Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance
Protecting Transmission Pipelines
International Right of Way Association/Appraisal Institute
Las Vegas, NV
January 13-15, 2009
Steve Patton, Co-Chair Protecting Transmission Pipelines
Williams
[email protected]
PTP Members
Pipeline Operators 19
 Pipeline Service Provider 2
 Pipeline Regulators 5
 Local Governments 5
 Pipeline Safety Advocate 1
 Land Owner/Developer 1
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PTP - Teams

A – Land Use & Enhancement of the ROW

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B – Specification & Acquisition of the ROW


Steve Patton, Williams
D- Land Document Management


Terry Mock, Mock and Associates
C –Maintenance of the ROW


Columbia Gas Transmission
Kyle Webster, Enterprise Products
E – Land Use Damage Prevention Gaps

Alex Dankanich, PHMSA
Surveys of Operators, Developers/Land
Owners, Governments
Surveys to Stakeholders
Responses from:
• 46 Operators
• 30 Government
• 5 Land Owners/Developers
PTP Task Team Goals – Sub Team A
Incorporating the ROW space in New Rural, Suburban and
Urban Developments
Examples of successful, collaborative transmission right‐of‐way
developments as well as some situations to avoid.
PTP Task Team Goals – Sub Team A
Acceptable land owner uses and activities on the ROW.
Use/Activity
Acceptable Use
or Activity?
Agriculture - (Seasonal
Agricultural Crops - excludes
orchards and vineyards)
Yes, but consent
is required
Airports - Private (perpendicular
crossing to pipeline)
Yes, but consent
is required
Airports - Public
No
All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Use
No
Athletic Stadium (e.g., baseball
field, football field, running
tracks, etc.)
No
Additional Restrictions or Comments
Activities related to the growing of crops or
the raising of animals need no consent,
provided the activity does not involve
installation of permanent structures or an
increase or decrease in the cover over the
transmission pipeline. Facilities such as
underground and overhead irrigation
systems must be reviewed for
compatibility.
Permission to use the ROW for a flight strip
may be granted, provided it is for the
private use of the property owner, and
does not involve any increase or decrease
in the cover over the pipeline or the
installation of any permanent structures,
including paving, on the ROW.
Origin/ Rationale for Determining
Acceptable Activity
With prior approval from the transmission
pipeline operator, grass and certain types
of shrubs or seasonal crops may be
permitted within the right-of-way (ROW),
provided that the plantings do not
interfere with the maintenance, inspection
and operation of the pipeline and related
facilities.
These airstrips are considered to be dirt.
This use can lead to a decrease in ground
cover.
These runways are constructed of
concrete. Therefore, the need for access
for transmission pipeline maintenance and
emergency response activities preclude
this use. In addition, most airports have
restricted use for security reasons.
This use can lead to a decrease in ground
cover.
This use may increase the risk for the
transmission pipeline company. Even
fields with no permanent structures may
define the area as a high consequence
area (HCA), thus imposing additional
integrity management requirements for
the gas transmission pipeline operator.
PTP Task Team Goals – Sub Team B
Specification of ROW –
Elements of a Model Easement Agreement
PTP Task Team Goals – Sub Team B
Acquisition of ROW Best Practices
Acquisition Practices
At a high level, poor practices that have been reported:
•Threatening eminent domain
•Offering compensation that is too small, less than assessed value.
•Negotiating with land owners in isolation from other land owners.
•Immediate possession of land before eminent domain process has been
completed.
PTP Task Team Goals – Sub Team C
Maintenance practices on and adjacent to the ROW
•Vegetation Management
•Clearing of ROW
•3rd party Heavy Equipment
•Encroachment Prevention
PTP Task Team Goals – Sub Team D
Develop best practices for the
management and recordation of land
documents
The recordation and management of land
documents are essential to provide legal public
notice of encumbrances between land owners,
facility owners and interested parties. By
recording documents in this public process it
provides the opportunity for collaboration and
issue resolution for activities that might be
detrimental to pipeline integrity and safety.
PTP Task Team Goals – Sub Team E
Review for gaps in protecting transmission pipelines due to
changes in land use in the ROW.
NAPSR POLL
BL15
Enhanced Damage Prevention Practices for Excavation near High Priority
Underground Facilities
BL16
Halting Dangerous Excavation Activities near High Priority Subsurface
Installations
ND24
Pipeline Operators Install Temporary Markers on the Edge of the Pipeline
Right-of-way Throughout Construction
Protecting Transmission Pipelines
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Questions???