Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Washington, DC www.ferc.gov

An Interstate Natural

Gas Facility on My Land?

What Do I

Need to Know?

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1

OFFICE oF ENERGY PRoJE

An Interstate Natural Gas 

Facility on My Land?

What do I 

Need to know?

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

Updated August 2015

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is charged by Congress 

with evaluating whether interstate natural gas pipeline projects 

proposed by private companies should be approved. The Federal 

government does not propose, construct, operate, or own such 

projects. The Commission’s determination whether to approve such 

a project may affect you if your land is where a natural gas pipeline, 

other facilities, or underground storage fields might be located. 

We want you to know: 

n How the Commission’s procedures work;

n What rights you have; 

n How the location of a pipeline or other facilities is decided; and 

n What safety and environmental issues might be involved.

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Contents

Background..............................................................................................4

How the Process Begins........................................................................5

Key Issues Involving Location of the Project..................................8

Pipeline Installation Sequence ........................................................ 11

Pipeline Construction........................................................................ 12

Abandonment...................................................................................... 14

Storage Fields....................................................................................... 15

LNG Facilities........................................................................................ 20

Compressor Stations.......................................................................... 20

The Responsibilities of Gas Companies......................................... 22

Important Safety Issues..................................................................... 25

Further Environmental Issues.......................................................... 26

Additional Information..................................................................... 27

Glossary of Terms................................................................................ 28

PROCESS FOR NATUR AL 

GAS CERTIFICATES

Use of the Pre-Filing 

Environmental Review (PF) 

Process is Approved (voluntary)

Conduct Scoping to 

Determine Environmental 

Issues and Attempt to 

Resolve Issues

Applicant files FERC 

Application

FERC Issues Notice 

of Application

Conduct Scoping 

(if the PF Process is not used)

Issue EA or 

Draft EIS

Commission 

Issues Order

Respond to environmental 

comments / Issue Final EIS

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5

Background

The Commission approves the location, construction and operation 

of interstate pipelines, facilities and storage fields involved in moving 

natural gas across state boundaries. The Commission also approves the 

abandonment of these facilities.

Interstate pipelines crisscross the United States, moving nearly a quarter of the 

nation’s energy long distances to markets in the 48 contiguous states, and are 

vital to the economy. Although pipelines generally are buried underground, 

they may have associated facilities that are above-ground such as taps, valves, 

metering stations, interconnection, pig launchers, pig receivers, or compressor 

stations. A natural gas storage field includes subsurface gas storage rights and 

there may be storage field pipelines and gas wells associated with the storage 

rights. A Pipeline Glossary is provided at the end of this brochure to help you 

understand some of the technical terms that are associated with pipeline 

construction and above-ground facilities. 

If a proposed pipeline route is on, or abuts your land, you will probably 

first learn of this from the natural gas company as it plans and studies the 

route during either the Commission’s voluntary Pre-filing Process or in the 

application development process. Once a company files an application 

requesting the Commission to issue a certificate authorizing the construction 

of a pipeline project, the company will mail you a copy of this brochure and 

other information within three days of the Commission issuing a Notice of 

Application. The Commission’s staff will prepare an environmental study of 

the proposal; either an Environmental Impact Statement or an Environmental 

Assessment, depending on the scope of the project. For major construction 

projects, local media may be notified and public meetings may be held. You 

will have an opportunity to express your views and to have them considered. 

You will also have the opportunity to learn the views of other interested parties. 

The Commission may approve the project, with or without modifications, or 

reject it. If it is approved and you fail to reach an easement agreement with the 

company, access to and compensation for use of your land will be determined 

by a court.

Understandably, the location of pipelines and other facilities may be of concern to 

landowners. The Commission’s process for assessing pipeline applications is open 

and public, and designed to keep all parties informed.

This brochure generally explains the Commission’s certificate process and 

addresses some of the basic concerns of landowners. The Commission’s Office of 

External Affairs at 1-866-208-3372 will be happy to answer any further 

questions about the procedures involved.

How the Process Begins

Q: How will I first hear about proposed facility construction? 

A: If you are located in the vicinity of the project you may first learn of it 

through newspaper notices. If you are an owner of property that may be 

affected by the project, you will probably first hear of it from the natural gas 

company as it collects the environmental information or conducts surveys 

required for the Commission application. The company may ask you for 

permission to access your land to conduct civil and environmental surveys. 

It is also possible that the company will contact you to discuss obtaining an 

easement prior to filing the application. In the case of a compressor station or 

other above-ground facility, the company will often offer to purchase, or obtain 

an option to purchase, the property for the station or facility. This usually occurs 

prior to the filing of the application. 

For a storage field, rights on certain parcels of land may only involve subsurface 

storage rights. The company will also notify you of the filing of the application 

with the Commission. 

Q: How can I obtain more details about 

the company’s application? 

A: A copy of the company’s application can be obtained from the company, 

although the company is not obligated to provide voluminous material 

or material that is difficult to reproduce. You may also obtain a copy for a 

nominal copying charge from the Commission’s Public Reference Room. Call 

202-502-8371 for details. The application may also be obtained through the 

Commission’s Web site, www.ferc.gov, using the “eLibrary” link and the project’s 

docket number. User assistance is available at 1-866-208-3676. Within three days 

of assignment of a docket number, the application will also be available in at 

least one location in each county in which the facility is located.

