The Hidden Challenge Beneath Houston’s Growth
Houston is booming. New neighborhoods and commercial projects are popping up everywhere you look. But there’s something most people don’t see—a maze of old pipelines running beneath the surface. These aren’t just any pipelines. They’re the remnants of Houston’s long history as the nation’s energy capital, connecting everything from local refineries to the bustling port and LNG terminals.
For builders and developers trying to break ground on new projects, hitting one of these underground lines can throw a serious wrench in their plans. This is especially true when they encounter those older pipelines installed before 1965. Even though many of these lines aren’t active anymore, they’re still physically there—rusting away underground and creating major headaches for anyone trying to develop the land above them.
The Billion-Dollar Problem for Pipeline Companies
Out of use, idled, and abandoned pipelines cost pipeline companies an estimated $1.1 billion dollars annually. These expenses come from routine maintenance, taxes, and perhaps most significantly, relocation costs for expanding highways, subdivision development, and outright removal requirements.
This creates a unique situation where both pipeline owners and property developers face challenges from the same infrastructure—one group bearing ongoing costs, and the other facing development obstacles.
Understanding Houston’s Pipeline Landscape
If you’re talking pipelines in Texas, Houston is the epicenter. Sure, San Antonio and Austin have their share of underground lines, but Houston? It’s on another level. With all the refineries and energy companies packed into the area, the city sits on top of what looks like a giant underground spider web of pipes.
And we’re not just talking about small pipes either. These things range from 8 inches across (about the size of a dinner plate) all the way up to massive 36-inch lines that you could crawl through. Here’s the real kicker—when they put these pipelines in the ground, nobody thought about the future. The legal easements for these lines were written without end dates, which means they’re still legally binding today. So even if a pipeline hasn’t transported a drop of anything in decades, the easement rights are still active and can block development unless properly addressed.
The Expert Solution for Developers and Pipeline Companies
A Proven Track Record of Success
Pipeline Equities has successfully removed more than twenty-four million feet of idled, abandoned lines for pipeline companies over the past four decades, at no cost to the pipeline companies.
Our specialized team offers comprehensive pipeline removal services specifically designed for both Houston’s unique development environment and the needs of pipeline companies looking to eliminate ongoing maintenance costs. We understand that successful projects require efficient, safe, and economical removal of these obstacles.
Our services include:
- Expert Assessment and Consultation: We provide guidance on navigating the complex legal landscape of pipeline easements, especially for lines decommissioned prior to 1965.
- Complete Pipeline Removal & Recovery: Our teams handle the removal of pipeline segments of any size—from small sections to extensive networks—following all regulatory requirements. Pipeline removal is the same as pipeline salvage & recovery, allowing us to provide these services at no cost to pipeline companies in many cases.
- Asbestos Abatement: Many older pipelines contain asbestos materials that require specialized handling. Our certified teams ensure all hazardous materials are properly managed during removal.
- Comprehensive Solutions for All Stakeholders: We work closely with builders, real estate developers, pipeline companies, and landowners to create solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Why Pipeline Removal Expertise Matters
Attempting to address pipeline issues without specialized knowledge can lead to significant complications:
- Legal Challenges: Improper handling of easement issues can create lasting title problems
- Safety Concerns: Decommissioned pipelines may still contain residual materials requiring proper handling
- Project Delays: Without expert removal, development timelines can face substantial setbacks
- Regulatory Compliance: All pipeline removal must adhere to strict environmental and safety regulations
Partner With Houston’s Pipeline Removal Experts
Our team has established strong relationships with many of Houston’s leading builders, real estate developers, and pipeline companies. We understand the urgency of development timelines and work efficiently to clear obstacles while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Resources for All Stakeholders
Throughout our website, you’ll find several detailed articles about our methods for effective pipeline recovery and removal, including:
- Project overviews and case studies
- Strategies for effectively dealing with landowners
- Model contracts for returning right-of-way to current property owners
- Legal procedures for working with pipeline companies regarding abandoned or “idled” pipelines
Whether you’re a pipeline company looking to eliminate the ongoing costs of maintaining unused infrastructure, or a developer planning your next project, our specialized pipeline removal and asbestos abatement services provide the clear path forward you need.
Contact us today to discuss how Pipeline Equities can help clear the way for development while providing cost-effective solutions for pipeline owners in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, or beyond.
