Avoiding Encroachments
Encroachments within pipeline easements can be a safety hazard. It is important that property owners understand the importance of keeping these areas clear.
What is an Easement?
An easement, also known as rights-of-way (ROW), is the legal right to use a specific portion of land for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining Columbia Gas facilities. An easement can vary in width and size based on the proposed use of the land and the size of the facilities. For pipeline easements, the size and pressure of the pipeline may cause different requirements and maintenance guidelines.
What is an Encroachment?
An encroachment is any unnatural change to the easement area, or any obstruction or improvement of any kind placed within the easement which may interfere with access to facilities. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Dwellings – home, mobile home, any building intended for human occupancy
- Structures – garage, shed, playhouse, deck, fencing, pool (above and below ground)
- Vegetation – tree, shrub, overgrowth
- Landscaping – water feature, bridge, fountain, pond
- Septic facilities – tank, lines, leach bed
How to avoid an Encroachment
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Some encroachments put extra weight directly over natural gas pipelines which could threaten the integrity of these facilities. This includes but is not limited to:
- Heavy materials – piles of dirt, sand or rock, logs, construction materials
- Debris – brush pile, rubbish, appliances, abandoned vehicles
Activity can also be an encroachment. This includes but is not limited to:
- Operation of heavy equipment – cutting, digging, drilling, boring, trenching
- Grading of soil – any changes to current grade (upwards or downwards)
- Installation of utilities without prior approval by Columbia Gas
As with any outdoor project, always contact 811 first to identify any existing utilities on your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Columbia Gas manage rights-of-way?
Our pipelines are “walked” by inspectors on a regular schedule varying from yearly to every 3 years, depending upon the type of pipeline.
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What can be placed in the easement area?
Nothing should be placed within the limits of the permanent easement area.
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How Does Columbia Gas manage trees and vegetation?
Leak inspection surveys are conducted at prescribed intervals on all piping facilities. This means Columbia Gas technicians physically walk thousands of feet of pipeline every year. To perform this task, the right of way must be clear. Our Integrated Vegetation Management program manages the clearing of our rights of way in safe, environmentally responsible ways to secure and preserve right of way access and allow for these inspections.
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How do I know if I have an easement on my property?
Easements are a matter of public record and can be found at your county recorder’s office.
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Contact Us
Have an emergency?
If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, have carbon monoxide symptoms or have some other emergency situation, go outside and call 911 and then call Columbia Gas at 1-888-460-4332 (24/7).
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