Department Scope

The Right of Way Department is responsible primarily for the management of property assets for ExxonMobil Pipeline Company (EMPCo).  Acquisition of new rights of way in the form of lease, franchise, license, permit, easement or fee; as well as maintenance of existing rights concerning those properties for the operation of pipeline facilities are the main services provided to the Company.  Management of the properties also involves file management, associated accounting responsibilities, and drafting property scope for development of projects, as well as settling any associated claims on behalf of the Company, including reimbursements due for work performed by the Company.  Acquiring and managing right of ways and fee properties for ExxonMobil subsidiaries is another service provided by the Right of Way Department.  

The Right of Way & Claims Department is the primary third party contact in the field for pipeline operations and facilities.

Personnel

The Right of Way & Claims Department personnel provide support in right of way acquisition, claims negotiation, property title investigation, file administration, office administration, and professional project consultant duties.

EMPCo right of way agents are members of the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), a professional organization that supports and administers the educational and professional standards for agents and the profession.  Agents are involved in the local association chapters and national committees of the IRWA.  The Company supports projects aimed at government and industry education for pipelines and business practices by providing instructors, educational seminar management and financial assistance.  

Interfaces

The department employs a diverse agent population.  Many of the agents come from different professional backgrounds, such as: accounting, surveying, real estate, banking, human resources, pipeline operations, construction, regulatory compliance, and mapping. The department provides services through its interface responsibilities with engineering, operations, business development and accounting, thus capitalizing on the diverse teamwork within the company.  

Each agent is responsible for the settlement of claims involving company property.  Day to day support of operations and engineering for field related matters is the main focus of the company agents.  Protecting existing property rights and pipeline operational facilities and influencing development guidelines are field duties undertaken regularly by the agents.

Implementation Scope

Approximately 12,000 miles of pipeline systems are in place by virtue of an agreement of right.  Easements, servitudes, leases, franchises, and permits are generally the most common.  Fee property, real estate owned by the company, totaling over 10,000 acres of property makes up this sizable portfolio asset.  The Houston Corridor System is a fee strip created to enable easier access through dense commercial areas for pipeline systems.  It is available for occupation by third parties for a fee.  To receive a copy of the requirements for occupation and the availability of space, call the Houston Headquarters Office.