Natural gas pipelines are the nation’s safest method of transporting energy and delivering large volumes of the fuel to local gas distribution companies who ultimately carry gas to homes and businesses.

FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 2 - Eastern Shore Natural Gas

Q: Can dirt bikes and ATVs/four-wheelers damage pipelines by driving on the rights-of-way? Is this a security risk?

As a policy, we do not approve of the use of the pipeline rights-of-way as a vehicular trail. Such vehicles can damage the earthen cover over the pipeline and in some instances may damage the pipeline itself. If such trails are to cross the pipeline rights-of-way, the trail owner should contact us to coordinate the installation of a crossing that will ensure there will be no impact to the earthen cover of the pipeline.

Q: How do I know where the pipeline is located?

In many areas it is easy to distinguish where pipelines are because of the cleared corridor known as the right-of-way where pipelines will be located. Since pipelines are buried underground, pipeline companies use line markers to indicate the approximate location of pipelines. The markers are placed where pipelines intersect streets, railroads, rivers and heavily congested areas. Markers indicate the general, not exact, location of a pipeline, but do not indicate how deep the pipeline is buried, or how many lines are in the area. Pipelines do not necessarily follow a straight course between two markers. Never rely solely on the presence or absence of pipeline markers. Always call 811 or your state’s One Call notification service before digging.

Q: What is a pipeline right-of-way?

A pipeline right-of-way is the strip of land over a pipeline. A right-of-way agreement between a pipeline company and property owner is called an easement. Easements provide pipeline companies with permanent, limited interest to the land to enable the company to operate, test, inspect, maintain and protect their pipelines. Although agreements may vary, pipeline companies’ rights-of-way generally extend 25 feet from each side of the pipeline unless specified.

Q: Do your personnel notify landowners/residents when they are going to enter the property and the reason they are doing so?

If we are going to access private property as part of any maintenance activity, our personnel will normally attempt to contact the landowners/residents prior to entering the property and advise them of the nature of the company’s visit. However, we do conduct unannounced routine activities such as regular mowing, spraying and inspection activity on the right-of-way throughout the year that should not impact private property.