FAQ

Are pipelines safe?

Yes. Pipelines are the safest, most reliable and efficient manner of transporting energy products. Statistics gathered by the National Transportation Safety Board, a federal agency, indicate that less than one one-hundredth of one percent (.01%) of all transportation accidents in the United States are related to pipelines.

Pipelines exist almost everywhere throughout the United States -generally buried underground – transporting the energy that you depend on every day to heat your home, generate electricity, cook your food and so much more. Pipelines are a vital and efficient part of the United States’ energy infrastructure.

I’d like to get some gas from one of your pipelines. How do I do that?

Williams operates transmission pipelines, which are used for transporting natural gas to market areas where it can be distributed by local distribution companies or used as fuel in power generation facilities. We do not provide residential natural gas service. Contact your local gas utility company to ask about natural gas service.

Is Williams responsible for mowing their right of way?

If the property is an easement (owned by someone other than Williams), then Williams is not responsible, Williams is only responsible for maintaining property owned by Williams.

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, excluding weekends and holidays, before 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 acquiring 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 are the pipelines?

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 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. It is a form of trespass. Typically, Williams allows the property owner to use the easement area within certain guidelines established by Williams or 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.