Frequently asked questions

Energy demands are increasing throughout the region to support the growing needs of residents, businesses and the infrastructure we depend on for modern life. Pipelines are the safest and most efficient way to transport large volumes of fuel like the natural gas that heats our homes and powers electric utility plants. 

Pipeline routes are carefully chosen with many factors in mind, including the minimization of impacts on residential and community properties. We must also account for the geographical, topographical and environmental aspects of the region in which we’re building. As our region grows and the demand for more energy increases, there will inevitably be instances where necessary pipeline infrastructure affects individual properties. When this occurs, we go to great lengths to ensure minimal disruption to property owners along the pipeline right of way. 

Federal rules require us to make a good faith effort to notify all affected landowners, communities and towns, as well as local, state and federal governments and agencies affected by a proposed project. We will mail landowner packages with details about the project and, if necessary, hold an open house to provide information about the project. In addition, FERC will send those landowners a copy of the Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement produced for the project, which characterizes the project's environmental impacts, evaluates other alternatives to the final site selected for the project, and allows individuals the opportunity to participate in the application process.

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We work directly with each landowner to agree on a right-of-way easement and fair compensation for use of their property for a pipeline. Landowners are paid fair compensation for temporary and permanent impacts to their property. We have a long-standing history of working with landowners in good faith negotiations.

Rarely and only as a last resort. If an agreement can’t be reached, federal law allows the company to pursue eminent domain, which lets a court grant the easement and decide compensation. Our priority is to avoid eminent domain by negotiating fair, mutually agreed-upon easements or rerouting when possible. 

After granting a natural gas pipeline easement, landowners retain ownership of the property and day-to-day usage rights — with only certain safety limits placed within the direct easement corridor.

Yes. We work directly with each landowner to agree on a right-of-way easement and fair compensation for use of their property for a pipeline. Landowners are paid fair compensation for temporary and permanent impacts to their property.

Yes. Our representatives will advise a landowner of the construction start date affecting their property. This will allow the landowner to schedule any activities in ways that minimize inconvenience for both parties. However, the availability of equipment, weather and other factors can be unpredictable and might affect the actual start date. All landowners will be notified of any significant changes to the construction timeline.

The typical pipeline right of way is only roughly 50ft wide after construction. A larger, temporary right of way is sometimes needed during the construction process. 

Construction may last 1 to 2 months, and land restoration may take 3 to 6 months, depending on conditions. We work to minimize disturbance and keep activity moving forward efficiently.

Landowners who have a pipeline on their property may build up to the pipeline right-of-way, but not on it. Landowners can farm and/or graze livestock over the right-of-way.

We work hard to return any impacted areas of your property as close as possible to the original condition. It may take some time for all vegetation to return to its original state and there may be restrictions on planting certain vegetation (like large trees with deep root systems). 

Construction traffic will be limited to the pipeline right-of-way and temporary workspace areas, all of which are pre-approved with the landowner. Only these roads agreed to in advance will be used by the construction crews.

Noise levels during the pipeline construction process are typically in the 70-90 decibel range in the immediate project vicinity. (For comparison, this falls somewhere between slightly above normal conversation to roadway traffic levels.)

The right-of-way will be graded after construction to allow normal water drainage. All drainages will be returned to their original patterns. The right-of-way may be terraced, seeded, mulched or otherwise stabilized to prevent erosion.

We protect soil health by removing and storing the top 12 inches of soil to allow for re-establishment of the original soil profile in agricultural fields, hayfields or other fields used for crops. In areas where there is less than 12 inches of topsoil, all of the topsoil will be removed and stored separately. Once construction is complete, the subsoil will be placed into the trench first, followed by the topsoil.

This is rare, but in an effort to prepare for every circumstance, you may contact our personnel should this happen. Please be sure you point out the location of any underground utilities or structures to our land agent prior to construction to minimize the potential for disruptions.

No.  Interstate pipelines are transporters, not suppliers of natural gas. We do not sell gas directly to individuals or endusers. This pipeline is used for transporting natural gas to interstate market areas in the United States where it can be distributed by local distribution companies or used as fuel in power generation or for industrial facilities. Please contact your local gas utility company to ask about natural gas service.

Many pipelines have been safely operating across the country for nearly a hundred years. In many cases, and aside from safety markers, the area and the natural environment along the right of way are indistinguishable from normal land. We also try to co-locate pipelines, where possible, on existing utility right-of- ways to minimize any additional property impact. 

When pipelines traverse a county or other jurisdiction they receive annual ad valorem (or property taxes) tax revenue from the pipeline operator that is then used for local needs.

The noise attributable to a new compressor station, or any modifications to existing stations, must not exceed a day-night average noise level of 55 dBA at any pre-existing noise-sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, or residences. Our facilities are designed to meet this standard, and we conduct sound testing to confirm compliance after startup.

Yes. All stations are required to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) Minimum Safety Standards. Natural gas transmission compressor stations are engineered, constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) safety standards. Compressor stations are constructed with multiple safety systems, such as gas and fire detection systems and emergency shutdown equipment. In the event of an accident, these systems have been designed to shut the station down safely with minimizing risk to the public or the environment.

Minor vibrations may occur near the station site, but are rarely felt beyond the facility boundary. We conduct vibration and pulsation analysis during and after design, and make adjustments if needed. It is sometimes necessary to install dampeners or supports after the station is running to to further reduce pulsation and vibration.

Owners of property adjacent to a compressor station may build on their land, subject to local requirements and any existing right-of-way agreements.

Resources from the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA):

• The facts about living near a natural gas transmission compressor station
• How the Regulatory Process Protects those living near Natural Gas Transmission Compressor Stations

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Safety is a core value and primary focus. We monitor pipelines 24/7 through our Pipeline Control Center. Our compressor stations are fenced and monitored with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week controlled access. Natural gas pipeline systems are designed and constructed in accordance with the pipeline safety standards established by industry experts and the US DOT.

The safety of our personnel and those in the surrounding community is our top priority. If an emergency occurs, we coordinate with local first responders as quickly as possible to isolate the area and notify the public as appropriate.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and industry safety analyses have consistently found pipelines to be among the safest and most efficient ways to move large quantities of natural gas and petroleum products over long distances.

With over 75 years of service, Texas Gas Transmission has an exceptionally strong safety record — currently operating some 6,000 miles of pipeline.

Visit our Careers Page to explore job openings and learn more about working with us.

Visit our parent company, Boardwalk Pipelines, to learn about our operations and leadership.

Explore our Integrating Sustainability and Our Impact pages to learn how we support environmental stewardship and local communities.