Pipeline Definitions

Under applicable rules, pipeline types are defined as follows:

  Transmission Line – Pipeline transporting gas from a gathering line or storage facility to a distribution center.  Transmission lines are typically operated at higher pressures and stress levels.

  Non-Rural (Urban) Gathering Line – A gathering line that is located within city limits of a designated residential of commercial area such as a subdivision, business, shopping center, or community development.

  Rural Gathering Line – A gathering line located outside any incorporated municipality, commercial, or business area.

  Federal Offshore Line – A pipeline located on outer continental shelf lands.  Federal waters offshore from Texas begin at 3 marine leagues, or 10.3 miles.

  State Offshore Line – A pipeline originating in a bay extending within 3 marine leagues, or 10.3 miles offshore. 

  Lease/Flow Line – A pipeline located within the lease of production, carrying full well stream production to a tank battery, separator, or other production treatment equipment located on the lease.

  Distribution Line – A pipeline serving both as a common source of supply and associated branch lines serving consumers.  Distribution lines are the source of supply for residential and small commercial users.

  Master Meter System – A natural gas pipeline system for distributing natural gas for within, but not limited to, a distinct area, such as a mobile home park, housing project, or apartment complex, where the operator purchases metered gas from an outside source.  The natural gas distribution pipeline system supplies the end-consumer who either purchases gas directly through a meter or by other means such as rent.

  Interstate System – Typically, a natural gas pipeline transportation system extending beyond state boundaries.  However for hazardous liquids systems, pipelines may be designated as interstate if they are connected to a pipeline that carries product out of state boundaries and affects foreign commerce subject to FERC tariffs. 

  Intrastate System – A pipeline system for transporting natural gas or hazardous liquids within a state and not subject to the jurisdiction of FERC.

  Hazardous Liquids Line – A pipeline for transportation of petroleum or petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuels, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).  

  Sour Gas Line – A pipeline system containing greater than 100 parts per million (ppm) hydrogen sulfide.