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Pipeline route development becomes more complicated as natural gas operators tap into the rich Barnett Shale. An expert team of engineers, construction, environmental and right-of-way specialists work to find the delicate balance between delivering a key domestic energy source and protecting the environment and the quality of life in Texas.

After an intricate analysis of available routes is completed, the options are closely scrutinized and a preferred route is identified. Issues regarding constructability, public impact, existing infrastructure and the strategic collection of natural gas are examined in great detail, as well as environmental sensitivity issues, such as wetlands, streams and historic sites.

Surveys provide much of the data the route development team relies upon to reach a decision when selecting a preferred location. During the survey, the surface and subsurface features of a tract of land are studied, providing important information on optimal areas to lay pipe. Prior to conducting a survey, the pipeline company may request a signed survey permission agreement with the landowner.

While Texas Midstream Gas Services (TMGS) strives to streamline the process and will consider sharing pipelines with other companies whenever possible, there are generally certain circumstances which prevent this, such as:

Contractual obligations - Gathering pipelines provide a transportation service to producers of natural gas through contractual agreements. These contracts may include dedications of pipeline capacity or other performance obligations that limit the availability of pipeline capacity for other parties.

Location - If one gas company has a concentration of leases in a particular area, a competing company would most likely not have any wellsites nearby, lessening any possibility of sharing a pipeline.

Timing - Delaying a pipeline to include multiple producers or waiting to use a pipeline that is already functioning at capacity could prevent producers from maximizing their output and impair the ability to move gas to market. Such considerations are frequently included in determining the contractual obligations of pipelines like TMGS.

Urban Pipeline Development

In rural areas where land remains undeveloped, an optimal pipeline route may only cross one tract of land with one property owner. However, pipeline route development in urban settings is a more involved process, requiring pipeline companies to secure rights-of-way from multiple property owners and permits from municipalities to cross existing infrastructures, such as streets.

Rural Pipeline Route	Urban Pipeline Route
Optimal pipeline routes in rural settings may only cross one tract of land.	Development of urban pipeline routes can require securing multiple rights-of-way and permits.