Note that in some cases you will not be able to view or print copies of largescale maps or similar information about the location of the project from the 

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Commission’s Web site. However, the Web site will provide instructions for 

obtaining the material.

Q: How do I make my views known? 

A: You may contact the natural gas company through the contact person listed 

in the notification letter you receive from the company. 

There are two ways to make your views known to the Commission: first, if you 

want the Commission to consider your views on the various environmental 

issues involved in the location of the facility, you can do so by simply writing a 

letter. When submitting a letter to the Secretary of the Commission, you should 

identify the project’s docket number in order for the comment to be successfully 

entered into the record on the eLibrary system. 

There are several steps in the Commission’s environmental review process. 

The Commission affords you the opportunity to comment at various stages 

in this process. Details are available from the Commission’s Office of External 

Affairs at 1-866-208-3372. Check the Commission’s Web site for details on filing 

electronically. By filing comments, your views will be considered and addressed 

in the environmental documents or a final order. Additionally, you will be 

placed on a mailing list to receive environmental documents in the case. You 

can also use eRegistration and eSubscription (see www.ferc.gov) to keep track 

of individual proceedings at FERC. Users with an eRegistration account may 

subscribe to specific dockets and receive email notification when a document 

is added to eLibrary for the subscribed docket. 

Q: What is an intervenor? 

A: You may file to become what is known as an intervenor. You may obtain 

instructions on how to do this from the Office of External Affairs or on our 

Web site at http://www.ferc.gov/resources/guides/how-to/intervene.asp. 

Becoming an intervenor is not complicated and gives you official rights. As 

an intervenor, you will receive the applicant’s filings and other Commission 

documents related to the case and materials filed by other interested parties. 

You will also be able to file briefs, appear at hearings and be heard by the courts 

if you choose to appeal the Commission’s final ruling. However, along with 

these rights come responsibilities. As an intervenor, you will be obligated to 

provide copies of what you file with the Commission to all the other parties 

at the time of filing by electronic means (direct attachment of the document 

to an e-mail or by referencing a link to the filed document in eLibrary) or 

by mail. In major cases, there may be hundreds of parties. You may file to 

become an intervenor by sending a request to intervene by mail or overnight 

services to: 

Secretary

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

888 First Street, N.E.

Washington, DC 20426

We prefer that comments or requests for intervention be submitted 

electronically through the Commission’s Web site (www.ferc.gov). If you 

submit comments or requests through eFiling or eComment, there is no need 

to send paper copies. However, if you submit a request for intervention through 

the mail, you should include 14 copies of your request. 

You must normally file for intervenor status within 21 days of our notice of 

the application in the Federal Register, although the Commission may accept 

late intervention if good reasons are given. Visit the Federal Register at

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html. You may also file for intervenor status 

for the purposes of addressing environmental issues during the comment period 

for a draft environmental impact statement.

Please note: “PF” dockets are assigned to projects that are in the pre-filing or 

planning stage. There is no provision for becoming an intervenor in PF dockets. 

However, once the pre-filing stage has been completed and an application has been 

filed, you may file for intervenor status. 

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE

For further assistance and public inquiries, please contact:

Office of External Affairs

1-202-502-8004 1-866-208-3372 (Toll-free)

customer@ferc.gov 

For assistance with ferc.gov or eFiling, please contact: 

FERC Online Technical Support

1-202-502-6652 1-866-208-3676 (Toll-free)

ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov

For materials and copying assistance, please contact: 

Public Reference Room

1-202-502-8371 1-866-208-3676 (Toll-free)

public.referenceroom@ferc.gov

YOUR PROJECT’S DOCKET NUMBER

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Key Issues Involving 

Location of the Project

Q: How is the pipeline route, compressor station or storage field 

location selected? 

A: The natural gas company proposes the route or location, which is then 

examined by the Commission. The company must study alternative routes or 

locations to avoid or minimize damage to the environment. The Commission, 

intervenors, or any commenter may also suggest alternatives and modifications 

to reduce the effects on buildings, fences, crops, water supplies, soil, vegetation, 

wildlife, air quality, noise, safety, landowner interests and more. The Commission 

staff’s Alternatives analysis will consider whether the pipeline can be placed 

near or within an existing pipeline, power line, highway or railroad right-of-way. 

Storage fields are usually located in depleted oil or natural gas production fields 

or in salt deposits. Therefore, their location is fixed by geologic conditions. 

However, the facilities needed to develop and use a storage field can be moved 

to some extent.

Q: How do natural gas companies obtain a right-of-way? 

A: The company negotiates a right-of-way easement and compensation for the 

easement with each landowner. Landowners may be paid for loss of certain uses 

of the land during and after construction, loss of any other resources, and any 

damage to property. If the Commission approves the project and no agreement 

with the landowner is reached, the company may acquire the easement under 

eminent domain (a right given to the company by statute to take private land 

for Commission-authorized use) with a court determining compensation. 

