Oklahoma farmers say years of unresolved damage from the Midship pipeline have impacted their livelihoods and now they’re urging lawmakers to push federal regulators to enforce full restoration.
Friday, October 3rd 2025, 7:36 pm
By:
Deanne Stein
Oklahoma farmers say years of unresolved damage from the Midship pipeline have impacted their livelihoods and now they’re urging lawmakers to push federal regulators to enforce full restoration.
Issue
Dozens of farmers say debris remains buried on their land years after the Midship natural gas pipeline was installed in 2019.Their demand: The company must restore the land to its original condition before the pipeline.
Farmers’ Perspective
Mark Morris, Landowner & Farmer
“We’re talking six to ten-foot-long mats buried underground. It’s up to us to go back out, dig the ground again, pull more stuff up and say it’s still here they didn’t clean it all.”
David Smith, Property Owner
“If you put a $100,000 machine out there and hit a rock or piece of board, it’s not worth the risk.”He says he can no longer farm his fields and is forced to buy hay for his cows.
Company Response
In July, Howard Energy Partners, Midship Pipeline’s parent company, released this statement: “Since we assumed operatorship of this asset in February, we have made strenuous efforts to meet with CLC and affected landowners, listen to their concerns, and develop productive relationships. Additionally, after thorough inspections, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the agency governing Midship, has issued specific directives related to restoration. We are supportive of these directives and are actively working towards completing the final steps of the process as mandated.”
Farmers’ Frustration
Despite hundreds of non-compliance filings and site visits, landowners say the company’s efforts aren’t enough and the evidence of damage is clear.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Role
Robert Squires, Landowners’ Advocate
“This is a FERC problem. All we’re asking is for FERC to enforce their own guidelines to ensure properties are fully restored to their prior condition.”Farmers blame FERC for failing to force the company to finish cleanup.
Call for Legislative Help
Farmers have sent calls and letters to Senator James Lankford and other lawmakers, urging them to pressure FERC and the company.David Smith: “I hope this will push Senator Lankford to get more involved quickly because we, his constituents, need his help.”
Senator Lankford’s Office
Lankford’s office confirmed on Friday they are aware of the concerns.
Deanne Stein
Reporter Deanne Stein joined the News 9 family in September 2010. She grew up in Yukon and received her journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma.