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PAG LIN 1 1 SENATE FILE 160 1 2 1 3 AN ACT 1 4 RELATING TO PIPELINES, INTERSTATE NATURAL GAS PIPELINES, AND 1 5 HAZARDOUS LIQUID PIPELINES, AND THE RESTORATION OF AGRICUL- 1 6 TURAL LANDS, MAKING PENALTIES APPLICABLE, AND PROVIDING AN 1 7 EFFECTIVE DATE. 1 8 1 9 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 1 10 1 11 Section 1. Section 479.29, Code 1999, is amended to read 1 12 as follows: 1 13 479.29CONSTRUCTION STANDARDSLAND RESTORATION. 1 14 1. The board shall, pursuant to chapter 17A, adopt rules 1 15 establishing standardsfor the protection of underground1 16improvements during the construction of pipelines, to protect1 17soil conservation and drainage structures from being1 18permanently damaged by pipeline construction andfor the 1 19 restoration of agricultural lands during and after pipeline 1 20 construction.To ensure that all interested persons are1 21informed of this rulemaking procedure and are afforded a right1 22to participate, the board shall schedule an opportunity for1 23oral presentations on the proposed rulemaking, and, inIn 1 24 addition to the requirements of section 17A.4, the board shall 1 25 distribute copies of the notice of intended action and 1 26 opportunity for oral presentations to each county board of 1 27 supervisors. Any county board of supervisors may, under the 1 28 provisions of chapter 17A, and subsequent to the rulemaking 1 29 proceedings, petition under those provisions for additional 1 30 rulemaking to establish standardsto protect soil conservation1 31practices, structures and drainage structuresfor land 1 32 restoration after pipeline construction within that county. 1 33 Upon the request of the petitioning county the board shall 1 34 schedule a hearing to consider the merits of the petition. 1 35Rules adopted under this section shall not apply within the2 1boundaries of a city, unless the land is used for agricultural2 2purposes.Rules adopted under this section shall not apply to 2 3 land located within city boundaries, unless the land is used 2 4 for agricultural purposes. Rules adopted under this section 2 5 shall address, but are not limited to, all of the following 2 6 subject matters: 2 7 a. Topsoil separation and replacement. 2 8 b. Temporary and permanent repair to drain tile. 2 9 c. Removal of rocks and debris from the right-of-way. 2 10 d. Restoration of areas of soil compaction. 2 11 e. Restoration of terraces, waterways, and other erosion 2 12 control structures. 2 13 f. Revegetation of untilled land. 2 14 g. Future installation of drain tile or soil conservation 2 15 structures. 2 16 h. Restoration of land slope and contour. 2 17 i. Restoration of areas used for field entrances and 2 18 temporary roads. 2 19 j. Construction in wet conditions. 2 20 k. Designation of a pipeline company point of contact for 2 21 landowner inquiries or claims. 2 22 2. The county board of supervisors shall cause an on-site 2 23 inspection for compliance with the standards adopted under 2 24 this section to be performed at any pipeline construction 2 25 project in the county. A licensed professional engineer 2 26 familiar with the standards adopted under this section and 2 27 registered under chapter 542B shall beinresponsiblecharge2 28offor the inspection. A county board of supervisors may 2 29 contract for the services of a licensed professional engineer 2 30 for the purposes of the inspection. The reasonable costs of 2 31 the inspection shall be borne by the pipeline company. 2 32 3. If the inspector determines that there has been a 2 33 violation of the standards adopted under this section, of the 2 34 land restoration plan, or of an independent agreement on land 2 35 restoration or line location executed in accordance with 3 1 subsection 10, the inspector shall give oral notice, followed 3 2 by written notice, to the pipeline company and the contractor 3 3 operating for the pipeline company and order corrective action 3 4 to be taken in compliance with the standards. The costs of 3 5 the corrective action shall be borne by the contractor 3 6 operating for the pipeline company. 3 74. As a part of the inspection process, the inspector3 8shall ascertain that the trench excavation has been filled in3 9a manner to provide that the topsoil has been replaced on top3 10and rocks and debris have been removed from the topsoil of the3 11easement area. An existing topsoil layer extending at least3 12one foot in width on either side of the pipeline excavation at3 13a maximum depth of twelve inches shall be removed separately3 14and shall be stockpiled and preserved separately during3 15subsequent construction operations, unless other means for3 16separating the topsoil are provided in the easement. The3 17topsoil shall be replaced so the upper portion of the pipeline3 18excavation and the crowned surface shall contain only the3 19topsoil originally removed.3 205.4.Adequate inspection ofAn inspector shall adequately 3 21 inspect underground improvements altered during construction 3 22 of pipeline. An inspection shall be conducted at the time of 3 23 the replacement or repair of the underground improvements. An 3 24 inspector shall be present on the site at all times at each 3 25 phase and separate activity of the opening of the trench, the 3 26 restoration of underground improvements, and backfilling. The 3 27 pipeline company and its contractor shall keepall county3 28inspectorsan inspector continually informed of the work 3 29 schedule and any schedule changes. If proper notice is given, 3 30 construction shall not be delayed due to an inspector's 3 31 failure to be present on the site. 3 326.5. If the pipeline company or its contractor does not 3 33 comply with theorders of the inspector for compliance with3 34the standardsrequirements of this section, with the land 3 35 restoration plan, or with an independent agreement on land 4 1 restoration or line location executed in accordance with 4 2 subsection 10, the county board of supervisors maydirect the4 3county attorney to petition the district courtpetition the 4 4 board for an order requiring corrective action to be takenin4 5compliance with the standards adopted under this section. In 4 6 addition, the county board of supervisors may file a complaint 4 7 with the board seeking imposition of civil penalties pursuant 4 8 to section 479.31. 