Q: Who pays taxes on the right-of-way?

A: The landowner pays taxes on the right-of-way unless a local taxing authority 

grants relief. The company simply has an easement across a portion of the land.

Q: How large is the right-of-way and how is it maintained? 

A: It is generally 75 to 100 feet wide during construction, although extra space is 

usually required at road or stream crossings or because of soil conditions.

The permanent right-of-way is usually about 50 feet wide. Routine mowing or 

cutting of vegetation is done no more than once every three years. A ten-footwide corridor, centered on the pipeline, may be mowed or cut more frequently 

to facilitate periodic surveys and inspections. In cropland and residential areas 

the right-of-way is maintained by the landowner consistent with the presence of 

a pipeline.

Q: How large is a compressor station or storage field? 

A: Usually the natural gas company 

purchases ten to forty acres for a 

compressor station, of which about five 

acres are actually used for construction. 

A storage field could encompass many 

hundreds or even thousands of acres, 

depending on the geologic structure. 

Storage fields also frequently include a 

buffer zone or protection area forming 

a halo of some hundreds of acres 

surrounding the storage field itself.

Q: Must the company comply with local, county and state laws 

and zoning ordinances? 

A: Generally, yes. If there is a conflict, however, between these requirements and 

what the Commission requires; the Commission requirement prevails.

Q: How close can I build to the facilities? 

A: For a pipeline this depends on the terms of the easement agreement. But 

build is usually allowed up to the edge of the right-of-way. 

For a compressor station, the site is usually owned by the company. If you own 

property adjacent to the site, you may build on it. 

For storage fields, unless there are surface facilities or pipelines, you may build 

anywhere on the surface. If you or someone else wishes to drill wells which 

would penetrate the storage formation, you must coordinate that activity with 

the company, and usually the state authority regulating well drilling.

Compressor Station

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Q: What about bushes, trees, fences, driveways and so forth? 

A: Trees with roots that may damage the pipeline or its coating and other 

obstructions that prevent observation from aircraft during maintenance are 

usually not allowed. Driveways and other improvements without foundations 

are normally allowed. All improvements are subject to the terms of the 

easement and are subject to negotiation as long as the pipeline maintenance 

and safety are not affected.

Q. How long will the right-of-way be there?

A: Part of it is temporary and will be restored immediately after construction. 

The permanent right-of-way will remain until the Commission determines it can 

be abandoned by the pipeline company. This can be 20 to 50 years or more.

Q. In general, will I still be able to use the right-of-way?

A: The easement agreement will specify restricted uses on or across the rightof-way and any types of uses for which the company’s permission must be 

sought. The continuation of past agricultural uses and practices on or across 

the right-of-way would be permitted. Buildings and large trees are usually not 

allowed. Special uses or activities that might have an impact on pipeline design 

(such as planned logging roads or drain tiles) should be negotiated with the 

pipeline company to minimize future conflicts. 

Q: To what depth would the pipeline be buried underground?

A: The depth of cover for natural 

gas pipelines is regulated by the 

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 

Safety Administration, within the U.S. 

Department of Transportation. In 

normal soil conditions, the minimum 

required is 30-36 inches between 

the top of the pipeline and the land 

surface. Additional cover is provided 

at road and waterbody crossings, while less cover (a minimum of 18 inches) is 

required in consolidated rock. In special cases, the pipeline could be buried 

deeper (48 – 60 inches) where agricultural practices or other issues warrant 

additional cover.

Q: What if I have problems with erosion or other issues during 

restoration and/or maintenance of the right-of-way? 

A: The landowner should first contact the natural gas company to address 

and resolve the issue. If the landowner is not satisfied that the problem has 

been adequately addressed, he or she can contact the Commission’s Landowner 

Helpline at (877) 337-2237 or send an email to landownerhelp@ferc.gov.

Pipeline Installation Sequence

After a company has received authorization from FERC as well as all 

necessary permits, and has an easement on a property, construction 

would proceed as follows: 

 1)The civil survey (and any uncompleted environmental surveys) would be 

completed and the construction right-of-way would be marked/staked 

for the clearing crew. 

 2)The clearing crew would remove any trees or brush within the right-ofway that would interfere with construction. 

 3)Temporary erosion control devices would be installed as required.

 4)Next, the right-of-way would be graded. 

 5)Topsoil would be separated from subsoil in agricultural/residential areas 

(or in other areas requested during the easement negotiations). 

 6)Heavy equipment, such as backhoes or trenching machines, would then 

dig the trench. In areas where bedrock is near the surface, blasting may be 

required. 

 7)The pipe would be delivered to the right-of-way in segments (called 

joints). 

 8)The pipe would be bent to fit the trench and welded together. All welds 

would be tested prior to placing the pipe in the trench. 

 9)The trench would be back filled and if topsoil was removed it would be 

returned. 

10)Construction debris would be removed. 

11)The right-of-way would be regraded, seeded, and temporary and 

permanent erosion control devices would be installed. 

12)After the right-of-way has revegetated the temporary erosion control 

devices would be removed. 

