Why Row Clearing is Critical for Pipeline Safety and Operations

Proper Right-of-Way (ROW) clearing is essential for public awareness, operational safety, and liability reduction. A well-maintained easement makes buried pipelines visibly known to the public, keeps pipeline markers clear, enables effective aerial patrols, and prevents tree root intrusion that can damage underground coatings or interfere with above-ground infrastructure.

Failing to maintain the ROW doesn’t just create operational risk, it opens the door to liability. In today’s regulatory and public environment, neglecting maintenance is a risk no pipeline operator can afford.

Regulatory Context & Industry Guidance for Pipeline Safety 

PHMSA / DOT require periodically clearing pipeline ROWs to protect underground pipelines, prevent third-party damage, and ensure safe access for inspections. They emphasize damage prevention programs and stakeholder notification for ROW maintenance.

API Recommended Practice 1162 and API–PPT advisory guidance reference consistent ROW maintenance and enforcement of vegetation control as key best practices to prevent encroachments, unauthorized excavation, and third-party damage.

The Risks of Unmaintained ROWs to Pipeline Safety

Third-Party Strikes

Without visible pipeline markers, excavation or heavy equipment operators may unknowingly strike buried assets. ROW clearing reduces accidental strikes by keeping markers visible, showing the public a maintained corridor exists, and clearly signaling buried lines.

Coating Damage & Roots

Tree roots encroaching into easements can damage pipeline protective coating, accelerating corrosion or integrity loss. API guidance recommends trees must be removed from ROW.

Inadequate Aerial Patrol

Dense vegetation limits aerial inspection visibility, delaying leak detection or integrity concerns before they escalate.

Key Benefits of Proactive ROW Clearing for Pipeline Safety

Public Safety & Awareness

Visible, maintained ROWs and signage reinforce public awareness—as required under API and PHMSA public awareness programs—to reduce unauthorized digging and encroachments.

Safety & Reduced Liability

Keeping ROWs clear ensures pipelines are accessible for emergency response, routine inspections, and compliance audits by PHMSA and DOT.

Visibility of markers protects against accidental strikes and third-party claims.

Removing root intrusion avoids coating breach and internal corrosion over time.

Operational Integrity & Monitoring

Clean ROWs enable accurate aerial patrols.

Fewer delays in maintenance access and emergency response.

Real-World ROI Example

A Midwestern pipeline operator saw a 35% reduction in excavation damage incidents after implementing annual ROW clearing and marker visibility audits. Compliance reviews passed quicker, and disruptions from field access issues dropped by 50% year-over-year.

Why Lanracorp Is Your Trusted Partner in Pipeline Safety

• Nationwide pipeline-clearing specialists with experience across varied terrain and regulatory environments

• PHMSA-aligned, API-compliant ROW Clearing & Maintenance Programs

• API recommends IVM programs. We do exactly that.

• White-glove services including site assessments, stakeholder communication, and maintenance planning

Summary: Why Investment in ROW Clearing Is Non-Negotiable for Pipeline Safety

Ungroomed ROWs cost more, in time, money, compliance risk, liability, and safety exposure.

Choose Lanracorp to protect your pipeline integrity, reduce liability, and ensure smooth operations.

Contact us to schedule a ROW Assessment or inquire about a multi-year maintenance plan.