4 97.6. The pipeline company shall allow landowners and 4 10inspectorsthe inspector to view the proposed center line of 4 11 the pipeline prior to commencing trenching operations to 4 12 insure that construction takes place in its proper location. 4 138.7. An inspector may temporarily halt the construction 4 14 if the construction is not in compliance withthe lawthis 4 15 chapter and the standards adopted pursuant to this chapter, 4 16 the land restoration plan, or the terms ofthean independent 4 17 agreement with the pipeline company regardingtopsoil removal4 18and replacement, drainage structures, soil moisture conditions4 19or the location of constructionland restoration or line 4 20 location executed in accordance with subsection 10, until the 4 21 inspector consults with the supervisory personnel of the 4 22 pipeline company.If the construction is then continued over4 23the inspector's objection and is found to not be in compliance4 24with the law or agreement and is found to cause damage, any4 25civil penalty recovered under section 479.31 as a result of4 26that violation shall be paid to the landowner.4 279.8. The board shall instruct inspectors appointed by the 4 28 board of supervisors regarding the content of the statutes and 4 29 rules and the inspector's responsibility to require 4 30 construction conforming with the standards provided by this 4 31 chapter. 4 3210.9.Any underground drain tile damaged, cut, or removed4 33shall be temporarily repaired and maintained as necessary to4 34allow for its proper function during construction of the4 35pipeline. If temporary repair is not determined to be5 1necessary, the exposed line will nonetheless be screened or5 2otherwise protected to prevent the entry of any foreign5 3material, small animals, etc. into the tile line system.5 4 Petitioners for a permit for pipeline construction shall file 5 5 with the petition a written land restoration plan showing how 5 6 the requirements of this section, and of rules adopted 5 7 pursuant to this section, will be met. The petitioners shall 5 8 provide copies of the plan to all landowners of property that 5 9 will be disturbed by the construction. 5 10 10. This section does not preclude the application of 5 11 provisions for protecting or restoring property that are 5 12 different than those prescribed in this section, in rules 5 13 adopted pursuant to this section, or in the land restoration 5 14 plan, if the alternative provisions are contained in 5 15 agreements independently executed by the pipeline company and 5 16 landowner, and if the alternative provisions are not 5 17 inconsistent with state law or with rules adopted by the 5 18 board. Independent agreements on land restoration or line 5 19 location between the landowner and pipeline company shall be 5 20 in writing and a copy provided to the county inspector. 5 21 11. For purposes of this section, "construction" includes 5 22 the removal of a previously constructed pipeline. 5 23 12. The requirements of this section shall apply only to 5 24 pipeline construction projects commenced on or after the 5 25 effective date of this Act. 5 26 Sec. 2. Section 479.45, Code 1999, is amended to read as 5 27 follows: 5 28 479.45 PARTICULAR DAMAGE CLAIMS. 5 29 1. Compensable losses shall include, but are not limited 5 30 to, all of the following: 5 31 a. Loss or reduced yield of crops or forage on the 5 32 pipeline right-of-way, whether caused directly by construction 5 33 or from disturbance of usual farm operations. 5 34 b. Loss or reduced yield of crops or yield from land near 5 35 the pipeline right-of-way resulting from lack of timely access 6 1 to the land or other disturbance of usual farm operations, 6 2 including interference with irrigation. 6 3 c. Fertilizer, lime, or organic material applied by the 6 4 landowner to restore land disturbed by construction to full 6 5 productivity. 6 6 d. Loss of or damage to trees of commercial or other value 6 7 that occurs at the time of construction, restoration, or at 6 8 the time of any subsequent work by the pipeline company. 6 91.e. The cost of or losses in moving or relocating 6 10 livestock, and the loss of gain by or the death or injury of 6 11 livestock caused by the interruption or relocation of normal 6 12 feedingof the livestock caused by the construction or repair6 13of a pipeline is a compensable loss and shall be recognized as6 14such by a pipeline company. 6 15 f. Erosion on lands attributable to pipeline construction. 6 16 g. Damage to farm equipment caused by striking a pipeline, 6 17 debris, or other material reasonably associated with pipeline 6 18 construction while engaged in normal farming operations as 6 19 defined in section 480.1. 6 20 2. A claim for damage for future crop deficiency within 6 21 the easement strip shall not be precluded from renegotiation 6 22 under section 6B.52 on the grounds that it was apparent at the 6 23 time of settlement unless the settlement expressly releases 6 24 the pipeline company from claims for damage to the 6 25 productivity of the soil. The landowner shall notify the 6 26 companythirtyin writing fourteen days prior to harvest in 6 27 each year to assess crop deficiency. 