Pipeline Construction Process

Pipeline Attorneys must thoroughly understand the pipeline installation process to effectively negotiate powerful property owner Pipeline Right-of-Way Agreements.

Landowners considering entering into Pipeline Right-of-Way Agreements should familiarize themselves with the Pipeline installation and construction process before making their decision on a potentially permenent easement on their property.

The first stage of the pipeline installation process involves the energy company securing Pipeline Right-of-Way Agreements from property owners.  (It is critical to negotiate the best terms possible in the Pipeline Agreement). The pipeline installation company then must then begin the process of building the pipeline through the Pipeline Easement.  The pipeline construction process begins with detailed planning, surveying, and permitting by the pipeline installation company.

The pipeline installation company will determine an efficient pipeline route and will begin removing trees, roots, rocks, debris, stone walls, and any other objects standing in their way within the Pipeline Easement.  (This begs the question of where will these materials end up once the pipeline is installed). 

The company will then begin “stringing” the pipe along the side of the path of the right-of-way.  The thickness of the pipe depends on the intended purpose of the pipe and the amount of natural gas that is contemplated to run through the particular pipeline. (We have negotiated pipe thickness for the landowner).

Trenches are dug several feet deep. (This depth is a critical area of the pipeline easement negotiation process as the easement may be permenant) and the pipe is assembled, secured, coated and laid within the trench.  Once the pipe is lowered, the trench is backfilled and the area above the pipeline is returned to grade.  (The method and manner of backfilling the trench is another important area for the landowner that should be negotiated as part of the easement granting process).

The pipeline is then thoroughly tested for leaks or other problems before natural gas is transported through the newly installed pipeline.

The final part of the construction process involves reclamation of the surface area above the pipeline.  (The reclamation of the surface owner’s property is another vital part of the pipeline easement negotiations). There are many tools available to the experienced and skilled negotiator to preserve the scenic beauty of the land and to eliminate unsightly and unanticipated remains from pipeline construction. 

We negotiate to preserve and prevent landowner liability, maximize financial compensation, and protect the scenic beauty of your land. 

Contact us today.