A Caution about Pipelines and Farm Land
The following article was written by Mrs. Vena Larson of the Story City, IA area.
Mrs. Vena Larson, who lives north of Story City with her family, has 60 years of experience with pipelines running through their farm land. They have had their whole farm operation compromised by pipelines and it continues aggressively into the future.
In 1954, shortly after starting farming, they were approached about a natural gas pipeline which would cross their fields. They asked for advice from local legal counsel and were advised that the contract seemed acceptable.
Since then there have been constant intrusions with additional lines installed and restrictions on farm activities. Just last summer (2014) they were told that some pipe would be replaced after harvest. INSTEAD, the contactor started in early September, digging up a field of seed beans. The contractor was from out of state, no locals were hired. They parked heavy equipment and 20-25 pickup trucks anywhere, including the farmstead driveway. There was some six weeks of road closings, noise, operational lighting… 24/7. It was abusive to endure.
Four feet down is entirely inadequate to protect farm drainage tile lines. The 30 and 36 inch diameter pipeline needs to be clear below the four foot depth to avoid drainage problems. The damage to the soil is ongoing for years. To settle, one faces experienced professional negotiators; they are polite, but firm. One compromises to settle, instead of spending resources and time in court.
The Larson’s experience is a valuable lesson. When the line blows- and they do- crude oil contaminates the soil forever. At least natural gas dissipates into the air but it is an unwelcome, dangerous experience.
[This was written by Mrs. Vena Larson after reading Brenda Brink’s letter to the editor published 2/20/15 in the Ames Tribune]
Valuable Iowa Farmland