A right-of-way, or easement, agreement gives a person or entity the right to use a strip of land owned by someone else for a particular purpose, such as a pipeline route, but does not convey ownership.

There are basically two types of easements – temporary and permanent.

A temporary easement is the identification and utilization of additional surface area above and adjacent to the pipeline which will be used during the construction phase. This type of easement agreement will specify the amount of time needed to complete construction and the specific uses allowed by the landowner. The surface owner will in turn receive compensation for the temporary use of the easement and surface damages, such as loss of vegetation, surface grade and roads. After construction of the pipeline is finished, the pipeline company will take measures to restore the right-of–way to near its original condition, as specified in the easement.

Once the pipeline is complete and the right-of-way restored, a permanent easement is established that provides the pipeline company with a permanent, limited interest in the land so that the company may operate, test, inspect, repair, maintain, replace and protect its pipelines on the property owned by others. Surface owners retain ownership of the land involved in a permanent easement, but may be restricted in their future use of the land to ensure the pipeline's integrity and safety.

Landowners should always use caution and call 811 prior to beginning any excavation, construction or burning on pipeline rights-of-way on their property. Once you call 811, the pipeline operator will be notified and a representative will be sent out to locate the pipeline if necessary.

Since pipelines are generally buried underground, pipeline markers and warning signs are used aboveground to indicate the general location of buried pipelines. Markers are placed at strategic locations to indicate the presence of a pipeline including at rivers, railroads and street crossings, as well as along pipeline rights-of-way and in other areas accessible to the public.

Be familiar with these markers and what they provide:

• The product transported in the pipeline
• The name of the pipeline operator
• The telephone number where the operator can be reached in an emergency

The markers are not intended to show the exact location, depth or number of pipelines buried in the right-of-way. The markers are there as a visual reminder that a pipeline is located in the area and that you should use caution when conducting construction or excavation activities. You must still call 811 or your state's one-call number before beginning any excavation projects.