6 28 Sec. 3. NEW SECTION. 479.48 REVERSION ON NONUSE. 6 29 1. If a pipeline right-of-way, or any part of a pipeline 6 30 right-of-way, is wholly abandoned for pipeline purposes by the 6 31 relocation of the pipeline, is not used or operated for a 6 32 period of five consecutive years, or if the construction of 6 33 the pipeline has been commenced and work has ceased and has 6 34 not in good faith resumed for five years, the right-of-way may 6 35 revert as provided in this section to the person who, at the 7 1 time of the abandonment or nonuse, is the owner of the tract 7 2 from which such right-of-way was taken. For purposes of this 7 3 section, a pipeline or a pipeline right-of-way is not 7 4 considered abandoned or unused if it is transporting product 7 5 or is being actively maintained with reasonable anticipation 7 6 of a future use. 7 7 2. To effect a reversion on nonuse of right-of-way, the 7 8 owner or holder of purported fee title to such real estate 7 9 shall serve notice upon the owner of such right-of-way 7 10 easement and, if filed of record, successors in interest and 7 11 upon any party in possession of the real estate. The written 7 12 notice shall accurately describe the real estate and easement 7 13 in question, set out the facts concerning ownership of the 7 14 fee, ownership of the right-of-way easement, and the period of 7 15 abandonment or nonuse, and notify the parties that such 7 16 reversion shall be complete and final, and that the easement 7 17 or other right shall be forfeited, unless the parties shall, 7 18 within one hundred twenty days after the completed service of 7 19 notice, file an affidavit with the county recorder of the 7 20 county in which the real estate is located disputing the facts 7 21 contained in the notice. 7 22 3. The notice shall be served in the same manner as an 7 23 original notice under the Iowa rules of civil procedure, 7 24 except that when notice is served by publication an affidavit 7 25 shall not be required before publication. If an affidavit 7 26 disputing the facts contained in the notice is not filed 7 27 within one hundred twenty days, the party serving the notice 7 28 may file for record in the office of the county recorder a 7 29 copy of the notice with proofs of service attached and 7 30 endorsed, and when so recorded, the record shall be 7 31 constructive notice to all persons of the abandonment, 7 32 reversion, and forfeiture of such right-of-way. 7 33 4. Upon reversion of the easement, the landowner may 7 34 require the pipeline company to remove any pipe or pipeline 7 35 facility remaining on the property. Provisions of this 8 1 chapter relating to damages shall apply when the pipeline is 8 2 removed. 8 3 5. If a pipeline right-of-way is abandoned for pipeline 8 4 use, but the pipe is not removed from the right-of-way, the 8 5 pipeline company shall remain responsible for the additional 8 6 costs of subsequent tiling as provided for in section 479.47, 8 7 shall mark the location of the line in response to a notice of 8 8 proposed excavation in accordance with chapter 480, and shall 8 9 remain subject to the damage provisions of this chapter in the 8 10 event access to or excavation relating to the pipe is 8 11 required. The landowner shall provide reasonable access to 8 12 the pipeline in order to carry out the responsibilities of 8 13 this subsection. 8 14 Sec. 4. Section 479A.14, Code 1999, is amended to read as 8 15 follows: 8 16 479A.14 LAND RESTORATION STANDARDS INSPECTION. 8 17 1. The board shall adopt rules establishing standardsto8 18protect underground improvements during the construction of8 19pipelines, to protect soil conservation and drainage8 20structures from being permanently damaged by pipeline8 21construction, andfor the restoration of agricultural lands 8 22 during and after pipeline construction.To ensure that all8 23interested persons are informed of this rulemaking procedure8 24and are afforded a right to participate, the board shall8 25schedule an opportunity for oral presentations on the proposed8 26rulemaking and, inIn addition to the requirements of section 8 27 17A.4, the board shall distribute copies of the notice of 8 28 intended action and opportunity for oral presentations to each 8 29 county board of supervisors. A county board of supervisors 8 30 may, under chapter 17A and subsequent to the rulemaking 8 31 proceedings, petition for additional rulemaking to establish 8 32 standardsto protect soil conservation practices, structures,8 33and drainage structuresfor land restoration after pipeline 8 34 construction within that county. Upon the request of the 8 35 petitioning county, the board shall schedule a hearing to 9 1 consider the merits of the petition.Rules adopted under this9 2section do not apply within the boundaries of a city, unless9 3the land is used for agricultural purposes.Rules adopted 9 4 under this section shall not apply to land located within city 9 5 boundaries, unless the land is used for agricultural purposes. 9 6 Rules adopted under this section shall address, but are not 9 7 limited to, all of the following subject matters: 9 8 a. Topsoil separation and replacement. 9 9 b. Temporary and permanent repair to drain tile. 9 10 c. Removal of rocks and debris from the right-of-way. 9 11 d. Restoration of areas of soil compaction. 9 12 e. Restoration of terraces, waterways, and other erosion 9 13 control structures. 9 14 f. Revegetation of untilled land. 9 15 g. Future installation of drain tile or soil conservation 9 16 structures. 9 17 h. Restoration of land slope and contour. 9 18 i. Restoration of areas used for field entrances and 9 19 temporary roads. 