Landowner Information

Williams' underground pipeline system has been quietly and safely delivering natural gas to communities like yours for many years. You may be more familiar with your local gas utility or local distribution company, which receives its natural gas supplies from interstate pipelines like Williams.

Williams takes great pride in the relationship of trust and harmony we've developed with the many landowners and communities with whom we co-exist.

It is our goal to maintain a good relationship with all of our neighbors, working with them in a fair and responsive manner. We hope to answer your questions about pipeline projects by providing information on the topics listed below.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, commonly referred to as FERC, provides information on energy products, recent filings, tariffs, environmental issues, and much more to help you understand the natural gas industry and how pipelines affect you.

Landowner FAQ

Interstate pipelines are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Department of Transportation. Because the Williams natural gas pipelines are federally regulated, most expansion projects we propose must be authorized by FERC. This authorization is granted only after the regulatory agencies have agreed to the merits of the proposed project. Williams must prove a need for the project and submit a plan for minimizing any adverse community, environmental or cultural resource impacts.

What is an easement or right of way?
Where can I find the easement that affects my property?
How big is the easement?
Who do I call to locate the pipeline or facilities on my property?
What size is the pipeline(s)?
What does fee property owner mean?
What is an encroachment?
Why does Williams maintain clear rights of way?
What are the yellow markers and why are they located where they are?

What is an easement or right of way?
An easement, or as it is sometimes referred to as a right of way, is a legal right of a non-owner to use a portion of the property for a specific and limited purpose. Webster's Ninth Collegiate Dictionary states that it is an interest in land owned by another that entitles its holder to a specific limited use. Right of way is the enjoyment or a legal right of passage over another person's ground. The holder of the easement or right of way retains the use of the land in perpetuity for its pipeline(s). If the property is sold, the rights and responsibilities under the easement pass unchanged to the new owner.

Where can I find the easement that affects my property?
The place to start would be in the Real Property Records Department in the county/parish where the property is located. Some information may be located within the paperwork at the time you purchased the property.

How big is the easement?
The survey of your property should indicate the width of the easement; however, some surveys do not accurately depict the width of the easement. Another location may be within the documentation at the time the property was purchased. Should the easement width not be available, Williams Gas Pipeline will assist you in determining the exact width. Contact us at 1-800-Williams or contact us via email.

Who do I call to locate the pipeline or facilities on my property?
By state law, to have the underground facilities located, you must call the Utility Coordinating Committee (UCC) - also known as One-Call - at the appropriate number for your state at least 48 hours before (excluding weekends and holidays) you begin any digging activities within the easement area.

The UCC will notify the appropriate local company personnel who are responsible for locating the facilities within their area. Examples of activities requiring advanced approval are: operating any power operated excavation equipment or explosives within 100 feet of the easement area, digging across the right of way, utilizing the right of way as a logging road or loading area or operating vehicles in off-road areas across the right of way.

What size is the pipeline?
Generally speaking, our pipelines range in size from 2 inches to 48 inches in diameter. For more information on the pipeline in your area, contact Williams at 1-800-Williams or contact us via email.

What does fee property owner mean?
Fee property owner is the individual, partnership, company or corporation that holds the deed for the property and is the legal owner of the property.

What is an encroachment?
An encroachment, generally speaking, is anything that is placed into an easement that may affect the ability of the easement holder from using the easement. Typically, Williams allows the property owner to use the easement area within certain guidelines as specified within the easement. These guidelines generally allow the property owner to continue with any agricultural, recreational or other activities that pose no problem or threat to the long-term integrity of the pipeline. Generally, the only restricted uses by the property owner would be the construction of a permanent structure and planting trees in the easement area. Landscaping with shrubs will be possible upon approval of the plans by Williams as long as the existing soil cover over the facilities is maintained. For example encroachments would include excess vegetation, buildings, structures, sheds, fences, decks, patios, swimming pools, roads, driveways, utilities, sprinkler systems, power or telephone poles. To ensure that what you are proposing to build or construct on your property and within the easement area is allowable, you should contact your land representative. You can also contact us at 1-800-Williams or contact us via email.

Why does Williams maintain clear rights of way?
Williams maintains clear rights of way to ensure that its operations remain as safe as possible. Williams must have unrestricted entry and access to all of its facilities at all times for regular maintenance or during emergency situations. A clear right of way provides easy identification and monitoring of the pipeline facilities, which is imperative in preventing third-party damage. Trees and large shrubs obstruct the view for foot patrols and aerial inspections, which are routine procedures for maintaining the rights of way. Tree roots also create a danger to the coating that protects the pipeline from corrosion.

What are the yellow markers and why are they located where they are?
The yellow posts located within our easement area are pipeline marker posts. The marker provides helpful information concerning the line that is situated at this location. The marker or sign does not necessarily mark the exact location of the pipe(s), which seldom runs in a straight line between any two markers. Line markers cannot be relied on to provide information on depth or number of lines in the area. Such information can be found by calling 1-888-258-0808. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR ANY PERSON TO WILLFULLY AND KNOWINGLY DEFACE, DAMAGE, REMOVE, OR DESTROY ANY PIPELINE SIGN OR RIGHT OF WAY POST.

 

Acquiring Easements or Rights of Way

As natural gas demand grows, expanding existing facilities or building new facilities is necessary. Sections of pipeline may be replaced or installation of new compressor facilities may occur. In any of these situations, a Williams representative will meet with you to make certain the job is performed with the least possible impact to you or the environment. Our land representatives will be available before, during and after the project to discuss any special concerns you may have.

