Understanding the Right-of-Way

A right-of-way is a strip of land usually about 60 to 125 feet wide (depending on location) containing one or more pipelines. Many rights-of-way contain more than one underground pipeline. Rights-of-way exist in various locations, from river crossings to fields to urban areas. Pipeline rights-of-way are acquired from landowners, other utilities or government entities by obtaining an easement.

Pipeline rights-of-way can be identified by the pipeline markers, which include the name of the operator, emergency contact information and a general description of the product in the pipeline.  Markers indicate the general location of buried pipelines and should never be used as a reference for the exact location of a pipeline. The one-call procedure must be used to properly locate pipelines prior to any soil-disturbing activity.

For your safety and to protect the pipeline, written permission is required prior to planting any shrubs within the pipeline right-of-way. Structures and trees are prohibited within the right-of-way.

Information on the general location of transmission pipelines and contact information for pipeline operators is also available through the National Pipeline Mapping System.

You can get more information about right-of-way standards by contacting us.