Pipeline route development could become more complicated as natural gas operators tap into the rich Haynesville Shale. A Â team of engineers, construction, environmental and right-of-way specialists works to find the delicate balance between delivering a key domestic energy source and protecting the public and environment so that the quality of life in the Haynesville Shale is maintained.
After a detailed investigation of the potentially best 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 including, but not limited to, 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 route. 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.
LMGS strives to minimize disturbances and share its pipelines with other companies whenever possible; however, there may be certain circumstances when pipeline sharing is not possible, 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 many wells nearby, thereby lessening the need and financial incentive to share the cost of constructing  and maintaining 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 LMGS.