9 20 j. Construction in wet conditions. 9 21 k. Designation of a pipeline company point of contact for 9 22 landowner inquiries or claims. 9 23 2. The county board of supervisors shall cause an on-site 9 24 inspection for compliance with the standards adopted under 9 25 this section to be performed at any pipeline construction 9 26 project in the county. A licensed professional engineer 9 27 familiar with the standards adopted under this section and 9 28 registered under chapter 542B shall beplaced in charge of9 29 responsible for the inspection. The reasonable costs of the 9 30 inspection shall be borne by the pipeline company. 9 31 3. If the inspector determines that there has been a 9 32 violation of the standards adopted under this section, of the 9 33 land restoration plan, or of an independent agreement on land 9 34 restoration executed in accordance with subsection 10, the 9 35 inspector shall give oral notice, followed by written notice, 10 1 to the pipeline company and the contractor operating for the 10 2 pipeline company, and order corrective action to be taken in 10 3 compliance with the standards. The costs of the corrective 10 4 action shall be borne by the contractor operating for the 10 5 pipeline company. 10 64. As a part of the inspection process, the inspector10 7shall ascertain that the trench excavation has been filled in10 8a manner to provide that the topsoil has been replaced on top10 9and rocks and debris have been removed from the topsoil of the10 10easement area. An existing topsoil layer extending at least10 11one foot in width on either side of the pipeline excavation at10 12a maximum depth of one foot shall be removed separately and10 13shall be stockpiled and preserved separately during subsequent10 14construction operations, unless other means for separating the10 15topsoil are provided in the easement. The topsoil shall be10 16replaced so the upper portion of the pipeline excavation and10 17the crowned surface contain only the topsoil originally10 18removed.10 195.4.Adequate inspection ofAn inspector shall adequately 10 20 inspect underground improvements altered during construction 10 21 of a pipeline. An inspection shall be conducted at the time 10 22 of the replacement or repair of the underground improvements. 10 23 An inspector shall be present on the site at all times at each 10 24 phase and separate activity of the opening of the trench, the 10 25 restoration of underground improvements, and backfilling. The 10 26 pipeline company and its contractor shall keepall county10 27inspectorsan inspector continually informed of the work 10 28 schedule and any schedule changes. If proper notice is given, 10 29 construction shall not be delayed due to an inspector's 10 30 failure to be present on the site. 10 316.5. If the pipeline company or its contractor does not 10 32 comply with theorders of the inspector for compliance with10 33the standardsrequirements of this section, with the land 10 34 restoration plan, or with an independent agreement on land 10 35 restoration executed in accordance with subsection 10, the 11 1 county board of supervisors maydirect the county attorney to11 2petition the district courtpetition the board for an order 11 3 requiring corrective action to be takenin compliance with the11 4standards adopted under this section. In addition, the county 11 5 board of supervisors may file a complaint with the board 11 6 seeking imposition of civil penalties pursuant to section 11 7 479A.16. 11 87.6. The pipeline company shall allow landowners and 11 9inspectorsthe inspector to view the proposed center line of 11 10 the pipeline before commencing trenching operations to ensure 11 11 that construction takes place in the proper location. 11 128.7. An inspector may temporarily halt the construction 11 13 if the construction is not in compliance with this chapter and 11 14 the standards adopted underitthis chapter, the land 11 15 restoration plan approved by the board, or the terms ofthean 11 16 independent agreement with the pipeline company regarding 11 17topsoil removal and replacement, drainage structures, soil11 18moisture conditions, or the location of construction,line 11 19 location or land restoration executed in accordance with 11 20 subsection 10, until the inspector consults with the 11 21 supervisory personnel of the pipeline company.If the11 22construction is continued over the inspector's objection and11 23is found not to be in compliance with this chapter, the11 24standards, or the agreement, and is found to cause damage, a11 25civil penalty recovered under section 479A.16 as a result of11 26that violation shall be paid to the landowner.11 279.8. The board shall instruct inspectors appointed by the 11 28 county board of supervisors regarding the content of this 11 29 chapter and the standards and the inspectors' responsibility 11 30 to require construction conforming with them. 11 3110.9.An underground drain tile damaged, cut, or removed11 32shall be temporarily repaired and maintained as necessary to11 33allow for its proper function during construction of the11 34pipeline. If temporary repair is determined not to be11 35necessary, the exposed line shall be screened or otherwise12 1protected to prevent the entry of foreign material or small12 2animals into the tile line system.Prior to the initiation of 12 3 construction, the pipeline company shall file a written land 12 4 restoration plan with the board describing the methods and 12 5 procedures by which compliance with this section and the 12 6 standards adopted under this section will be achieved. The 12 7 board shall review this plan to insure that the requirements 12 8 of this section and rules adopted pursuant to this section are 12 9 met. After board review, the pipeline company shall provide 12 10 copies of the plan to all landowners of property that will be 12 11 disturbed by the construction. The requirements of this 12 12 subsection may be waived by the board to the extent an 12 13 environmental impact statement addressing the land restoration 12 14 subjects in subsection 1 was prepared by the federal energy 12 15 regulatory commission. 