13)Prior to gas flowing, the pipeline would be pressure tested (normally with 

water) to ensure it does not leak.

Pipeline

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Pipeline Construction

A graphic representation of the pipeline 

installation sequence.

Moving assembly line (graphic not to scale)

Clearing 

and grading

Ditching (rock-free) Ditching (rock) Padding 

ditch bottom

Stringing

Bending

continued below

Welding X-ray and weld repair Coating welds Inspection and repair of coating

Lowering in Backfill Pressure testing 

for leaks

Cleanup

Restoring residential area Reseeding the right-of-way Restored right-of-way

12 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 13

Office of Energy Projects 

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Abandonment

Q: What is abandonment in place? 

A: A pipeline company may request authorization for a pipeline to be 

“abandoned in place.” In this case, the pipeline is physically separated from 

its source of gas and is no longer maintained. The pipeline is sealed at both 

ends and left in the ground. A company may revert the easement back to the 

affected property owners; in certain cases where multiple pipelines exist in the 

same corridor, the company may continue to hold the easements and maintain 

the right-of-way according to its vegetation maintenance practices.

Q: Can the pipeline be used after abandonment?

A: In some cases a pipeline company may ask to abandon a pipeline for use 

as a natural gas transportation line, but reserve the right to convert that line 

to another use, such as the transportation of crude oil or other petroleum 

products. Easements agreements affected by conversion transactions may 

transfer to the new operator. 

Q: If the pipeline is being abandoned will it be removed 

from my property? 

A: The Commission may decide there are environmental or other conditions 

that should determine the disposition of the pipeline. If not, the easement 

agreement that you or previous owners of the land signed may stipulate 

whether the pipeline is to be removed. You may also come to some agreement 

with the company on what they will do with the pipeline. Usually, above-ground 

facilities are removed. 

Q: If a company abandons a pipeline, can it keep an easement 

on my property? 

A: It depends on the terms of the easement agreement and may be subject to 

negotiation between the landowner and the pipeline company. If there is more 

than one pipeline, the pipeline company will keep the easement.

Q: Will I be notified if abandonment is proposed? 

A: You will probably be notified by the company if it proposes to relinquish 

the easement as part of the abandonment and the easement is not being 

transferred to another company. Otherwise, you may be notified by the 

Commission as part of the environmental analysis of the project. 

Stor age Fields 

Q: What will happen to my property if a storage field 

is located beneath it? 

A: Possibly nothing, since the storage field 

itself is usually thousands of feet beneath the 

ground surface. Wells are needed to inject 

and withdraw the stored natural gas or to 

monitor field conditions (observation wells). 

The wells require a surface site of roughly one 

acre for drilling and less than one tenth of 

an acre for the surface wellhead piping and 

other facilities. 

If there are no facilities to be constructed on 

your property, the company will only need 

the storage rights to the geologic formation 

in which the natural gas would be stored. 

This is also the case for any property within 

any designated “buffer zone” or “protective 

area” around the actual storage field.

Q: Why is storage important?

A: Underground natural gas storage can be used to balance the load 

requirements of gas users. Storage fields are the warehouses that provide a 

ready supply of natural gas to serve the market during periods of high demand. 

For example, in the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic regions, natural gas is 

primarily used during the winter because many homes are heated by natural 

gas. To accommodate this load profile, natural gas is injected into storage fields 

Well drilling rig

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during the warmer months (April - October), and withdrawn in the colder 

months (November - March). However, since the 1980s, most new power 

generation equipment has been fired by natural gas, which has created summer 

peaking requirements for natural gas to accommodate air conditioning loads in 

many areas of the country. Storage helps to meet peak demand requirements 

both in winter and in summer.

Q: What types of facilities are associated with storage?

A: Most natural gas storage facilities in the U.S. consist of underground 

formations, combined with above-ground equipment. These facilities include 

wells (injection/withdrawal and observation, water supply, water disposal), 

wellhead valve assemblies, gathering lines (field lines, headers), metering and 

compression facilities, dehydration units, generators or transformers, associated 

electric equipment, roads, sheds/buildings and pipeline pigging facilities. A list of 

natural gas facilities that fall under FERC jurisdiction is available on the agency’s 

Web site at http://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/indus-act/storage/fields-byowner.pdf . Natural gas storage facilities that are owned and operated by natural 

gas distribution systems and used to deliver gas to their customers fall under the 

authority of state regulatory agencies. 

Q: Are there different types of underground storage fields?

A: Most storage of natural gas takes advantage of natural geologic formations 

(reservoirs). There are three types of underground storage fields: (1) depleted oil 

and/or gas fields, (2) aquifers, and (3) salt caverns. 

Depleted Oil and/or Gas Fields: Most of the natural gas storage in the 

United States consists of naturally-occurring oil or gas reservoirs that have 

been depleted through production. These consist of porous and permeable 

underground rock formations (usually 1,000 to 5,000 feet thick) that are 

confined by impermeable rock barriers and identified by a single natural 

pressure. Typically, this type of field has one injection/withdrawal cycle each year 

– gas is injected in summer and withdrawn in winter. This type of storage facility 

is normally used for long term or seasonal system supply, although in some 

instances it is used for peak day deliveries. These formations contain volumes 

of gas that are permanently stored in the field (called cushion or base gas) 

that help to maintain the underground pressure required to operate the field. 

