Spectra & Dominion Pipeline Projects: Wake & Johnston County

Spectra Energy Partners, LP and Dominion Pipeline Company, both national energy companies, have sent letters to North Carolina land owners in both Wake and Johnston Counties in which they indicate they are “evaluating” large natural gas pipeline projects affecting those landowners.

Who will the North Carolina Pipeline Affect?

Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas’s eminent domain division has learned of the proposed “Spectra Energy Pipeline Project” consisting of underground pipelines along a corridor serving Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Based upon our research we believe that clients from the North Carolina/Virginia border to the North Carolina/South Carolina border may well be approached by Spectra Energy regarding acquisition of easements across those North Carolina properties for the pipeline.

The law firm has also become aware of an “evaluation” for an eventual pipeline by Dominion, and landowners in Johnston County, particularly in Clayton, have been approached about surveying their property. Letters from Dominion have likewise been sent to those residents.

When will Land Aquisition for the Pipeline begin?

Our research reveals that at least in the case of Spectra, a target date for completion of construction if the project goes forward is 2018.

Obviously, the usual course of action for such a project would be to approach North Carolina landowners well ahead of construction in order to attempt to negotiate a purchase of the necessary interest in their property. No information has been forthcoming at this point regarding when land acquisition might begin.

Under North Carolina law, however, both companies possess the power of eminent domain, meaning that if negotiations for the purchase of easements fail, the companies can take the interest they need in your real estate by paying “just compensation” for that interest.

Contact Our Experienced Eminent Domain Lawyers Today

Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas possesses significant experience in negotiating and, when necessary, litigating the issues surrounding such land acquisitions. Our Raleigh land condemnation (eminent domain) practice has taken us statewide, but the above projects happen to land in our “backyard” given our proximity to Eastern Wake County and the Clayton area.

We continue to monitor this project as it develops and are happy to share with affected landowners what we know about these proposed projects as well as information about the eminent domain process. Our consultation is free and we invite landowners to call us at 919-615-2473 or fill out the form below to discuss their case.