Encroachments are obstructions that can limit or impair our ability to effectively inspect and maintain our pipelines, and they can hinder response efforts in the event of an emergency. Examples of common encroachments include buildings, patios, swimming pools, septic systems, trees and fences.
In order to protect public safety, our pipelines are covered by written easement agreements that provide for reasonable legal protection against unacceptable encroachments and are filed as public records in the counties and parishes where we operate. In order to mitigate encroachment issues and protect public safety, we require advance review and approval of construction plans that may impact our established pipeline rights-of-way.
CPPL has created a set of guidelines to help us safely protect against unreasonable surface encroachments around our pipelines. If you have a question about encroachments, or to receive a complete list of guidelines, email us or call our non-emergency information line at 1-800-231-2566.
Encroachment Guidelines
Setbacks:
- Buildings and other engineering structures or works, including but no limited to: barns, sheds, pools, ponds, retaining walls, decks etc.
|
50 feet |
- Paralleling utilities: sewer, water, electric, telecommunication, fences, etc.
|
25 feet |
|
|
25 feet |
- Non-paralleling utility poles
|
8 feet |
- Non-paralleling fence posts
|
4 feet |
Cover/Grade Elevation Changes:
- Minimum of 36 to 48 inches of cover is required.
- Minimum of 48 inches of cover is required at all road crossings.
- Excessive fill over pipelines not allowed - maximum of 72 inches covered allowed.
Utility Crossings:
- Pass underneath with minimum 18 inches clearance (24 inches for electric).
- Communication, TV or electric encased in minimum scheduled 40 steel or PVC casing.
- High-voltage electric lines covered with 4 inches thick x 24 inches wide concrete slab.
- Warning tape installed over all foreign utility crossings.
- Utility crossing where practicable at 90 degrees (but not less than 45 degrees).