Storage gas is then added to the field. In field storage the base gas is generally 

about 50% of the total reservoir capacity.

Aquifer Storage Fields: This type of storage field uses a permeable rock 

formation containing water, called an “aquifer.” The nature of the water in 

the aquifer may vary from fresh water to saturated brine. An aquifer would 

have a high cushion gas requirement, generally between 50% and 80%, 

as the water in the portion of the reservoir being used for storage must be 

displaced constantly. They also have high deliverability rates but are limited to 

one injection/withdrawal cycle each year.

Salt Cavern Storage: This type of storage field uses caverns that are leached or 

mined out of underground salt deposits (salt domes or bedded salt formations). 

Salt caverns usually operate with about 20% to 30% cushion gas and the 

remaining capacity as working gas. Working gas can be recycled more than once 

per year (some up to 10 – 12 times per year), the injection and withdrawal rates 

being limited only by the capability of the surface facilities. Salt cavern storage 

has high deliverability and injection capabilities and is usually used for peak 

deliverability purposes, daily or even hourly. Most of the naturally-occurring 

salt caverns in the United States lie closer to the producer region—in Louisiana, 

Texas, and the Gulf Coast. 

For more detailed information about natural gas storage, visit these Web sites: 

• FERC Staff Report on Underground Natural Gas Storage

http://www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/Files/20041020081349-final-gs-report.pdf

• EIA: Basics of Underground Natural Gas Storage

http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/natural_gas/analysis_publications/

storagebasics/storagebasics.html

• NaturalGas.org: Storage of Natural Gas 

http://www.naturalgas.org/naturalgas/storage.asp

• The Energy Information Administration (EIA) 

http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/natural_gas/info_glance/natural_gas.html 

Q: How are storage field boundaries determined?

A: Boundaries are determined by the geologic characteristics of the formation 

in which the gas will be stored. Most also have buffer zones surrounding the 

portion of the reservoir to limit migration of the stored gas and to protect 

the integrity of the field.

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Q: Can companies use the ground under my property without 

paying for it? Am I required to sign an easement? 

A: A company that owns/operates a storage field cannot use the underground 

portion of storage facilities without either owning mineral rights or having 

some form of agreement with the owner of the mineral rights. Compensation 

for that use will come as a result of the property/mineral rights conveyed to 

the company by the current owner or attached to the deed from a previous 

property owner. Those property/mineral rights, depending on the facts of 

the particular situation, will most likely be in the form of a storage lease or an 

easement agreement. 

A FERC certificate is not required in order for a company to negotiate the 

acquisition of a storage lease or easement. However, if FERC has issued a 

certificate approving the creation of a new storage field (or expansion of an 

existing field), that indicates that the agency has concluded that the storage 

field is needed and is in the public interest. In accordance with the Natural Gas 

Act (a law passed by the United States Congress in 1938), the FERC certificate 

gives the company the right to ask a state or federal court to award the needed 

property rights to the company where voluntary good faith negotiation has 

failed. 

If the owner of the property/mineral rights and the company do not reach an 

agreement, the company can go to court to obtain the necessary rights through 

eminent domain. In such cases, the court will determine the amount that the 

company must pay to the owner of these rights. Similarly, if the storage field 

operations affect the surface property through construction of facilities or by 

reserving access rights, the company must also reach an agreement with the 

owner of the surface rights or go to court to obtain any necessary property 

rights through eminent domain. The court will determine the amount that the 

company must pay the owner of the surface rights. The state or federal court 

procedure is known as condemnation (or the exercise of eminent domain). 

Q: How far from my home can a storage facility be located? 

If the company is just using the area under my land, do they 

require access to my land?

A: The storage reservoir itself is underground and does not require surface 

facilities on every property within the storage field boundaries. However, 

the company may need to construct and 

operate facilities on the surface, including 

injection and withdrawal wells to get the 

gas into and out of the subsurface rock 

formations, well lines that connect those 

wells to other pipelines in the storage field, 

compressor stations to pump the gas, and 

facilities that are used to clean and monitor 

the interior of certain underground pipelines. 

Where surface facilities are needed, the 

storage lease or easement agreements 

developed between the landowner and 

the storage facility operator usually indicate 

minimum spacing of the facilities with 

respect to existing structures, like your home.

In most cases, if the company does not have 

any surface facilities on your property, the 

company would not need access to your property. However, the company 

may need access to your land to check the integrity of a pipeline crossing your 

property or to monitor the effects of previously abandoned facilities (such as 

an old gas well) or facilities owned by another company to insure that those 

facilities do not interfere with the company’s storage operations. Because the 

need for access cannot be predicted, the storage lease or easement agreement 

typically references the right of the company to enter your property when 

needed. The company should inform the property owner when its employees 

plan to enter the property.

Q: Is all storage in the U.S. under the jurisdiction of the Federal 

Energy Regulatory Commission?