12 1611.10. This section does not preclude the application of 12 17 provisions for protecting or restoring property that are 12 18 different than those prescribed in this section, in rules 12 19 adopted pursuant to this section, or in the land restoration 12 20 plan if the alternative provisions are contained in agreements 12 21 independently executed by the pipeline company and the 12 22 landowner, and if the alternative provisions are not 12 23 inconsistent with state law or with rules adopted by the 12 24 board. Independent agreements on land restoration or line 12 25 location between the landowner and pipeline company shall be 12 26 in writing and a copy provided to the county inspector. 12 27 11. For the purposes of this section, "construction" 12 28 includes the removal of a previously constructed pipeline. 12 29 12. The requirements of this section shall not apply to 12 30 pipeline projects that have received a certificate from the 12 31 federal energy regulatory commission prior to the effective 12 32 date of this Act. 12 33 Sec. 5. Section 479A.24, subsections 1 and 2, Code 1999, 12 34 are amended to read as follows: 12 35 1. Compensable losses shall include, but are not limited 13 1 to, all of the following: 13 2 a. Loss or reduced yield of crops or forage on the 13 3 pipeline right-of-way, whether caused directly by construction 13 4 or from disturbance of usual farm operations. 13 5 b. Loss or reduced yield of crops or yield from land near 13 6 the pipeline right-of-way resulting from lack of timely access 13 7 to the land or other disturbance of usual farm operations, 13 8 including interference with irrigation. 13 9 c. Fertilizer, lime, or organic material applied by the 13 10 landowner to restore land disturbed by construction to full 13 11 productivity. 13 12 d. Loss of or damage to trees of commercial or other value 13 13 that occurs at the time of construction, restoration, or at 13 14 the time of any subsequent work by the pipeline company. 13 151.e. The cost of or losses in moving or relocating 13 16 livestock, and the loss of gain by, or the death or injury of 13 17 livestock caused by the interruption or relocation of normal 13 18 feedingof the livestock due to the construction or repair of13 19a pipeline is a compensable loss and shall be so recognized by13 20a pipeline company. 13 21 f. Erosion on lands attributable to pipeline construction. 13 22 g. Damage to farm equipment caused by striking a pipeline, 13 23 debris, or other material reasonably associated with pipeline 13 24 construction while engaged in normal farming operations as 13 25 defined in section 480.1. 13 26 2. A claim for damage for future crop deficiency within 13 27 the easement strip shall not be precluded from renegotiation 13 28 under section 6B.52 on the grounds that it was apparent at the 13 29 time of settlement unless the settlement expressly releases 13 30 the pipeline company from claims for damage to the 13 31 productivity of the soil. The landowner shall notify the 13 32 companythirtyin writing fourteen days prior to harvest in 13 33 each year to assess crop deficiency. 13 34 Sec. 6. NEW SECTION. 479A.27 REVERSION ON NONUSE. 13 35 1. If a pipeline right-of-way, or any part of a pipeline 14 1 right-of-way, is wholly abandoned for pipeline purposes by the 14 2 relocation of the pipeline, is not used or operated for a 14 3 period of five consecutive years, or if the construction of 14 4 the pipeline has been commenced and work has ceased and has 14 5 not in good faith resumed for five years, the right-of-way may 14 6 revert as provided in this section to the person who, at the 14 7 time of the abandonment or nonuse, is the owner of the tract 14 8 from which such right-of-way was taken. Abandonment of 14 9 pipeline facilities requires approval from the federal energy 14 10 regulatory commission prior to this provision taking effect. 14 11 2. To effect a reversion on nonuse of right-of-way, the 14 12 owner or holder of purported fee title to such real estate 14 13 shall serve notice upon the owner of such right-of-way 14 14 easement and, if filed of record, successors in interest and 14 15 upon any party in possession of the real estate. The written 14 16 notice shall accurately describe the real estate and easement 14 17 in question, set out the facts concerning ownership of the 14 18 fee, ownership of the right-of-way easement, and the period of 14 19 abandonment or nonuse, and notify the parties that such 14 20 reversion shall be complete and final, and that the easement 14 21 or other right shall be forfeited, unless the parties shall, 14 22 within one hundred twenty days after the completed service of 14 23 notice, file an affidavit with the county recorder of the 14 24 county in which the real estate is located disputing the facts 14 25 contained in the notice. 