Two workers on a right-of-way

Why we may need to access our right-of-way

ExxonMobil Pipeline Company fundamentally respects your property rights, and when we need access to our right-of-way, we will seek to minimize disruptions for landowners and our neighbors. If you live near one of our pipelines, in addition to receiving routine public awareness communications, you may also be contacted directly by one of our representatives regarding pipeline activities or safety initiatives.  

We will consult with individual landowners regarding access to easements on their property.


Mowing


ExxonMobil Pipeline Company maintains its rights-of-way, typically including keeping the grass short enough to allow us to observe surface conditions above our pipelines. However, we do not mow as frequently as some homeowners may within their own yards. 

Please contact us directly at 1-888-804-4788 if you have questions about mowing. 


Surveys


Underground utilities – including telecommunications, water, sewer, gas and oil pipelines – crisscross the country, requiring frequent repair, upgrades and installation work. These networks compete for space with other infrastructure, such as roads, rails, water crossings and commercial and residential developments. 

Whenever such systems meet, surveys are needed to verify measurements and maps of both existing and proposed routing. In most cases, surveyors use simple tools and can complete their work in just a few hours.


Right-of-way monitoring and maintenance


ExxonMobil Pipeline Company monitors its pipeline rights-of-way, and if something out of the ordinary appears – such as unexpected excavation work or discolored soil – we send a damage prevention representative to investigate.


Right-of-way obstructions


Rights-of-way must remain clear of obstructions or temporary structures in order to allow ready access to the pipeline for maintenance or emergencies. We will ask landowners to relocate any such obstructions. Please contact ExxonMobil Pipeline Company directly at 1-888-804-4788 if you have any questions.

EMPCo operates its pipelines in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation and other state and local agencies. In accordance with regulatory requirements and internal Company guidelines, EMPCo has developed certain restrictions and requirements to protect public safety, property, and the environment. In order to provide a safe environment for persons working on or near pipelines operated by ExxonMobil Pipeline, these restrictions and requirements will apply to all work in and around EMPCo rights-of-way (ROW). Deviations from these restrictions may require EMPCo’s express written consent.

English Right-of-Way Restrictions and Requirements 
Spanish Right-of-Way Restrictions and Requirements


Pipeline repairs


As part of our robust Integrity Management Program, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company conducts rigorous testing to identify any potential issues that may require closer inspection or repair. Such work typically necessitates excavation along some portions of the pipeline. Repair work may vary in scale and complexity, often taking a day or two to complete, but sometimes repairs may last a week or more.   Before repairs begin, affected landowners and neighbors will be notified and provided an estimate of how long it will take. As the work proceeds, fencing or other temporary barriers may appear around the excavation site; cones or signage may be used to mitigate traffic issues. To help maintain public safety and minimize potential inconveniences, we will consult with local officials and the relevant regulatory agencies if street closures or detours are necessary.


Pipeline replacement


Pipeline replacement work will usually parallel an existing pipeline or utility right-of-way. Existing pipe will safely remain in service until replacement segments are installed, tested and ready to use. Any deactivated segments will be removed from service in compliance with industry best practices.


Hear from you


You may be contacted by ExxonMobil Pipeline Company or its vendors to help us improve the safety of our operations and the effectiveness of our communications. We value your time and understand most people don’t enjoy taking surveys. However, we try to pose questions that will help us more effectively understand and address your concerns, while also letting you know about our safety measures. We do not conduct marketing surveys, and we do not use the information we gather to sell products or services. We will never share such information or your personal data with third parties.