A: No. Only natural gas storage that is used in interstate commerce is under 

FERC jurisdiction. There are approximately 500 existing underground natural 

gas storage facilities in the United States. Of those facilities, approximately 50% 

are under FERC jurisdiction, and the remaining are under state and/or local 

jurisdiction or are privately owned and unregulated.

Underground storage

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LNG Facilities

Natural gas can also be converted to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and stored 

in above-ground tanks. Facilities for making LNG are used by many gas 

distribution companies for short-term peaking requirements, and are regulated 

under state authority. However, The Commission regulates a small number of 

similar facilities that are connected to interstate natural gas pipelines. 

The United States also has several large LNG terminals, which include large 

LNG storage tanks as part of their operations. Traditionally, imported LNG 

is regasified before it enters the system of interstate natural gas pipelines 

for delivery to consumers. The Gulf Coast area has the country’s highest 

concentration of existing and planned LNG terminals. In this region, salt caverns 

and depleted reservoirs also may be used as gas storage.

The growing production of natural gas in the United States from shale deposits 

has led to rising interest in developing liquefaction facilities for the export of 

natural gas to other countries. In this case, some LNG terminals would be 

used to export gas. Domestic natural gas would arrive at an LNG terminal via 

pipeline in a gaseous state, then liquefied and placed on LNG vessels for delivery 

to international consumers. While the Commission has the responsibility to 

evaluate and authorize LNG facilities, any company that exports natural gas also 

must receive an export license from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Compressor Stations

Q: What is a compressor station? 

A: Compressor stations house natural gas fired engines, turbines or electric 

motors that drive compressors to compress, or pump, natural gas to move 

it through the system. They are located strategically along a pipeline route. 

Compressor stations associated with interstate natural gas pipeline systems are 

regulated by FERC. Compressors also are used by producers in gathering facilities 

that are not regulated by FERC.

Electric motor-driven compressors are very clean, and emit no particulate 

matter or pollutants. Natural gas-fired engines and turbines burn a portion of 

the natural gas in the pipeline and would emit pollutants. Air emissions are 

regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state permitting 

authorities. These regulations are applicable to any source that emits or has 

the potential to emit any air contaminants, as defined in the Clean Air Act. 

Companies are required to obtain these federal permits, as applicable. 

Q: How noisy is a compressor station? 

A: The noise attributable to a new compressor station, compression added to 

an existing station, or any modification, upgrade or update of an existing station, 

must not exceed a day-night average noise level of 55 decibels at any preexisting noise-sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals or residences. Companies 

perform noise surveys during initial operation of the approved facilities and 

report the results to FERC to document compliance.

Q: Can compressor stations cause vibration at my home?

A: Vibration is caused by direct vibration or by low-frequency noise emitted 

from a compressor station. This is similar 

to what happens when noise from a 

speaker causes the floor to shake or when 

a helicopter flying overhead causes a 

window to rattle. 

Companies are required to comply with 

FERC’s rule at 18CFR 380.12(k)(4)(v)(B) 

to ensure that there is no increase in 

perceptible vibration from the operation 

of the compressor station. 

Q: How much noise is permitted from drilling activities? 

A: Directional drilling is sometimes used to install underground pipeline 

through sensitive areas. Drilling is also used to install vertical wells at storage 

facilities. Drilling should be conducted with the goal of keeping noise impacts at 

noise-sensitive areas below a day-night level of 55 decibels. States may have their 

own noise level requirements for construction sites.

Compressor station

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22 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 23

OFFICE oF ENERGY PRoJE

An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land?

Q; Will the compressor station affect my air quality?

A: Numerous federal and state air quality rules and permits may apply to each 

compressor station. FERC will identify the required permits and regulations for 

each compressor station. We also identify the impacts on local and regional air 

quality from construction and operation of each compressor station. 

Q: Are there special safety or fire issues associated with 

compressor stations?

A: All interstate natural gas facilities, including compressor stations, are required 

to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Minimum Safety 

Standards. Compressor stations are constructed with many safety systems, such 

as gas and fire detection systems and emergency shutdown equipment. These 

systems are designed to ensure that in the event of an accident, the compressor 

station would be safely shut down with minimal risk to the public.

The Responsibilities of Gas Companies

Q: Must companies post bonds to guarantee performance? 

A: No, but the Commission inspects the right-of-way during and after 

construction to ensure that the terms of its certificate have been met.

Q: Can the pipeline company come on my land without 

my permission? 

A: State or local trespass laws prevail until a certificate is issued by the 

Commission. Some states have laws that allow a company to get access to 

property for survey purposes. Procedures vary by state. Once a certificate 

is issued or an easement/survey agreement or court order is obtained, the 

company may come onto your land. Usually the company will notify you in 

advance.

Q: When can they start to build? 

A: Construction cannot commence until the Commission issues a certificate, 

the company accepts it, the company receives all other relevant permits and 

authorizations, and the company complies with environmental conditions 

attached to the certificate. For most large pipelines, the time from filing an 

application to approval ranges from one year to two years. Once a certificate 

is issued, construction may start within a few weeks of the company having 

completed any outstanding studies or having met other preconditions set by 

the Commission.

