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An easement grants another party, often a utility, the right to access a defined area of private property. For interstate natural gas pipelines, a typical permanent easement is 50 feet wide and a temporary construction easement is 100 feet.

An easement agreement can contain language specifying what is allowed on the property, how it will be maintained and other details. The landowner retains ownership but can be shielded from liability for damage caused by the user of the easement. In return, agreements can limit the landowner’s ability to sue the company.

Under eminent domain, which interstate pipeline developers are granted once a line is approved, the companies can take ownership of the needed piece of land without the owner’s permission, provided there is “just compensation.” The company then owns the land and assumes responsibility for anything that happens on it. Owners of adjacent properties have full rights to sue the company for perceived damages.