14 26 3. The notice shall be served in the same manner as an 14 27 original notice under the Iowa rules of civil procedure, 14 28 except that when notice is served by publication an affidavit 14 29 shall not be required before publication. If an affidavit 14 30 disputing the facts contained in the notice is not filed 14 31 within one hundred twenty days, the party serving the notice 14 32 may file for record in the office of the county recorder a 14 33 copy of the notice with proofs of service attached and 14 34 endorsed, and when so recorded, the record shall be 14 35 constructive notice to all persons of the abandonment, 15 1 reversion, and forfeiture of such right-of-way. 15 2 4. Upon reversion of the easement, the landowner may 15 3 require the pipeline company to remove any pipe or pipeline 15 4 facility remaining on the property to the extent such removal 15 5 is in accordance with the terms of the abandonment authority 15 6 from the federal energy regulatory commission. Provisions of 15 7 this chapter relating to damages shall apply when the pipeline 15 8 is removed. 15 9 5. If a pipeline right-of-way is abandoned for pipeline 15 10 use, but the pipe is not removed from the right-of-way, the 15 11 pipeline company shall remain responsible for the additional 15 12 costs of subsequent tiling as provided for in section 479A.26, 15 13 shall mark the location of the line in response to a notice of 15 14 proposed excavation in accordance with chapter 480, and shall 15 15 remain subject to the damage provisions of this chapter in the 15 16 event access to or excavation relating to the pipe is 15 17 required. The landowner shall provide reasonable access to 15 18 the pipeline in order to carry out the responsibilities of 15 19 this subsection. 15 20 Sec. 7. Section 479B.20, Code 1999, is amended to read as 15 21 follows: 15 22 479B.20 LAND RESTORATION STANDARDS. 15 23 1. The board, pursuant to chapter 17A, shall adopt rules 15 24 establishing standards forthe protection of underground15 25improvements during the construction of pipelines or15 26underground storage facilities, to protect soil conservation15 27and drainage structures from being permanently damaged by15 28construction of the pipeline or underground storage facility,15 29and forthe restoration of agricultural lands during and after 15 30 pipeline or underground storage facility construction.To15 31ensure that all interested persons are informed of this15 32rulemaking procedure and are afforded a right to participate,15 33the board shall schedule an opportunity for oral presentations15 34on the proposed rulemaking, and, inIn addition to the 15 35 requirements of section 17A.4, the board shall distribute 16 1 copies of the notice of intended action and opportunity for 16 2 oral presentations to each county board of supervisors. Any 16 3 county board of supervisors may, under the provisions of 16 4 chapter 17A, and subsequent to the rulemaking proceedings, 16 5 petition under those provisions for additional rulemaking to 16 6 establish standardsto protect soil conservation practices,16 7structures, and drainage structuresfor land restoration after 16 8 pipeline construction within that county. Upon the request of 16 9 the petitioning county, the board shall schedule a hearing to 16 10 consider the merits of the petition.Rules adopted under this16 11section shall not apply within the boundaries of a city unless16 12the land is used for agricultural purposes.Rules adopted 16 13 under this section shall not apply to land located within city 16 14 boundaries, unless the land is used for agricultural purposes. 16 15 Rules adopted under this section shall address, but are not 16 16 limited to, all of the following subject matters: 16 17 a. Topsoil separation and replacement. 16 18 b. Temporary and permanent repair to drain tile. 16 19 c. Removal of rocks and debris from the right-of-way. 16 20 d. Restoration of areas of soil compaction. 16 21 e. Restoration of terraces, waterways, and other erosion 16 22 control structures. 16 23 f. Revegetation of untilled land. 16 24 g. Future installation of drain tile or soil conservation 16 25 structures. 16 26 h. Restoration of land slope and contour. 16 27 i. Restoration of areas used for field entrances and 16 28 temporary roads. 16 29 j. Construction in wet conditions. 16 30 k. Designation of a pipeline company point of contact for 16 31 landowner inquiries or claims. 16 32 2. The county board of supervisors shall cause an on-site 16 33 inspection for compliance with the standards adopted under 16 34 this section to be performed at any pipeline construction 16 35 project in the county. A licensed professional engineer 17 1 familiar with the standards adopted under this section and 17 2 registered under chapter 542B shall be responsible for the 17 3 inspection. A county board of supervisors may contract for 17 4 the services of a licensed professional engineer for the 17 5 purposes of the inspection. The reasonable costs of the 17 6 inspection shall be paid by the pipeline company. 17 7 3. If the inspector determines that there has been a 17 8 violation of the standards adopted under this section, of the 17 9 land restoration plan, or of an independent agreement on land 17 10 restoration or line location executed in accordance with 17 11 subsection 10, the inspector shall give oral notice, followed 17 12 by written notice, to the pipeline company and the contractor 17 13 operating for the pipeline company and order corrective action 17 14 to be taken in compliance with the standards. The costs of 17 15 the corrective action shall be borne by the contractor 17 16 operating for the pipeline company. 17 174. As a part of the inspection process, the inspector17 18shall ascertain that the trench excavation has been filled in17 19a manner to provide that the topsoil has been replaced on top17 20and rocks and debris have been removed from the topsoil of the17 21easement area. An existing topsoil layer extending at least17 22one foot in width on either side of the pipeline excavation at17 23a maximum depth of twelve inches shall be removed separately17 24and shall be stockpiled and preserved separately during17 25subsequent construction operations, unless other means for17 26separating the topsoil are provided in the easement. The17 27topsoil shall be replaced so the upper portion of the pipeline17 28excavation and the crowned surface shall contain only the17 29topsoil originally removed.17 305.4.Adequate inspection ofAn inspector shall adequately 17 31 inspect underground improvements altered during construction 17 32 of the pipeline. An inspection shall be conducted at the time 17 33 of the replacement or repair of the underground improvements. 