Pipeline route development is becoming more complicated as natural gas operators tap into the rich Barnett Shale in urban areas. A team of experts including civil and pipeline engineers, construction, environmental and right-of-way specialists works to find the delicate balance between producing a needed American energy source and protecting the environment and day-to-day quality of life which many North Texans enjoy.
While this team of professionals strives to streamline the process and share pipelines whenever possible, there are certain circumstances which prevent this — including:
Location – If one gas company has a concentration of leases in a particular area, a competing company would most likely not have a wellsite nearby, lessening any possibility of sharing a pipeline.
Timing – Delaying a pipeline for another producer or waiting to use a pipeline that is already functioning at capacity could prevent TMGS from maximizing its output of natural gas, negatively affecting the ability to move gas to market as needed.
Royalty Owners – Operators have an obligation to royalty owners to move the product to market in a time-efficient manner. Potential delays in getting the gas to market ultimately affect our contractual obligation to royalty owners.
After an intricate analysis of the best available routes is completed, the options are closely scrutinized and a preferred route is singled out. Issues regarding constructability, environmental sensitivity, public impact, existing infrastructure, and the strategic collection of natural gas are examined in great detail.
Some of the data that assists the route development team to reach a decision about a preferred location is acquired through a geological survey. 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. This is a courtesy step taken by a gas utility and is not required by state law. Granting permission for a survey is not an agreement to install the pipeline. If survey permission is not granted, the pipeline company may file an injunction to survey with the county court.
In rural areas where land remains undeveloped, an optimal pipeline route might only cross one tract of land, with one property owner. Pipeline route development in urban settings is a much more involved process, requiring pipeline companies to secure rights-of-way from multiple property owners and permits from municipalities to cross infrastructure, such as streets.
| Rural Pipeline Route |
Urban Pipeline Route |
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| In rural areas where land remains undeveloped, an optimal pipeline route might only cross one tract of land, with one property owner. |
Pipeline route development in urban settings is a much more involved process, requiring pipeline companies to secure rights-of-way from multiple property owners and permits from municipalities to cross infrastructure, such as streets. |