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Maintaining a Clear
PipelineRightofway
PA R T N E R S H I P F O R S A F E T Y
Maintaining a safe pipeline system requires yourparticipation as well. To prevent third-partydamage, it’s important we form a partnership forsafety. Watch for third-party contractors digging,drilling, leveling, ditching or blasting near ourpipeline. Or, if you are planning activities of thiskind on your own, it’s very important wecooperate with each other when our pipelines arein the vicinity of your work.
Safety and reliability are the two most importantaspects of our operations. We have a strongcommitment to the highest standards of safety, andthe right of way tree-clearing activity supports thatcommitment.
If you have any questions or would like furtherinformation about Williams’ gas pipelines or itsclearing activity, please contact the Williams officenearest you.
Why haven’t you cut trees on the right of way before now?
Encroachments to our right of way and threats of third-party damage are far greater today thanthey were 20 years ago, so aerial surveillanceand patrol efforts to monitor and inspect thepipeline are more important than ever before.Additionally, the adverse impact of trees andtheir root systems was not clearly understooduntil years after many portions of our pipelinewere constructed. As a result, trees were allowedto be planted and grow to maturity before theywere identified as a safety hazard. Our goal is toeventually clear our entire right of way of trees toprotect our pipeline and the public.
What if landowners do not want their trees removed?
While Williams certainly understands landownerconcern and disappointment, we must clear ourright of way to protect the integrity of ourpipeline system and the public. We hope thatlandowners will understand and share ourcommitment to operating a safe pipeline. We willwork with every landowner to minimize theimpact of the clearing activity where possible.
Do you have a legal right to do this?
Williams has easement rights for its pipelinefacilities, which are incorporated in right-of-wayagreements covering each property. These right-of-way agreements generally allow us to performinspections and maintenance activities and permitus to clear trees and other obstructions that inter-fere with the safe operation of the pipeline. Wewould be happy to discuss the specific contents of a landowner’s property agreement at any time.
What exactly does clearing of the right of way involve?
All trees on a specific segment of pipeline right ofway are removed. All shrubs five feet or taller willbe removed or trimmed back and are not permittedwithin five feet of the pipeline. Additionally, above-ground structures are not allowed within thepipeline right of way.
Is the clearing activity a cost-saving effort for Williams?
Tree clearing does not save money for Williams.In fact, it costs us a lot of money to perform thisclearing activity. We spend millions of dollarseach year to protect the integrity of our pipelinesystem. This is part of our overall comprehensivesafety program.
Does this clearing simply make Williams’ inspectionseasier? Could you continue your inspections without cutting down trees?
Trees on the right of way actually inhibit inspec-tions. Trees block the view of, or access to, theright of way during aerial, vehicular and footpatrols. Removing the trees makes the necessaryinspections more effective.
How far in advance of the clearing activity do you typically notify landowners?
Williams land representatives will notify eachlandowner typically two weeks prior to theclearing activity and strive to meet personallywith each household prior to the work beingconducted on their property. We will make everyeffort to work with each landowner to minimizeany impacts.
W illiams’ gas pipelines deliver approximately 12 percent of the natural gas consumed in the
United States. Our neighbors and customers dependon us to operate in a safe, reliable manner 24 hours aday, 365 days a year.
An important component of our overall safety programis our right of way clearing activities. Each year,Williams clears numerous miles of pipeline right of way as part of this program. A clear pipeline rightof way is important for several reasons:
1. A clear right of way is important to regularly monitor
and inspect the pipeline area. Trees and otherextensive landscaping block the view of thepipeline right of way during ground and aerialinspections. These inspections are important indetecting unauthorized construction equipment onthe right of way, which can do considerable damage to pipelines, presenting an endangermentto the public. In fact, third-party damage fromunauthorized outside forces is one of the leading causes of accidents involving natural gas pipelines.
2. The right of way must be clear to permit various
testing procedures that monitor the integrity of the
pipelines, as well as for general maintenance and
repairs. It is important that pipeline employeeshave unimpeded access to the pipeline right of wayat all times.
3. Trees may block the access of company personnel
and emergency response officials in the rare event
of an emergency.
4. Finally, tree roots may damage pipeline coating
if trees are allowed to mature near the pipeline.
Pipeline coating is essential in preventingcorrosion of steel pipe.
Tree roots can wrap aroundpipelines and damage theprotective coating that iscritical in preventing corrosion of the pipeline.