17 34 An inspector shall be present on the site at all times at each 17 35 phase and separate activity of the opening of the trench, the 18 1 restoration of underground improvements, and backfilling. The 18 2 pipeline company and its contractor shall keepall county18 3inspectorsan inspector continually informed of the work 18 4 schedule and any schedule changes. If proper notice is given, 18 5 construction shall not be delayed due to an inspector's 18 6 failure to be present on the site. 18 76.5. If the pipeline company or its contractor does not 18 8 comply with theorders of the inspector for compliance with18 9the standardsrequirements of this section, with the land 18 10 restoration plan or line location, or with an independent 18 11 agreement on land restoration executed in accordance with 18 12 subsection 10, the county board of supervisors maydirect the18 13county attorney to petition the district courtpetition the 18 14 board for an order requiring corrective action to be takenin18 15compliance with the standards adopted under this section. In 18 16 addition, the county board of supervisors may file a complaint 18 17 with the board seeking imposition of civil penalties under 18 18 section 479B.21. 18 197.6. The pipeline company shall allow landowners and 18 20inspectorsthe inspector to view the proposed center line of 18 21 the pipeline prior to commencing trenching operations to 18 22 ensure that construction takes place in its proper location. 18 238.7. An inspector may temporarily halt the construction 18 24 if the construction is not in compliance withthe lawthis 18 25 chapter and the standards adopted pursuant to this chapter, 18 26 the land restoration plan, or the terms ofthean independent 18 27 agreement with the pipeline company regardingtopsoil removal18 28and replacement, drainage structures, soil moisture18 29conditions, or the location of constructionland restoration 18 30 or line location executed in accordance with subsection 10, 18 31 until the inspector consults with the supervisory personnel of 18 32 the pipeline company.If the construction is then continued18 33over the inspector's objection and is found not to be in18 34compliance with the law or agreement and is found to cause18 35damage, any civil penalty recovered under section 479B.21 as a19 1result of that violation shall be paid to the landowner.19 29.8. The board shall instruct inspectors appointed by the 19 3 board of supervisors regarding the content of the statutes and 19 4 rules and the inspector's responsibility to require 19 5 construction conforming with the standards provided by this 19 6 chapter. 19 710.9.Any underground drain tile damaged, cut, or removed19 8shall be temporarily repaired and maintained as necessary to19 9allow for its proper function during construction of the19 10pipeline or underground storage facility. If temporary repair19 11is not determined to be necessary, the exposed tile shall19 12nonetheless be screened or otherwise protected to prevent the19 13entry of any foreign material or small animals into the tile19 14line system.Petitioners for a permit for pipeline 19 15 construction shall file with the petition a written land 19 16 restoration plan showing how the requirements of this section, 19 17 and of rules adopted pursuant to this section, will be met. 19 18 The company shall provide copies of the plan to all landowners 19 19 of property that will be disturbed by the construction. 19 2011.10. This section does not preclude the application of 19 21 provisions for protecting or restoring property that are 19 22 different than those prescribed in this section, in rules 19 23 adopted under this section, or in the land restoration plan, 19 24 if the alternative provisions are contained in agreements 19 25 independently executed by the pipeline company and the 19 26 landowner, and if the alternative provisions are not 19 27 inconsistent with state law or with rules adopted by the 19 28 board. Independent agreements on land restoration or line 19 29 location between the landowner and pipeline company shall be 19 30 in writing and a copy provided to the county inspector. 19 31 11. For the purposes of this section, "construction" 19 32 includes the removal of a previously constructed pipeline. 19 33 12. The requirements of this section shall apply only to 19 34 pipeline construction projects commenced on or after the 19 35 effective date of this Act. 20 1 Sec. 8. Section 479B.29, Code 1999, is amended to read as 20 2 follows: 20 3 479B.29 PARTICULAR DAMAGE CLAIMS. 20 4 1. Compensable losses shall include, but are not limited 20 5 to, all of the following: 20 6 a. Loss or reduced yield of crops or forage on the 20 7 pipeline right-of-way, whether caused directly by construction 20 8 or from disturbance of usual farm operations. 20 9 b. Loss or reduced yield of crops or yield from land near 20 10 the pipeline right-of-way resulting from lack of timely access 20 11 to the land or other disturbance of usual farm operations, 20 12 including interference with irrigation. 20 13 c. Fertilizer, lime, or organic material applied by the 20 14 landowner to restore land disturbed by construction to full 20 15 productivity. 