Eminent Domain: Freestone County Landowners Affected by Pipeline Easements
“Seaway Crude Pipeline Company, LLC is in the process of laying a 30-inch pipe over 702 miles from Cushing, Oklahoma to the Texas Gulf Coast.
The pipeline, which will carry 850,000 barrels of crude oil a day, crosses six counties in Oklahoma and seventeen counties in Texas, including Freestone.
When added to existing lines, it is expected to improve the production in North West, Central Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, North Dakota and Mid-Continent and enhance the Gulf Coast Market and refining facilities.
However, 50-ft. wide easements, with additional temporary workspace, are necessary to complete the work.
Numerous Freestone County residents have been appointed as Special Commissioners to decide Eminent Domain proceedings between land owners in Freestone County and Seaway in order to procure the necessary land.
District Clerk, Janet Chappell, indicated that the hearings are still going on with approximately 20 properties at issue.”
McDonnald, Mary. Freestone County Times 5 September 2013.