Geary County residents complain of drone surveys and possible pipeline routing across private land

Several Geary County residents used public comment to raise alarm about aerial drone surveying and a potential pipeline route through private property near Taylor Road and Old Highway 40.

Desiree Petra told the commission she obtained a map she says was provided by a utility contact showing land in the Footland and Cattle Company area as platted and that a drone had flown repeatedly over private parcels. "When I saw this, it just blew my mind that this was platted," Petra said, adding she believes the map and drone flights indicate plans that residents had not been told about. "It should not be a secret," she said.

Petra and other commenters said they had spoken to Kansas Gas representatives, and Petra said KCC staff told her a company official had been "a little upset" she had not spoken with that company directly. She also described three possible pipeline branches on the map and said the surveyor appeared to be taking measurements over privately posted land.

Deanna Munson, whose family owns land in the same area, said they consider the drone flights a trespass and that the individual operating the drone appeared to be out of visual line-of-sight while flying over private property, which she said would violate FAA Part 107 rules for commercial operations when a visual observer is required. "We would have never given permission for that survey," Munson said. She said she had consulted FAA Part 107 guidance and that the family is preparing to pursue a civil suit.

Kristia Pam asked the commissioners to explore a county ordinance restricting drone flights over private property and urged rerouting the proposed gas line away from the affected properties. County officials responded that while the Federal Aviation Administration controls airspace and Part 107 governs commercial drone operations, local governments can discuss restrictions and can ask the FAA for temporary flight restrictions when public safety concerns arise. Officials also suggested state legislative changes would be a separate channel to address property-rights questions about easements and utility authority.

Technical and legal points cited - Residents reported the transmission main was discussed at "500 PSI" at the high-pressure segment, reduced to roughly 32 psi at distribution points near homes; speakers used those figures to question the pipelinerouting and necessity. - Petitioners emphasized easement and eminent-domain concepts and said utility companies have "a lot of leeway" when seeking easements. - The commission said it could ask for temporary FAA restrictions in certain cases but noted counties have limited authority to regulate airspace and that state law and utility easement statutes govern eminent-domain issues.

Outcome and next steps Residents asked the commission to stay in contact and to explore options including state-level changes to utility easement law and local ordinances limiting drone surveys over private land. County staff said they would follow up with residents; no ordinance or binding action was taken at the meeting.

Ending: Speakers said they will continue outreach to county staff, the utility company and state representatives and that some plan to pursue civil remedies if aerial surveys continue over posted private land.