The current year's crops will often be lost in the work area. Other potential problems can be reduced or eliminated, however, by using appropriate construction practices. Poor construction practices can affect crop productivity after construction. Problems can include topsoil-subsoil mixing, soil compaction, and increase in rocks in topsoil layers, altered drainage patterns and damaged drain tile systems. To avoid many of the potential problems, specific concerns can be addressed during the negotiations with the company and be included in the final easement contract.
Some landowners are concerned about the safety of living near high-pressure pipelines.
Considerable attention is given, however, to the safety of pipelines. It is the nation's safest energy delivery system. Federal and state inspectors ensure that strict guidelines are followed during planning, construction, and operation. These cover everything from the quality of the materials used, the construction procedures that are followed and the maintenance of the pipes and other equipment once they are in use.