Kinder Morgan’s Trident Intrastate Pipeline is a planned 216-mile line that will carry liquefied natural gas from Katy, Texas, to Port Arthur in Jefferson County, near the Texas–Louisiana border. The pipeline will range from 42 to 48 inches in diameter and is expected to be completed in 2027.
Most of its route will pass through rural, privately owned land. That means landowners along the way may be contacted by the company about selling easement rights — and if negotiations fail, eminent domain could be used to acquire them.
How Eminent Domain Works for Texas Pipelines
Under Texas law, certain pipeline companies are granted eminent domain authority by the legislature. This allows them to acquire private property for projects deemed to serve a public purpose, even when the landowner does not agree to sell.
The process generally follows these steps:
- Initial Offer – A company right-of-way agent approaches the landowner with an offer for an easement.
- Negotiation – Landowners can and should negotiate the price, easement terms, and construction conditions.
- Final Offer – If no agreement is reached, the company sends a final written offer, often with a deadline.
- Condemnation Filing – The company files a lawsuit to initiate the eminent domain process.
- Special Commissioners’ Hearing – A panel determines compensation based on evidence from both sides.
- Appeals – Either party can take the case to court if dissatisfied with the commissioners’ award.
While the law requires “just compensation,” companies’ initial offers may not reflect the true impact on your property. Skilled legal representation can make a substantial difference in the outcome.
The Stakes for Landowners on the Trident Route
Easements for a project like Trident are permanent and can affect far more than the strip of land where the pipeline is buried. Issues include:
- Access Rights – The company may have the right to enter your land at any time for maintenance or expansion.
- Use Restrictions – Certain farming, building, or drilling activities may be prohibited over or near the line.
- Future Expansions – Some easements are drafted broadly, leaving the door open for additional pipelines in the future.
- Construction Damage – Heavy machinery, trenching, and staging areas can compact soil, damage pastures, and disrupt drainage.
Without strong easement terms, landowners may be left with long-term consequences that were never fully explained up front.
Your Rights in the Eminent Domain and Condemnation Process
If your land is in the Trident pipeline’s path, remember:
- You don’t have to accept the first offer — or any offer — without reviewing it.
- You can negotiate more than price — location, construction methods, restoration standards, and more are all negotiable.
- You can hire professionals — appraisers, engineers, and attorneys — to evaluate the impact on your property.
- You can challenge the company’s authority — in some cases, the “public purpose” claim or route choice can be disputed.
Common Mistakes Landowners Make
- Signing quickly to avoid conflict – This can cost you both money and control over your property.
- Relying on verbal promises – If it’s not in the written easement, it’s not enforceable.
- Focusing only on the easement strip – Damage or restrictions can extend well beyond the trench line.
Why Gattis Law Is Different
Attorney Dan Gattis is more than a lawyer — he’s a rancher, landowner, and former Texas state representative who has chaired and served on legislative committees dealing with rural issues. He understands that land in Texas isn’t just a piece of property; it’s a family heritage, a livelihood, and a way of life.
Dan has helped landowners across the state protect their property from insufficient offers and weak easement terms. His approach is rooted in listening to clients, explaining the process clearly, and fighting for fair treatment at every stage.
Steps to Protect Yourself
If you think your property may be on the Trident pipeline’s route:
- Stay Informed – Monitor project announcements and maps.
- Document Your Property’s Current Condition – Photos, surveys, and notes are essential evidence if disputes arise.
- Seek Legal Advice Early – The sooner you involve an attorney, the more options you have to shape the outcome.
- Don’t Sign Anything Without Review – Even a small “permission to survey” document can have implications.
Learn More and Take Action
Gattis Law is tracking the Trident Intrastate Pipeline project closely and representing Texas landowners who may be affected. For details and updates, visit our Trident Pipeline project page.If you’ve been contacted by Kinder Morgan or their representatives, call Gattis Law before making any decisions. Dan Gattis combines deep Texas roots with decades of legal and legislative experience to protect your land rights and secure the best possible outcome for your property.