Q: Why would the company approach me about an easement 

before the project is approved? 

A: Because of planning and lead time, the company may try to obtain 

easement agreements in advance. Also, a company must conduct 

environmental studies before it files an application with the Commission. 

For these studies to be as complete as 

possible, the company will try to obtain 

access to all of the proposed right-of-way. 

If Commission approval is ultimately denied, 

or the route changes, the initial easement 

agreement with the landowner is usually 

void (depending on the wording of the 

right-of-way or access contract). Further, 

disputes over the wording of an easement 

agreement are subject to state law.

Q: Can the company place more than one pipeline on my 

property? Can the pipeline and the easement be used for 

anything other than natural gas? 

A: The Commission grants a certificate and states that eminent domain may 

only be used for the proposed pipeline and related facilities in the exact location 

described and only for the transportation of natural gas. If the company 

wishes to install another natural gas pipeline under Commission jurisdiction, 

it must obtain additional approval from the Commission. Other utilities may 

wish to use an adjacent or overlapping easement, but they would have to 

obtain approval from you or from another permitting authority that can grant 

eminent domain (usually the state). Of course, you may agree to other uses.

Valve

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24 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 25

An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land?

What Do I Need to Know?

OFFICE oF ENERGY PRoJE

Q: Can the company construct above-ground facilities on the rightof-way? 

A: Yes, if they have been approved by the Commission. Above-ground facilities, 

such as valves, pig launchers and pig receivers, are commonly placed in the rightof-way and are strategically placed along the pipeline system for operation and 

safety purposes.

Q: How close can the pipeline be to other 

pipelines or utility facilities? 

A: Pipelines must be at least a foot from any underground structure and two 

to three feet below ground. Companies usually want their pipelines to be 25 

feet from another pipeline. If space permits, pipelines can be placed in another 

utility’s right-of-way.

Q: Can I receive service from the pipeline? 

A: No, not in most cases. Generally speaking, interstate pipelines are operating 

at pressures incompatible with direct residential use, which is provided by local 

distribution companies.

Q: Can a pipeline be placed in a river or the ocean? 

A: A pipeline can be placed in the ocean or across a river; however, it is usually 

not acceptable to place one longitudinally down a river or other stream. There 

are different environmental, cost, design and safety issues associated with 

construction in a water body.

Q: How soon after construction will the company restore 

the land?

A: Commission rules require restoration as soon as the trench is backfilled and 

weather permits. 

Q. What authorization allows the pipeline company to use 

eminent domain?

A: If the Commission authorizes the project and the necessary easements 

cannot be negotiated, an applicant is granted the right of eminent domain 

under section 7(h) of the Natural Gas Act and the procedures set forth under 

the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Rule 71A). Under these conditions, the 

landowner could receive compensation as determined by the courts. 

Important Safety Issues

Q: Who is responsible for safety?

A: While the Commission has oversight in ensuring that pipeline and aboveground facilities are safely constructed and installed, once the natural gas is 

flowing in the new system, the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s Pipeline and 

Hazardous Pipeline Materials Safety Administration takes over the responsibility 

during the operation for the lifetime of the pipeline. The U.S. Department of 

Transportation is also responsible for setting the federal safety standards for 

natural gas (and other) pipelines and related facilities. The 

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration can be contacted 

at 202-366-4595 or at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov. 

Q: Are pipelines safe?

A: Accidents are rare and usually result from 

outside forces or unauthorized action by 

someone other than the pipeline company. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation enforces 

strict safety standards and requires safety 

checks. 

Q: Does natural gas smell?

A: Natural gas is odorless. An odorant, which 

smells like rotten eggs, is generally added for 

quick leak detection in more populated areas 

on interstate transmission pipelines and in 

local distribution pipelines in accordance with 

U.S. Department of Transportation safety 

regulations. Safety Inspectors

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26 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 27

An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land?

What Do I Need to Know?

OFFICE oF ENERGY PRoJE

Further Environmental Issues

Q: What if my property contains endangered species, wetlands, 

or archeological sites? 

A: Endangered species must be protected 

from the effects of construction and this 

could affect the location of the pipeline 

or other facilities. In the case of wetlands, 

if proper crossing procedures are used 

and no alternatives are available, they may 

be used for a pipeline right-of-way. If an 

archeological or historic site is eligible for 

listing in the National Register of Historic 

Places, impact to it must be minimized. It 

either will be excavated and studied, or the pipeline will be rerouted to avoid it. 

Landowners who want them usually are permitted to keep any artifacts after 

they are properly studied, subject to state law.

Q: Environmental studies were mentioned earlier. 

How do they work?

A: A Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or an 

environmental impact statement (EIS) is issued for most major proposals. It is 

sent to federal, state and local agencies, local media and libraries, environmental 

groups, and the affected owners of any land that would be crossed. For some 

major projects the NOI may announce a schedule of public meetings along 

the proposed route. The NOI seeks comments from interested parties on the 

scope of the environmental document, and the comments must be submitted 

to the Commission, normally within 30 days. After the comment period, the 

Commission staff will prepare an EA or a Draft EIS outlining its findings and 

recommendations. For major proposals, further comments are sought during 

45 days allotted for review of a Draft EIS or 30 days in the case of an EA. These 

comments are addressed in the Final EIS or the final order granting or denying 

the application. 

