Pacific Pipeline $70M Easement Termination Settlement

If you own property through which the Las Flores Pipeline System (formerly known as Plains’ Line 901 and Line 903) passes, you may be eligible to claim between $50,000 and $230,000 from a class action settlement.

Pacific Pipeline Company (PPC) and Sable Offshore Corp. have agreed to pay $70,000,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged failure to use, operate, and maintain the Pipeline for many years, leading to the termination of Easements.

Who is Eligible for an Award?

The Settlement Class includes all owners of real property through which Line 901 and/or Line 903 passes pursuant to Right-of-Way grants and the owner of APN No. 133-070-004, for which land rights were initially conveyed via condemnation. This means that if you own property that the Las Flores Pipeline System crosses, you are likely part of the Settlement Class.

How Much are the Awards?

Each Class Property will receive a $50,000 base payment.

Additional compensation will depend on three factors: the value of the property relative to similar properties and other Class Properties, whether the Class Property’s easement contained an automatic termination clause, and the extent of repairs and work required on the Property relative to the others.

Assuming no Properties opt out of the Settlement, Class Counsel estimate that all Class Properties will receive at least $50,150, with an estimated median payment of approximately $90,000 and an estimated average payment of $230,000.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

No, the Settlement Administrator already has the information of the claimants.

How to Claim Your Award

Members of the Settlement Class will be sent checks automatically and will not have to file claims to receive Settlement payments.

$70,000,000 Settlement Fund

The settlement fund of $70,000,000 will cover payments to all qualifying Settlement Class Members, attorneys’ fees, court costs, and settlement administration costs.

• Total Settlement Fund: $70,000,000
• Attorneys’ Fees: Up to $23,100,000
• Service Awards for Class Representatives: Up to $20,000 each
• Net Settlement Fund: Distributed to eligible Settlement Class Members

Important Dates

• Intent to Make an Appearance Deadline: 08/23/2024
• Fairness Hearing: 09/13/2024

When is the Las Flores Pipeline System Settlement Payout Date?

Payments will be distributed to all qualifying Settlement Class Members only if the Court approves the Settlement and after potential appeals are resolved.

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

The lawsuit was filed by property owners who had Easement Contracts or Right-of-Way grants with Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. and Plains Pipeline, L.P. These Easements allowed Plains’ Line 901 and 903, now called the Las Flores Pipeline System, to be installed and operated through their properties. The lawsuit asserted that the Easements had terminated for all Class Properties because the pipeline companies had failed to use, operate, and maintain the Pipeline for many years.

What Happens Next?

The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing on September 13, 2024, to determine whether to grant final approval of the Settlement. If approved, payments will be distributed to all qualifying Settlement Class Members after potential appeals are resolved.