LIVINGSTON — Some landowners in Livingston Parish recently received letters about a carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline that could soon be constructed in their backyards. They’re concerned about the situation and the possible effects that this pipeline would have on their families.
The letters came from Enbridge, dated Sept. 10th. In the letter, is a request for landowners to authorize a CO2 sequestration facility (called “The Project” throughout the letter) to perform survey activities for the project.
Survey types include civil, environmental, and cultural resources, according to the letter from Enbridge.
The letter reads, in part:
You are receiving this letter because your property has been identified as being potentially affected by the Project’s CO2 pipeline route. To further assist in analyzing and refining the proposed routes, civil, environmental, and cultural survey information is needed.
The Project is requesting your authorization to access a portion of your property for the
limited purpose of performing certain survey activities in connection with the Project. These civil, environmental, and cultural resource survey activities are necessary to thoroughly evaluate the proposed routes. Project surveys will be conducted in a minimal amount of
time with the goal of little to no inconvenience to you or to other landowners.Survey work is scheduled to begin in your area within the next few weeks.
The survey activities planned along a portion of your property within the proposed routes, and any minimal impacts that may result, are more fully described in the enclosure entitled “Description of Survey Activities.” While we do not anticipate any damage to your property
because of these surveys, please be assured that you will be compensated if damage to your property or crops occurs as a direct result of these activities. Granting us authorization to access your property for the purpose of conducting these surveys does not grant any other rights to the Project, such as easement or construction rights. Your consent to survey and
cooperation would be sincerely appreciated.
On Sept. 10, 1PointFive and Enbridge Inc. announced the formation of a joint venture to develop the Pelican Sequestration Hub and transportation infrastructure in Louisiana. 1PointFive is responsible for developing the facilities that will store carbon dioxide underground, and Enbridge will build and operate pipelines from customer facilities to this hub, according to a press release.
“The hub enables vital investments in manufacturing and energy production to increase Louisiana’s ability to export its products globally,” the press release states.
District 8 Councilman Dean Coates is concerned about the situation, and is frustrated that he was unaware of this project until constituents began reaching out to him regarding these survey letters late last week.
“I’m just trying to find out what’s going on and find out what concerns the people have so that I can try to get some answers,” Coates said to UWK.
Coates is meeting with a company representative on Wednesday, Sept. 24, before holding a public meeting at 6 p.m. the same day in the Livingston Parish Council Chambers (20355 Government Blvd., Livingston). The town hall will allow people to find out more information about the proposed project and ask questions.
He said he has spoken with the project’s company about attending the town hall meeting, too, but is unsure whether any representatives from the company will be present for the public to speak with.
“This is just me trying to give people an outlet to vent to us about what’s going on and educate us as well as maybe I can give them some information,” Coates said.
One of the things Coates is aiming to find out more about is whether this project utilizes eminent domain and meets state requirements. In June 2025, the Louisiana Legislature updated language regarding eminent domain or “expropriation” for carbon storage.
Coates said that people have called him about the survey letters, saying they are feeling pressure from the company to permit them to conduct the surveys.
“They’re telling me, ‘I can’t tell them no.’ I said, ‘Tell them, No.’ If you don’t want them on your land, tell them no,” he said.
Coates said it’s important for all residents—not just in the area of this current project—to remain aware and informed. He said that “getting in the fight early” is important for those who want to stop projects from moving forward so close to home.
“Just because it’s not on your doorstep right now does not mean it will not be on your doorstep. You need to attend these meetings and get involved before it ends up there, because once they start pumping this stuff, we’re not gonna be able to stop it.”
The letter from Enbridge includes a “Project Hotline” number for questions or concerns: 1 (866) 315-9447.
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