20 16 d. Loss of or damage to trees of commercial or other value 20 17 that occurs at the time of construction, restoration, or at 20 18 the time of any subsequent work by the pipeline company. 20 191.e. The cost of or losses in moving or relocating 20 20 livestock, and the loss of gain by or the death or injury of 20 21 livestock caused by the interruption or relocation of normal 20 22 feedingof the livestock caused by the construction or repair20 23of a pipeline or underground storage facility is a compensable20 24loss and shall be recognized by a pipeline company. 20 25 f. Erosion on lands attributable to pipeline construction. 20 26 g. Damage to farm equipment caused by striking a pipeline, 20 27 debris, or other material reasonably associated with pipeline 20 28 construction while engaged in normal farming operations as 20 29 defined in section 480.1. 20 30 2. A claim for damage for future crop deficiency within 20 31 the easement strip shall not be precluded from renegotiation 20 32 under section 6B.52 on the grounds that it was apparent at the 20 33 time of settlement unless the settlement expressly releases 20 34 the pipeline company from claims for damage to the 20 35 productivity of the soil. The landowner shall notify the 21 1 pipeline company in writingthirtyfourteen days prior to 21 2 harvest in each year to assess crop deficiency. 21 3 Sec. 9. NEW SECTION. 479B.32 REVERSION ON NONUSE. 21 4 1. If a pipeline right-of-way, or any part of the pipeline 21 5 right-of-way, is wholly abandoned for pipeline purposes by the 21 6 relocation of the pipeline, is not used or operated for a 21 7 period of five consecutive years, or if the construction of 21 8 the pipeline has been commenced and work has ceased and has 21 9 not in good faith resumed for five years, the right-of-way may 21 10 revert as provided in this section to the person who, at the 21 11 time of the abandonment or nonuse, is the owner of the tract 21 12 from which such right-of-way was taken. For purposes of this 21 13 section, a pipeline or a pipeline right-of-way is not 21 14 considered abandoned or unused if it is transporting product 21 15 or is being actively maintained with reasonable anticipation 21 16 of a future use. 21 17 2. To effect a reversion on nonuse of right-of-way, the 21 18 owner or holder of purported fee title to such real estate 21 19 shall serve notice upon the owner of such right-of-way 21 20 easement and, if filed of record, successors in interest and 21 21 upon any party in possession of the real estate. The written 21 22 notice shall accurately describe the real estate and easement 21 23 in question, set out the facts concerning ownership of the 21 24 fee, ownership of the right-of-way easement, and the period of 21 25 abandonment or nonuse, and notify the parties that such 21 26 reversion shall be complete and final, and that the easement 21 27 or other right shall be forfeited, unless the parties shall, 21 28 within one hundred twenty days after the completed service of 21 29 notice, file an affidavit with the county recorder of the 21 30 county in which the real estate is located disputing the facts 21 31 contained in the notice. 21 32 3. The notice shall be served in the same manner as an 21 33 original notice under the Iowa rules of civil procedure, 21 34 except that when notice is served by publication an affidavit 21 35 shall not be required before publication. If an affidavit 22 1 disputing the facts contained in the notice is not filed 22 2 within one hundred twenty days, the party serving the notice 22 3 may file for record in the office of the county recorder a 22 4 copy of the notice with proofs of service attached and 22 5 endorsed, and when so recorded, the record shall be 22 6 constructive notice to all persons of the abandonment, 22 7 reversion, and forfeiture of such right-of-way. 22 8 4. Upon reversion of the easement, the landowner may 22 9 require the pipeline company to remove any pipe or pipeline 22 10 facility remaining on the property. Provisions of this 22 11 chapter relating to damages shall apply when the pipeline is 22 12 removed. 22 13 5. If a pipeline right-of-way is abandoned for pipeline 22 14 use, but the pipe is not removed from the right-of-way, the 22 15 pipeline company shall remain responsible for the additional 22 16 costs of subsequent tiling as provided for in section 479B.31, 22 17 shall mark the location of the line in response to a notice of 22 18 proposed excavation in accordance with chapter 480, and shall 22 19 remain subject to the damage provisions of this chapter in the 22 20 event access to or excavation relating to the pipe is 22 21 required. The landowner shall provide reasonable access to 22 22 the pipeline in order to carry out the responsibilities of 22 23 this subsection. 22 24 Sec. 10. Section 479A.9, Code 1999, is amended to read as 22 25 follows: 22 26 479A.9 DEPOSIT OF FUNDS. 22 27Except as otherwise provided in section 479A.14, subsection22 288, moneysMoneys received under this chapter shall be credited 22 29 to the general fund of the state as provided in section 22 30 476.10. 22 31 Sec. 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect on June 1, 22 32 1999. 22 33 22 34 22 35 23 1 MARY E. KRAMER 23 2 President of the Senate 23 3 23 4 23 5 23 6 RON J. CORBETT 23 7 Speaker of the House 23 8 23 9 I hereby certify that this bill originated in the Senate and 23 10 is known as Senate File 160, Seventy-eighth General Assembly. 23 11 23 12 23 13 23 14 MICHAEL E. MARSHALL 23 15 Secretary of the Senate 23 16 Approved , 1999 23 17 23 18 23 19 23 20 THOMAS J. VILSACK 23 21 Governor
Text: SF00159 Text: SF00161 Text: SF00100 - SF00199 Text: SF Index Bills and Amendments: General Index Bill History: General Index
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