Right-of-Way
What the Right-of-Way Means
A right-of-way allows pipeline operators, like Texas Gas Service, to access buried pipelines.Keeping the Right-of-Way Clear
A pipeline right-of-way is a strip of land encompassing buried pipelines and other natural gas equipment allowing them to be permanently located on public and/or private land to provide natural gas service.
The right-of-way should be kept clear of obstructions to enable Texas Gas Service employees and contractors to safely operate, patrol, inspect, maintain and repair the pipelines.
It’s important that you do not install any structures, plant trees or shrubs or store anything that could be an obstruction on or near rights-of-way.
In rural areas, you can spot a pipeline right-of-way by looking for line markers, like the ones shown in this image. These are used to indicate the presence of a buried pipeline.
In populated areas, pipeline markers are not always required. It is important to always contact 811 – in both populated and rural areas – to have underground utility lines located and marked before beginning any excavation.
Be cautious before beginning any construction projects on your property, such as the installation of fences, mailboxes, sprinkler systems, etc. You should never dig or construct anything without first contacting 811 to have the natural gas pipelines and other underground utilities marked at no cost to you.
Right-of-Way Reminders
Things to Remember
- Before you dig, always call 811 at least 48 hours before the scheduled excavation start date, excluding weekends and holidays
- Follow Texas 811 laws and keep in mind that an 811 ticket is valid for 14 working days
- Don’t dig until locations of all underground utilities are marked or cleared
- Use hand tools while digging near and around marked underground utility lines within the tolerance zone, the area 18 inches plus half the diameter of the pipe from either side of the pipeline.
- Don’t plant trees or tall shrubs on or near a right-of-way
- Don’t dig, build, store or place anything on or near a right-of-way