Understand Pipeline Right Of Way

| Saturday, April 26, 2014
By Essie Osborn


A pipeline network buried beneath the ground is expansive and used to connect consumers to compressor stations, storage tanks and distribution points. This increases the chances of interacting with the pipeline right of way considering the miles covered by the network. The measurements for the strip of land are 60 by 120 feet or 18 by 36 meters. The number of pipes buried beneath the ground varies from one circumstance to the other. The common name used in this case is ROW.

The ROW is the path through which inspection, testing and maintenance take place as well as attention in case of an emergency. Within the area identified, some activities are prohibited. The aim is to protect the integrity of the network and ensure public safety. The activities are identified according to their ability to cause danger or expose those within the vicinity to bodily harm or property damage.

Along the ROW, there are beacons or markers placed strategically to warn those using the area. They can clearly be seen on roads, railways and reasonable intervals along the path. They are indications of approximate areas and not necessarily the exact location. The ROW comes with varying depths and location for the pipes but this is not indicated by the beacons. The markers only caution because the area is considered sensitive.

The ecosystem and activity around the area determine the details of each ROW. There are clear differences on sub-arctic tundra, cultivated lands and urban areas. Local authorities have maps indicating the locations of ROW. This means that each area has a different set.

There are determinants of who accesses the ROW and how is it acquired. The activities must be defined so that the owner takes responsibility. Land owners, governments and utility providers can acquire ROW. They are accessible through easement, permits and licenses. The other option is through a purchase, though it is a rare choice. The negotiations must be made with the original land owner.

Common damages on pipelines are occasioned by third party activities. There are regulations by federal, state and provincial authorities on activities and excavations around ROW areas. A permit must be obtained besides having the physical presence of an inspector as work progresses. The aim is to protect the property and persons within the area. Such measures also protect their pipeline from constant damage. All these activities should be carried out before work begins.

Strict surveillance by regulating authorities is required which means that any activity must be sanctioned. Some of them include improvements or fixing of fences, ditches and existing drainage system, altering soil grade or deep tilling as well are erection of berms. There must be a supervisor when driveways are being constructed, parking, railways, paving, underground and overhead utility networks. Heavy non-agricultural equipment should not be brought to site without the approval of regulating authority.

There are professional service providers who ensure that you operate within the law when dealing with ROW. They help you obtain permission for construction or excavation, locate the pipelines and markings as well as provide guidelines on how work should be done around the area. They also remain in contact with local authorities so that they send a representative to the site before work begins. This ensures that your operations are within the law.




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