Permitting & Mapping

Pipeline operators register their applicable pipelines with the Railroad Commission by submitting a T-4 Pipeline Permit application. Pipeline permits are required for transmission pipelines, gathering lines, and production or flow lines as defined in TX Admin Code, Title 16, Chapter 3, Rule 3.70 Pipeline Permits Required.

New pipeline permits or amendments to permits require submission of maps along with pipeline attributes. Data is reviewed and validated for completeness, then added to the GIS public map viewer that has oil, gas, and pipeline data displayed in a geographical format.

• Instructions for Submitting Shapefiles Online
• A Guide to Shapefile Submissions
• Sample Shapefiles
• Correcting Shapefile Rejections
• Vendor List

Pipeline Siting and Routing

• The route for intrastate pipelines is determined by the pipeline’s owner/operator. The Railroad Commission has no pipeline routing or siting authority; and does not administer eminent domain, condemnation, or other property rights laws. Easement, Right-of-Way, and Encroachment agreements or issues between pipeline operators and landowners is beyond the scope of the State and Federal pipeline safety rules.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

• FERC considers applications from natural gas companies for construction and operation of interstate natural gas pipelines, storage facilities, compressor stations, other natural gas infrastructure, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals.
• FERC has public guidance information on their website under Landowner Topics of Interest.

• Eminent Domain & Condemnation FAQs
• Public GIS Viewer
• How to Search for T-4 Permits
• Pipeline Map Request Form
• Pipeline Shapefiles by County
• POPS User Guide
• Pipeline Fees