Pipeline Right-of-Way

By Dan McVey, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer — Gas Operations

A pipeline Right-of-Way (ROW) refers to the land that surrounds a natural gas pipeline. ROWs give utilities space to inspect, test, repair and maintain their pipelines. In most cases, the ROW extends several feet from each side of the pipeline. ROW corridors Dan McVey have brightly colored, highly visible pipeline markers. These markers, however, do not indicate the depth of the pipeline and are not always located precisely over a line. A pipeline may curve or twist underground to avoid natural and/or man made objects, such as tree roots or buried cable.

To set up a pipeline ROW, we have the property owner sign a formal, written agreement. This creates a utility easement. Easements are not property transfers. The landowner keeps possession of the property, and the utility is granted permission to construct and maintain the pipeline ROW. The rights and obligations of the easement automatically transfer to the new owner if/ when the land sells. Easements are on file with the county or state’s public records department. Many of our pipeline easements were set up years ago. Contact your local Land Titles office if you are unsure about a pipeline ROW or wish to obtain a copy of an easement.

Our employees regularly travel easements to inspect, test and maintain our natural gas pipelines. It is not uncommon to see them walking the property, with or without a vehicle. If you are unsure if one of our employees is on your property, give us a call us at 1-800- 255-6815. One of our member service representatives can assist you. You can also ask to see the employee’s identification.

Who Owns What

1. Members are responsible for the repair and replacement of their gas service line.

2. The Energy Cooperative is responsible for the meter and all main pipelines.

Leave at least five feet of clearance on both sides of buried pipelines, and at least three feet of clearance on all sides of the utility meter and other equipment. This clearance is necessary for our employees to safely access the equipment. Plants that are located too close to utility equipment are in danger of being removed or damaged. Utility equipment should be visible and accessible for our employees, even if we do not access it regularly. This includes clear access to your propane tank. Propane tanks need space around them for our employees to work safely. There should also be a clear path from the parked propane truck to the tank.

Access to our natural gas pipelines and utility equipment is paramount for us to provide you with safe and reliable energy. If you have any questions, contact our member service department at 1-800-255-6815. You can also chat with them from myenergycoop.com.