Sunday, April 20, 2014

Understanding Pipeline Right Of Way

By Essie Osborn


There are miles of pipelines buried blow the ground to form an expansive network that connects compressor stations, storage tanks and consumers. This creates numerous opportunities to interact with pipeline right of way as the network crisscrosses properties. The strip of land usually measures 18 by 36 meters or 60 by 120 feet. It carries one or more pipes and is usually referred to as ROW.

ROW describes the allowance provided for testing, inspection, maintenance and emergency attention. Within the area, certain activities are allowed while others are prohibited. Such restrictions are aimed at protecting the integrity of pipeline networks and protecting the public as well. The activities prohibited are identified as causes for potential danger. They would lead to property damage or bodily harm.

Markers or beacons are placed along the ROW as a warning to those within the area. The markers are prominent at rail and road crossings as well as intervals along the path of pipelines. They indicate the approximate area and not necessarily the exact one. The location and depth of the pipe will therefore vary. It is not exactly the area marked by the beacon. Markers act as caution and not indicators of exactness.

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.

ROW is acquired in different ways depending on the person seeking responsibility and the activities that will take place. ROWs are available to governments, land owners and utility providers. Their availability is through license, easement and permits. Other rare options in this case are through purchase. Purchased ROW requires detailed negotiations and agreements between the parties involved.

Most of the damages on pipelines arise out of third party activities. Laws at federal, state and provincial or county level require that anyone excavating near a pipeline to inform the authorities in charge and carry their quick-contact details. The aim is to protect the environment as well as persons living in that area. Such knowledge also helps to reduce the risk on the network. The precautions should be taken before any excavation work has begun.

Some activities around the ROW must be sanctioned and carried out under strict surveillance. The activities include fixing or improvements on existing ditches, fences and drainage systems, building berms and deep tilling of soil or altering the grade. Supervision is required during construction of driveways, paving, parking, ditches, railways, overhead and underground utilities. Any non-agriculture equipment on the ground above the ROW must be sanctioned.

Consultants in ROW assist you to comply with the law. They ensure that you obtain a permit so that you can excavate or construct on site, locate markings and pipelines as well as guide you on how to operate on site. They ensure that you have a representative of the local office before any work commences. This is the only way to ensure that you do not get into conflicts with the law.




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