Avoiding Encroachments
Encroachments within pipeline easements can be a safety hazard. It is important that property owners understand the importance of keeping these areas clear.What is an Easement?
An easement, also known as rights-of-way (ROW), is the legal right to use a specific portion of land for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining NIPSCO facilities. An easement can vary in width and size based on the proposed use of the land and the size of the facilities. For pipeline easements, the size and pressure of the pipeline may cause different requirements and maintenance guidelines.What is an Encroachment?
An encroachment is any unnatural change to the easement area or any obstruction or improvement of any kind placed within the easement which may interfere with access to facilities. This includes, but is not limited to:- Dwellings - home, mobile home, any building intended for human occupancy
- Structures - garage, shed, playhouse, deck, fencing, pool (above and below ground)
- Vegetation - tree, shrub, overgrowth
- Landscaping - water feature, bridge, fountain, pond
- Septic Facilities - tank, lines, leach bed
How to avoid an Encroachment
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- Heavy materials – piles of dirt, sand or rock, logs, construction materials
- Debris – piles of brush, rubbish, appliances, abandoned vehicles
- Operation of heavy equipment – cutting, digging, drilling, boring, trenching
- Grading of soil – any changes to current grade (upwards or downwards)
- Installation of utilities without prior approval by NIPSCO
As with any outdoor project, always contact 811 first to identify any existing utilities on your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have an easement on my property?
Easements are a matter of public record and can be found at your county recorder’s office.
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How does NIPSCO manage rights-of-way?
Our pipelines are “walked” by inspectors on a regular schedule varying from yearly to every 3 years, depending upon the type of pipeline.
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How Does NIPSCO manage trees and vegetation?
Leak inspection surveys are conducted at prescribed intervals on all piping facilities. This means NIPSCO technicians physically walk thousands of feet of pipeline every year. To perform this task, the right of way must be clear. Our Integrated Vegetation Management program manages the clearing of our rights of way in safe, environmentally responsible ways to secure and preserve right of way access and allow for these inspections.
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What can be placed in the easement area?
Nothing should be placed within the limits of the permanent easement area.
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