So, You think you own your land...

[cp1969]

If the property rights are split, why not split the taxes? I've always thought that anyone with an easement on a deed should pay a % of the property taxes.

That could be part of the easement language, could it not? I had never thought of that but it is a good idea.

 

[RedRocker]

How would you go about finding out who has the mineral rights to a piece of property?

 

[JazzDad]

"How would you go about finding out who has the mineral rights to a piece of property?"
They say it's all supposed to be in your deed records.

 

[JazzDad]

Link about recent benzene contamination. (This is where I used to live, hence my interest.) Continuation of Jones Road History of Actions - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.state.tx.us

The cause here was not an injection well, but a small polluter. They really messed up a lot of folks water.

 

[KaiB]

Jazz, I'm familiar with that case. It is not benzene, but rather dry cleaning solvents (PCE,TCE).

These things happen, and yes, its a mess.

 

[VA_Joe]

Ummm, maybe. My opinion is, however, that additional taxes are rarely, if ever, the solution to a problem.

I agree - taxes suck. However - not having clear ownership/title could suck more. Just pointing out that property taxes have a useful, secondary purpose.

Joe

 

[VA_Joe]

"How would you go about finding out who has the mineral rights to a piece of property?"
They say it's all supposed to be in your deed records.

Although they are recorded - it may be difficult locating the true owner. Many date back multiple generations with multiple heirs who might not even realize that they own it or just don't care. In some cases, these folks (or corporate successors) might be located via companies interested in mining/drilling the property (and only if they decide the rights are worth something). However - in the large majority of cases - the rights sit with little prospect they will ever be used and without clear ownership. As an earlier poster said - it would make sense if there was some scheme to revert the rights back to the surface owners after a fixed period of time - whether it be through property taxes or some other legal mechanism (such as declaring abandonment).

In any case - my two cents.

Joe

 

[horse7]

To answer your one lucid question, I have no problem whatsoever drinking benzene at a level of 5ppb. I could do so for thirty years at a rate of 2 Liters a day and not be concerned.

5ppb seems to be the current EPA limit (MCL). For those that are counting, this is somewhere around 0.12 ml (0.1g) over 30yr consumption as specified (if I got my numbers right this late at night...). [and the EPA regs say benzene can cause anemia for long term consumption "over the MCL level"]

Note that the EPA has an MCLG (goal) of 0, not 5. I am not convinced, even though the quantity is quite small, that 5ppb is is of no concern[1] just because current research supports the 5ppb level. The Fed used to say asbestos was acceptable in the workplace at a far higher level than permitted now and look what happened.
[1] the risk level might very well be small compared to other risks, and therefore can be neglected. This is not the same as safe; and there are likely wide differences in sensitivity due to genotype and phenotype variations. Note that the risk of having hydrocarbon fluids repeatedly on the hands might very well dwarf the 5ppb benzene risk.

Bureaucratically, someone has to come up with some number as a practical limit and presently 5ppb for benzene is it. Salut! Enjoy your benzene, live long and prosper!

 

[BTDT]

I think that now, with them drilling on DFW airport property, and their latest, wanting to drill on school properties, one accident will change a whole lot of how they do things.

I applaud your efforts to get the message out. Texans are amazing, and together a lot of things change due to someone speaking out. This comes to mind. Amber Hagerman - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I think most folks have heard of the Amber alert program, may your cause be as well publicized and accepted.

 

[RedRocker]

Although they are recorded - it may be difficult locating the true owner. Many date back multiple generations with multiple heirs who might not even realize that they own it or just don't care. In some cases, these folks (or corporate successors) might be located via companies interested in mining/drilling the property (and only if they decide the rights are worth something). However - in the large majority of cases - the rights sit with little prospect they will ever be used and without clear ownership. As an earlier poster said - it would make sense if there was some scheme to revert the rights back to the surface owners after a fixed period of time - whether it be through property taxes or some other legal mechanism (such as declaring abandonment).

In any case - my two cents.

Joe

Thanks guys.