Additional Information 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Office of External Affairs

888 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20426 

Toll Free: 1-866-208-3372 

E-mail: customer@ferc.gov

www.ferc.gov

Landowner Helpline 

Toll Free: 1-877-337-2237

E-mail: landownerhelp@ferc.gov

Other related FERC documents you may find helpful 

are listed below. These are available on our web site.

The following can be found at: 

http://www.ferc.gov/industries/gas/enviro/guidelines.asp

n Guidelines for Reporting On Cultural Resources Investigations 

n Handbook for Using Third-party Contractors to Prepare Environmental 

Assessments & Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) 

n Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation and Maintenance Plan 

n Wetland and Waterbody Construction and 

Mitigation Procedures 

http://www.ferc.gov/resources/guides.asp

n Your Guide to Electronic Information at FERC

n An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on my Land

n Blanket Certificate Program: Notice to landowners

Wetlands

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28 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 29

An Interstate Natural Gas Facility on My Land?

What Do I Need to Know?

OFFICE oF ENERGY PRoJE

Glossary of Terms 

Glossary of Terms supplied courtesy of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 

Safety Administration and FERC staff. For further information, please consult the 

PHMSA web site at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov.

COMPRESSOR STATIONS

Compressor Stations are facilities located along a natural gas pipeline that house and 

protect compressors. Compressors are used to compress (or pump) the gas to move it 

through the system. Compressor stations are strategically placed along the pipeline to 

boost the system pressure to maintain required flow rates.

EASEMENT

An easement is an acquired privilege or right, such as a right-of-way, afforded a person 

or company to make limited use of another person’s or company’s real property. For 

example, the municipal water company may have an easement across your property 

for the purpose of installing and maintaining a water line. Similarly, oil and natural gas 

pipeline companies acquire easements from property owners to establish rights-ofway for construction and operation of their pipelines.

GATHERING LINE

Pipelines, generally small in diameter, used to transport oil or gas from the well to 

a processing facility or a mainline pipeline. Gathering facilities, which can include 

the gathering lines and compressor stations associated with 

gathering, are not regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission.

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING

Also called “fracking,” this refers to a process of fracturing rock 

using a pressurized liquid. This is usually water mixed with sand 

and chemicals, injected deep within the ground through a 

piped well bore. This technique is commonly used to produce 

natural gas or oil from shale, tight or coal seam formations.

LATER AL

A lateral is a segment of a pipeline that branches off the main 

or transmission line to transport the product to a termination 

point, such as a tank farm or a metering station.

LAUNCHER

A launcher is a pipeline component that is used for inserting an inline inspection tool, 

cleaning pig, or other device into a pressurized pipeline. After performing its task, the 

tool or pig is removed via receiver.

LIQUEFACTION

Liquefaction refers to the process of converting natural gas (methane) to a liquid to 

facilitate transportation or storage. This process requires removing impurities and 

cooling the methane to -260°F. 

LOOP

A loop is a segment of pipeline installed adjacent to an 

existing pipeline and connected to it at both ends. A 

loop allows more gas to be moved through the system.

METERING AND REGULATING (M&R) STATIONS

Metering and regulating stations are installations 

containing equipment to measure the amount of gas 

entering or leaving a pipeline system and, sometimes, 

to regulate gas pressure. 

PIG

A pig, also known as a “smart” pig, is a generic term signifying any independent, selfcontained device, tool, or vehicle that is inserted into and moves through the interior 

of a pipeline for inspecting, dimensioning, or cleaning. These tools are commonly 

referred to as “pigs” because of the occasional squealing noises that can be heard as 

they travel through the pipe.

RECEIVERS

A pipeline component used for removing an inline inspection tool, cleaning pig, or 

other device from a pressurized pipeline. The device is inserted into the pipeline via a 

launcher.

RIGHTS-OF-WAY (ROW)

A right-of-way is a defined strip of land on which an operator has the rights to 

construct, operate, and/or maintain a pipeline. A ROW may be owned outright by 

the operator or an easement may be acquired for specific use of the ROW.

TRENCH

A trench is a long narrow ditch dug into the ground 

and embanked with its own soil. They are used for 

concealment and protection of pipeline. Trenches are 

usually dug by a backhoe or by a specialized digging 

machine.

VALVE

A valve is a mechanical device installed in a pipeline and 

used to control the flow of gas or liquid.

See http://www.phmsa.dot.gov for additional pipeline-related terminology 

definitions. 

Metering and Regulating 

Station

Fracking rig

Pipeline in trench

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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Office of Energy Projects

888 First Street, NE

Washington, DC 20426

202–502–6088

1–866–208–3372 (toll free)

202–502–8659 (TTY)

www.ferc.gov/industries/gas.asp

Your project’s docket number

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