Resources for Landowners from Emmet County, IA facing intimidation
Hi All,
There are several recent reports that land agents for Navigator have increased their efforts and are using intimidation tactics in our area. Land agents are telling landowners that they will be turned over to their legal team if landowners do not sign the easement. This is an intimidation tactic. There is no need to sign a Navigator easement right now and the Navigator pipeline is not a done deal. Navigator may be worried that their application will be rejected in South Dakota. That decision is expected to be announced next week. There is likely a push to get more easements signed before that announcement.
Our area is doing a great job of holding the line against easements. The number of signed easements in Emmet County is very low right now. The best way to keep the pipeline off your land and out of our communities is to not sign an easement. Even if we stop Navigator or Summit, signed easements can be sold to another company and significantly increase the odds of a pipeline running through your land. If you are approached by a land agent and believe they are using threatening tactics, be sure to document the action (name, date and details).
Outlined below is the original information provided regarding land agents and their role in this process. As always, it is best to consult with your attorney if you have specific questions as these emails are not legal advice.
Thank you.
Land Agents are pipeline representatives whose job it is to secure easements. They will often pressure landowners and some may make false statements to secure easements.
Land agents are focused on securing as many signed easements as possible.
You do not have to speak to or communicate with land agents. You do not have to allow a land agent onto your property. They do NOT have any right to access your land.If you ask a land agent to leave your property, they must leave.There is no rush to sign an easement. You DO NOT have to sign an easement now or in the future. If you do sign an easement - intentionally or not, you have 7 days to rescind your decision (excluding Saturdays and Sundays). It must be in writing via certified mail to the pipeline company. Once the cancellation period expires, easements cannot be reversed.Pipeline companies cannot use eminent domain until their general permit is approved. Approval is not guaranteed.
Pipeline companies want voluntary easements because it helps to build their case that they have community support. Also, condemnation hearings take a lot of time and money. To secure easements, land agents may use aggressive tactics to pressure you to sign. Examples of these tactics include:
"All of your neighbors have signed so you should, too." "This is a done deal so you better sign now." "The first people to sign get the most money.""If you don't sign an easement, we will take it by eminent domain and you will get less."Calling repeatedly when you've said no or to stop. Targeting those of us who are older, out of the area, or viewed as having limited access to information.
Take these actions if you experience intimidation, harassment, anything seems unethical or just isn't right.
Make note of what happened - date, time, names, phone number, details. File a complaint with the Iowa Utilities Board by emailing customer@iub.iowa.gov; ask them to open an investigation into your complaint. File an objection with the Iowa Utilities Board by submitting your comment at https://iub.iowa.gov/online-services/open-docket-comment-formHLP-2021-0003 (Navigator Heartland Greenway LLC, Petition for a Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Permit)If you need assistance - there are local volunteers who may be able to assist. Respond back to this email and we'll try to assist.