Mississippi Crossing Pipeline

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission just approved a major interstate natural gas pipeline, and landowners across Mississippi and Alabama are already being contacted about surveys and easements. If you live, work, or own property along the route of the Mississippi Crossing Pipeline, here's what's happening, how to find out whether you're affected, and what to do next — before you sign anything. 

Case Details

The Mississippi Crossing Pipeline (MSX) is an interstate natural gas pipeline from Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan. The route will run roughly 200 miles from near Greenville, Mississippi, to Butler, Alabama, where it would connect to the related South System Expansion 4 (SSE4) project crossing Alabama and Georgia. The pipeline also includes three new compressor stations, in Humphreys, Attala, and Lauderdale Counties.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the project on August 5^th. Once FERC grants a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company gains legal authority to acquire the easements it needs — and, if a landowner and the company cannot agree on terms, to pursue that access through eminent domain in court. The company must still pay just compensation, which a court can decide if the parties disagree.

Land agents have already begun approaching property owners along the route to discuss easements. That timing matters: an easement is a permanent property interest. Once signed, it binds not just the current landowner but every future owner of the land, and it is very difficult to undo.

Exact routes may still shift based on environmental review, land access, and engineering considerations, so the impact on any individual property may not be finalized yet.

How Do I Know If I'm Affected?

• Review the proposed route and compressor station locations — the corridor runs from near Greenville, Mississippi, to Butler, Alabama, with compressor stations planned in Humphreys, Attala, and Lauderdale Counties. If your property sits within or near that corridor, it's worth a closer look. 

• Watch for survey requests — a request from a surveyor to access your land is often one of the earliest signs that your property may be in the project's path. 

• Watch for outreach from a land agent — land agents are already contacting property owners about easements, sometimes before FERC has issued a final decision. 

• Check the FERC docket — the public docket contains filings, maps, and updates on the project's status and timeline. 

• Talk to your neighbors — if nearby properties have been contacted or surveyed, yours may be next, even if the exact boundary hasn't reached you yet. 

• Don't assume "no letter yet" means "not affected" — outreach happens on the company's timeline, not necessarily in the order landowners might expect. 

What Should I Do If I'm Affected?

• Don't sign anything right away. You are not required to sign an easement just because it's presented to you, and once it's signed, leverage is largely gone. 

• Read the terms carefully. Pay attention to the width of the right-of-way, depth and size of the pipe, restrictions on building or planting trees, access rights for maintenance, and whether the company can assign the easement to another party. 

• Get everything in writing and keep copies of any letters, offers, or survey requests you receive. 

• Understand that FERC does not set your compensation. Payment is either negotiated directly with the company or, if no agreement is reached, decided in court. 

• Talk to an attorney before you negotiate. Initial offers often favor the company's interests, and terms can affect farming, building, drainage, timber, and resale value long after construction ends. 

• If you already filed to intervene, you retain the right to participate in FERC's hearing process, receive case documents, and challenge the Commission's final decision. 
• Stay in touch with others in your area. Landowners who compare notes on offers and terms are often in a stronger position than those negotiating alone. 

Client-Centered Justice

How We Can Help

At Singleton Schreiber, we understand the uncertainty that Mississippi and Alabama landowners face as the Mississippi Crossing Pipeline moves through approval and construction. A visit from a land agent or a survey crew on your property can feel overwhelming, especially when the company you're negotiating with has far more experience with these deals than you do. We are committed to making sure landowners understand exactly what they're being asked to sign, so you can move forward on your terms.

Our attorneys stand by property owners and their families, offering comprehensive assistance:

• Reviewing and negotiating proposed easement terms before you sign 

• Pursuing fair, just compensation when a company's initial offer falls short 

• Representing landowners in eminent domain and condemnation proceedings 
• Pay no fees unless we win 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mississippi Crossing Pipeline? 

The Mississippi Crossing Pipeline is a proposed interstate natural gas pipeline from Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan. It would run roughly 200 miles from near Greenville, Mississippi, to Butler, Alabama, and includes three new compressor stations. 

Does FERC approval mean the company can take my land? 

Not automatically. FERC approval gives the company legal authority to acquire easements, first through negotiation and, if no agreement is reached, through eminent domain in court. The company must still pay just compensation. 

Does FERC decide how much I'll be paid? 

No. FERC does not set compensation amounts or resolve landowner disputes. Compensation is either negotiated directly with the company or determined by a court in an eminent domain proceeding. 

A land agent contacted me about an easement. Do I have to sign? 

No. You have the right to review the terms, negotiate, and speak with an attorney before signing anything. 

What's the difference between a permanent easement and a temporary construction easement? 

Land agents typically seek both. A permanent easement is a lasting property interest that binds all future owners of the land. A temporary construction easement allows access only during the building phase and should expire once construction is complete. 

I'm not on the pipeline route, but I'm near a proposed compressor station. Should I be concerned? 

Possibly. Compressor stations emit pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, and can also generate noise, light pollution, and vibration. Nearby residents may have legal options worth discussing, even without a direct easement on their land. 

What if I already signed an easement? 

You may still have options depending on the terms of your agreement and how the project has changed since you signed. An attorney can review your specific documents and advise you on next steps. 

Is it too late to make my voice heard? 

FERC is no longer accepting public comments, but you can still contact your federal, state, and local representatives, attend town hall meetings, and — if you filed to intervene last year — participate in FERC's hearing process. 

What should I look for in an easement before I sign? 

Pay attention to the width of the right-of-way, depth and size of the pipe, restrictions on buildings, trees, and other surface uses, access rights for inspection and maintenance, and whether the company can lay additional pipeline or assign the easement to another company in the future. 

Take Action Today

Don't let a pipeline company's timeline become yours. Call our team or fill out the form to book your FREE consultation today. 

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