SENECA, Wis. (AP) -- A property owner is suing Enbridge Energy in Wood County for failing to pay him for using his land for its pipeline project.

Mike Ruesche owns 40 acres of land in the town of Seneca, west of Wisconsin Rapids.

Enbridge made an offer to use his land as a temporary work space, but he refused it.

Ruesche made a counter offer, which Enbridge rejected.

So Ruesche has gone to small claims court, where the maximum award would be $5,000 on each of his two claims.

He says the Houston company used two sections of his land.

Enbridge spokesman Dave Henderson says the court challenge is a "rare exception to the rule."

Henderson said it's Enbridge's goal to come to agreements regarding use of right of way and temporary work spaces with every land owner.

But, that the courts will decide this case.