Williams works with local communities to select a route that will have the least possible impact on you and the environment. Normal acquisition includes a permanent easement, usually 50 feet wide, to operate and maintain the pipeline. During construction, temporary workspace adjacent to the permanent easement is needed. All temporary workspace will be returned to the landowner after construction and restoration for his or her full use.

Steps for acquiring rights of way (easements):

1. Upfront information
Williams representatives begin the process by contacting each landowner to request permission to survey and stake the preliminary route for environmental, engineering and construction evaluations. The goal is for all landowners to understand all proposed features of the pipeline, including the alignment, underground depth, pipe size, temporary and permanent width of the easement, and aboveground equipment prior to construction. A Construction Stipulation Agreement may be used to specify special requirements, which are mutually agreed upon.

2. Fair compensation to landowners
Williams is committed to dealing fairly with each landowner and pay each landowner for two things:

  • A fair value, based upon market value principles and number of acres needed, for the privilege of establishing a permanent easement across their land. Williams will obtain a permanent easement, but the landowner retains ownership and use of the land.
  • Damages to crops, grazing lands, timber or any structures directly caused by the construction and maintenance of the pipeline. Construction damages will be paid on the area affected by the actual construction. The settlement for damages to crops either can be paid in advance, based on records of local yields or can be paid after construction, based on the actual crop losses.

3. Prompt payment to landowners
After the conditions and the amount of compensation for an easement are reached, and the easement agreement is executed, a check will be issued to the landowner.

4. Advance notice of construction activities
Williams' representatives will advise the landowner and tenant (if present) regarding the actual timing of construction, as far in advance as possible. This allows the landowner or tenant to schedule farming or other activities in ways that minimize problems for both parties.

5. Landowner still retains ownership of land
The easement (for right of way) only gives Williams the right to construct, maintain and operate a pipeline. Use of the land, with certain limitations as defined in the easement agreement, can remain the same as before construction.

Easement Restrictions

Williams is committed to ensuring the safe operation of our pipeline system. To prevent accidents from happening, it is important that we work with our landowners to form a partnership for safety. Accidents can occur when individuals or third-party contractors are not aware of the pipeline's location.

Our landowners retain the ownership of the land and use of the surface with limited restrictions. The following information is provided to assist you in understanding those restrictions.

Excavation, tunneling and boring

Excavation is not allowed within Williams' right of way without a Williams representative present. All excavation work within two feet of the pipeline must be performed by hand, directly over and under Williams' pipelines, with a Williams representative present, who will determine the safe digging distance.

Temporary equipment crossings

To protect pipelines from external loading, Williams will perform an engineering evaluation to determine the effects of any proposed equipment use. Mats, timber bridges or other protective materials deemed necessary by Williams will be placed over Williams facilities for the duration of any loading. Protective materials will be purchased, placed and removed at no cost to Williams. The right of way must be restored to its original condition.

Filling a disturbed area after work is completed

When Williams fills the disturbed area, compaction equal to the existing undisturbed soil will be achieved.

Aboveground structures

To provide for adequate maintenance and operation of Williams' facilities, aboveground structures are prohibited within Williams' right of way. Contact your Williams representative at 1-800-Williams or contact us via email.

Roads, streets and driveways

A preliminary engineering review will be performed for all roads, streets, driveways, etc., proposed on Williams' right of way. A pipeline inspection prior to construction may be necessary. Driveways, highways, roads and streets crossing Williams' pipeline facilities must cross at an angle as close to 90 degrees as possible. All crossings must be over straight pipe and at locations free of any crossovers. Parallel occupancy of the right of way is not permitted.

Disposal systems

Septic tanks, liquid disposal systems, and hazardous waste disposal systems are not allowed on the rights of way. This includes discharge from sewage disposal systems, the discharge of any hydrocarbon substance, the discharge or disposal of any regulated waste, or any other discharge that may prove damaging or corrosive to Williams' facilities.

Water impoundment

To provide adequate maintenance and operation of Williams' facilities, the impoundment of water on rights of way is not allowed. Temporary soil erosion and sediment control devices and storm water detention basins/traps will be reviewed on a case-by-base basis.

Blasting

Explosive detonations in the vicinity of Williams' facilities are not permitted without prior analysis and written approval from Williams, and a Williams representative must be on site during the blasting. To determine if the detonation will be detrimental to the safety of Williams' facilities, certain information must be submitted to Williams for evaluation and approval at least two weeks prior to the proposed date of the blasting activity. Your Williams representative can provide further details or contact Williams at 1-800-Williams or contact us via email.

Landscaping

Landscaping in the vicinity of Williams' facilities is limited to lawn and low-growing (less than five feet tall at maturity), shallow-rooted shrubbery. Planting of shrubbery is not permitted closer than five feet on either side of each pipeline. Trees are not permitted.

Pipeline markers

Installation of pipeline markers is mandated by federal law to assist in identifying the location of pipeline facilities. Landowners should ensure that all temporary and permanent pipeline markers installed by Williams are protected and maintained at all times during construction. Permanent markers damaged or removed by landowners will be replaced by Williams at the landowner's expense. Work will not be allowed to commence until sufficient pipeline markers are in place.

Rights of way

Williams maintains clear pipeline rights of way to ensure that its operations remain as safe as possible. For regular maintenance or during emergency situations, Williams must have unrestricted entry and access to all of its facilities at all times. A clear right of way provides easy identification and monitoring of pipeline facilities, which is imperative in preventing third-party damage.

Fences

Fence posts shall not be installed within four feet of any Williams pipeline. Williams may require hand digging for fence posts installed within Williams' right of way.