Pipeline construction can affect more of a landowner’s property than the permanent pipeline easement itself.
During a recent pipeline construction project in Wharton County, Texas, attorney Philip Hundl of Land Rights Law pointed out an important construction feature that landowners should understand: the bore pit.
When a pipeline crosses beneath a roadway, the pipeline company may bore underneath the road rather than excavating an open trench across it. That process can require a bore pit and additional temporary workspace on nearby property.
For Texas landowners, understanding where these areas are located—and how much additional property may be affected during construction—is an important part of evaluating a pipeline easement.
What Is a Bore Pit in Pipeline Construction?
A bore pit is an excavated area used as part of the process of installing a pipeline underneath a road or similar obstacle.
Rather than cutting directly through the roadway, construction crews may bore underneath it. Bore pits provide the workspace necessary to conduct that underground crossing.
On the Wharton County project shown in the accompanying video, the pipeline construction area had already been cleared, the topsoil had been scraped, and sections of pipe had been laid out before trench excavation began. Near the roadway, additional space was being prepared for the bore operation.
Why Do Pipelines Bore Under Roads?
Road crossings are a common part of pipeline construction.
Depending on the project and location, pipelines may be bored beneath:
- Major roads
- County roads
- Paved or hard-surface roads
- In some circumstances, gravel county roads
Boring allows the pipeline to pass underneath the roadway without requiring the entire road surface to be opened for trench construction.
For the adjoining landowner, however, the bore operation may require additional construction space outside the ordinary pipeline work area.
How Can a Bore Pit Affect a Landowner’s Property?
If your property borders a road where a pipeline will cross, the construction footprint may include more than the permanent pipeline easement.
The pipeline company may also request temporary workspace for the bore pit and related construction activities.
That means additional portions of the property may be cleared, disturbed, graded, or used temporarily during construction.
Landowners should therefore look beyond the width of the permanent easement when trying to understand how much of their property could actually be affected while the pipeline is being installed.
What Is Temporary Workspace for a Pipeline?
Temporary workspace is additional land that may be used during construction but is not necessarily part of the permanent pipeline easement.
For a road crossing, temporary workspace may be needed to accommodate the bore pit, equipment, construction crews, pipe, soil, or other activities associated with installing the pipeline.
The exact location and size of temporary workspace should be identified in the documents associated with the proposed pipeline easement or construction project.
What Should Landowners Review Before Pipeline Construction Begins?
Texas landowners facing a pipeline project should carefully review the areas the pipeline company is requesting the right to use.
Questions to consider include:
- Where is the permanent easement located?
- How wide is the permanent easement?
- Is additional temporary workspace being requested?
- Where will bore pits be located?
- How much additional property will be affected?
- How will the construction area be accessed?
- What portions of the property may be cleared or disturbed?
- What does the easement say about restoration after construction?
Understanding the construction footprint before work begins can help landowners better evaluate how the project may affect the property.
Why the Construction Footprint Matters
A pipeline easement is not simply a line running across a map.
During construction, crews may need significantly more room to clear vegetation, remove or separate topsoil, lay out pipe, excavate trenches, move equipment, and complete road crossings.
Bore pits are one example of why the temporary construction area can matter just as much as the permanent easement.
For landowners with property along a roadway, the additional temporary workspace required for a bore operation may result in another portion of the property being disturbed during the project.
Learn More About Pipeline Easements and Texas Landowner Rights
If a pipeline project is proposed across your property, understanding the permanent easement is only part of the picture. Bore pits, temporary workspace, access areas, and other construction activities can also affect how much of your land is disturbed.
Before signing an easement or agreeing to additional temporary workspace, consider having the proposed documents reviewed so you understand the rights being requested and the areas of your property that may be affected.
Visit TxCondemnationRights.com for additional information about Texas pipeline projects, pipeline easements, eminent domain, and landowner rights.
If you have questions about a pipeline project affecting your Texas property, contact Land Rights Law to discuss your situation.
Call 800-266-4870 or text 979-320-9320 for an appointment. We can also arrange for online and telephone appointments all over Texas.