus of Jefferson and Harrison Counties will be hosting an educational meeting starting at 6pm on April 8th, 2014 at Puskarich Public Library (Cadiz, OH). This workshop, entitled “Pipeline Easement and Right-of-Way Agreements,” will cover important lease considerations for landowners.
The most important item for a landowner to do prior to signing any contract is to consult with an attorney. Next, find out what type of line is being considered: is it a gathering line, collection line, intrastate or interstate transportation line. Each system has different regulatory standards and agencies responsible for oversight. Below are additional points of consideration:
• What is the proposed location of the line?
• Are state or soil and water standards for installation being followed for construction?
• What are the width of the temporary work easement and the width of the final easement?
• Can apparatuses be placed on the right-of-way? Will these items create noise? Increase your level of burden?
• What if springs, tiles, or water drainage is impacted?
• How will things be reseeded?
• What if timber is damaged or removed?
• Is the landowner held harmless in case of accidents?
• When are payments due, and the consequences of nonpayment?
• Do you have a contact person indicated in the agreement?
The above mentioned questions in regards to right-of-way agreements are just a few of the important items for landowners to consider. At the April 8th “Pipeline Easement and Right-of-Way Agreements Workshop” being held at the Puskarich Public Library, we will discuss these items in more detail. The program runs from 6pm to 8 p.m., and program speakers will include: Peggy Hall, Agriculture and Natural Resources Law, OSU Extension, and Dale Arnold, Director of Energy Services, Ohio Farm Bureau.
The event cost is $5 and RSVPs are required. The Jefferson and Harrison County Farm Bureaus will pay one $5 fee per membership. Register by calling or visiting the Harrison County office of OSU Extension in Cadiz, 740-942-8823. Registration forms with the office’s address and other details can be downloaded at http://www.go.osu.edu/harrisonprograms. Here you will also find information on another upcoming program, entitled “Shale Gas Development and Your Drinking Water Supply,” scheduled for the evening of April 17, 2014 at the Puskarich Public Library.