The two most common
types of natural gas pipelines in the Wattenberg Field are flowlines and gathering lines. Flow lines generally run underground from the well head to the production facilities, where the natural gas, oil and water are separated. The oil and water are temporarily stored in
tanks. Gathering lines transport the natural gas from the separator to a
gas processing facility. These facilities then transmit gas to homes and businesses for heating, cooling, and power generation.
The route that underground natural gas pipelines travel is determined by a number of factors, including the operator’s preference for a direct route from the wellhead to the separator and from the separator to the appropriate processing facility and may reflect the development and use of the property. In many cases, the natural gas pipelines are located within granted rights-of-way and easements, which appear in the county real estate records. In other situations, the pipelines may be constructed and operated pursuant to rights granted under the relevant oil and gas lease. Pipelines are typically buried four feet underground and, once in place, markers depict the approximate location of the pipelines, the type of petroleum products the pipeline transports and the name and telephone number of the operating company. Markers are not always placed precisely over a pipeline and do not always follow straight lines. Flow lines typically are not marked until a Colorado One Call survey is performed. It is important to remember that before starting a construction or an excavation project, you are required by the Colorado One Call law to check for pipeline rights-of-way and utility easements by calling 800.922.1987 or 811.