Pipeline rights-of-way
Pipeline rights-of-way are narrow strips of land containing pipelines that allow Columbia Gas to build and maintain natural gas infrastructure to serve their end users. To do this safely, vegetation growing on rights-of-way needs to be managed. Columbia Gas uses a vegetation management technique called Integrated Vegetation Management, or IVM. IVM is a system of managing the composition and density of plant communities such that incompatible vegetation is identified and removed, while compatible vegetation is encouraged where possible. Incompatible vegetation on pipeline rights-of-way includes most woody species, like shrubs and trees. Compatible vegetation, on the other hand, includes low-growing grasses, ferns and herbaceous plants that are beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife.
The area immediately under the pipeline is known as the pipe zone. In order to facilitate inspection, the pipe zone is mowed to allow for safe access. The border zones run between the pipe zone and the outer edge of the right-of-way on either side. Woody vegetation in the border zones is treated selectively to allow compatible vegetation to flourish. The video below explains this concept in more detail.
View Transcript
Vegetation on pipeline rights-of-way is maintained through Integrated vegetation management, or IVM. IVM removes incompatible vegetation like trees, shrubs and invasive plant species, allowing compatible vegetation to flourish. The pipe zone is mowed more frequently, providing safe access for leakage inspection.
While in the border zone, only incompatible vegetation is removed using selective treatments so compatibles vegetation can thrive. This includes low growing grasses and herbaceous flowering plants beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife.
Columbia Gas believes in creating healthy and vibrant compatible plant communities. By implementing IVM Columbia Gas is building a sustainable future with a strong commitment to safely and proactively managing for diverse, herbaceous, pollinator and wildlife friendly vegetation on the pipeline right-of-way.
Proactively managing for compatible vegetation not only allows Columbia Gas to safely and reliably transport natural gas, but also create habitat that is beneficial for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before starting a project?
Call 811 at least a few days before you start any digging project. Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 before each job.
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Call before you dig. Where can property owners get a copy of the easement agreement for their property?
Property owners should contact their local county clerk's office.
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How can I become part of Columbia Gas’ vegetation management efforts?
If you own land which contains a Columbia Gas pipeline and are interested in creating a pollinator habitat on your property, contact us at pollinatorprogram@nisource.com! Together, we can help support the environment by working in our communities.
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What is Columbia Gas’ long term vision of right-of-way habitat management?
We're committed to serving as responsible stewards of the vegetation on rights-of-way we manage. Part of fulfilling this commitment is a pledge to implement innovative conservation approaches through IVM. We actively work with local schools, parks, DOT’s, non-profits and property owners to develop meaningful IVM management programs. Proactively managing for diverse, herbaceous, pollinator and wildlife friendly compatible vegetation on the pipeline rights-of-way protects birds, bees, and butterflies against habitat loss and degradation. We work with a number of partners to implement this stewardship approach.
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If Columbia Gas needs to remove a tree from above the pipeline, will it be replaced?
Columbia Gas removes woody brush and trees to protect safety and reliability of pipeline infrastructure. Removed trees cannot be replaced, but if desired, cut wood can be left on site for the homeowner’s use.
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What type of vegetation is compatible on a right-of-way?
Incompatible vegetation includes woody plants with deep roots that pose a threat to buried pipes. Compatible vegetation on natural gas pipeline rights-of-way, are grasses, ferns and low growing herbaceous plants beneficial to pollinators and other wildlife.
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Why is Columbia Gas maintaining vegetation on natural gas pipelines?
Vegetation on natural gas pipeline rights-of-way is maintained to allow for safe access, protect infrastructure, secure reliability and to keep Columbia Gas in compliance. Vegetation on rights-of-way is maintained using a management technique called Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM). IVM removes incompatible vegetation while protecting and enhancing compatible vegetation. By setting goals for both types of vegetation, rights-of-way present a unique opportunity to comply with necessary safety regulations and promote biodiversity.
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Where does Columbia Gas perform vegetation management on their pipelines?
Columbia Gas delivers clean, affordable and efficient natural gas in five different states to approximately 2.2 million customers via approximately 36,250 miles of gas pipeline. To ensure reliable delivery of power to homes and businesses, Columbia Gas performs vegetation management on properties that have been identified as having incompatible vegetation above a pipeline.
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What is a pipeline right-of-way?
A pipeline right-of-way is a narrow strip of land, usually about 20 to 150 feet wide, containing a pipeline. Pipelines cross private, federal and publicly owned lands. Written agreements, or easements, between landowners and pipeline companies allow Columbia Gas to construct and maintain pipeline rights-of-way across these lands.
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For more info
If you own land which contains a Columbia Gas pipeline and are interested in creating a pollinator habitat on your property, contact us at pollinatorprogram@nisource.com! Together, we can help support the environment by working in our communities.
Check out our work
Check out our photo gallery of vegetation management and pollinator habitats
Get the kids involved
Download our black & white "We Live Here Too" poster for your kids to color.
Send completed drawings to pollinatorprogram@nisource.com for a chance to have their drawing displayed on our page! For you and your child's safety, please send in a picture of the drawing only.
Partner with us
We actively work with local schools, parks, DOT’s, non-profits and property owners to develop meaningful IVM management programs. Proactively managing for diverse, herbaceous, pollinator and wildlife friendly compatible vegetation on the pipeline rights-of-way protects birds, bees, and butterflies against habitat loss and degradation. We work with a number of partners to implement this stewardship approach.
