BUTLER TWP — About 20 people Tuesday night learned about natural gas pipelines and their right of way agreements.

The presentation by the Penn State Extension was at the Butler Township Park Building.

Dan Brockett, Marcellus education team leader at the Penn State Extension, said natural gas prices last winter spiked due to the cold winter. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, prices were at a record low, while in the Boston area, prices were at their highest. Brockett said this led to calls for more pipelines.

In the future, he said there is projected to be 40,000 to 50,000 miles of pipelines in the state.

He said there are four types of gas pipelines:

• Gathering lines, which are the most common, that carry gas away from individual wells

• Lines in the Interstate Pipeline System which cross state boundaries

• Liquids pipelines that transport byproducts from wet gas.

• Distribution system lines that carry gas to homes and businesses.

The size of rights of way for these pipelines generally is 40 to 120 feet.

He said landowners should read agreements carefully and pay attention to details, noting that an area denoted as “temporary” workspace could be used for an indefinite period of time. If there is a construction right of way, he said the agreement should make sure the landowner gets the land back.

Brockett also said no matter what has been put in the contract or agreement between the landowner and the company, the workers who are building the pipeline have not read the agreement.

“You’ll want to monitor this a bit,” Brockett said about the work going on.

Compressor stations also are increasing along pipelines. These help move the gas through the lines. Brockett said they generally take 12 to 15 acres.

A concern with these stations is noise. For those regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the sound level can be no more than 55 decibels at the nearest noise sensitive area.

Brockett said stations not regulated by FERC may not have any regulations for sound. He said landowners could consider negotiating to have the sound level be at 60 decibels at the edge of the station’s property.

Kris Vanderman, a Washington County attorney, said landowners should have the attitude that the pipeline is their own property. The company may offer a lot of money, but the infrastructure they put in is permanent.

He said there is a long-term impact for the up-front money the landowner gets.

“You’ll have a one-shot deal,” Vanderman said.

When it comes to routing the pipeline, he said landowners could charge a fee for companies to do a “walk about” of their property.

He said pipeline companies will talk to neighbors as well.

“Pipeline companies really do negotiate in parallel,” Vanderman said.

He said the companies are trying to get the best pipeline for the lowest cost. If a landowner makes it too tough for the company, the company can work around that land.

Vanderman said it is best to get the company to make the first offer, saying the landowner always can improve it. He said the local price for pipeline rights of way is about $18 to $35 per linear foot.