BUILT TO LAST


At Kinder Morgan, we understand that pipeline construction is a visible and impactful process for local communities. We are committed to safety, environmental responsibility, and respect for the landowners along our route. This step-by-step guide outlines the major phases of construction and how we ensure the integrity of our infrastructure. 

Project Initiation

Developing and placing new pipeline into service takes several years, from the initial concept to final operation. But what drives the need for these projects? Our demand for energy. 

As energy use grows across homes, businesses, and industries, our customers, wil identify when additional infrastructure is needed to safely and reliably move their products. These customers - including major oil and gas companies, energy producers, shippers, and local distribution companies (LDCs) - determine when added capacity, new routes, or system upgrades are required to keep energy flowing where it's needed most. We respond to those needs by developing pipeline solutions designed to support that demand safely, efficiently, and responsibly, helping ensure the energy people rely on every day continues to reach communities across the country. 

Phase 1: Pre-Construction & Planning




      
 

CHOOSING A PIPELINE ROUTE:

Selecting a pipeline route requires extensive planning, ongoing conversations with stakeholders and landowners, and a thorough understanding of potential site challenges. Project managers evaluate the route length, construction feasibility, environmentally sensitive areas, and community considerations throughout the process. 

Regulatory Process

What happens: Once a preferred route is identified, several federal, state, and local regulatory agencies may become involved in reviewing the project and its required permits. Depending on the location and scope of the pipeline, this can include agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, state environmental and natural resource agencies, and, for some interstate projects, federal entities like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Each agency evaluates its portion of the project to ensure it meets all applicable requirements. That includes reviewing environmental studies, assessing potential impacts to wetlands, waterways, wildlife habitat, cultural resources, land use, and nearby communities, and confirming that stakeholder notifications have been completed properly.

Why it matters: This multi‑layered oversight provides accountability and assurance that the project has been thoroughly vetted, that landowners and other stakeholders have been notified as required, and that environmental reviews have been conducted responsibly before construction can begin.

Sourcing Quality Materials

What happens: A pipeline project often includes building compressor or pump stations, control rooms, meter stations, storage facilities, and more. Our Procurement team carefully sources materials and ensures they meet industry and federal standards for strength and durability. We also verify that all construction personnel have the required certifications, which are checked during inspections.

Why it matters: We want to ensure that this project is "built to last," and operates in a safe and compliant  manner.

Phase 2: Survey and Site Preparation

Preparing the Approved Site:

What happens: Before construction can begin, the approved route must be prepared. Our survey team visits the area to mark the construction right‑of‑way, clearly identifying where work will occur. They also locate and mark any nearby utilities to ensure they aren’t damaged during construction. After surveying is complete, a clearing and grading crew removes trees, brush, rocks, and other obstacles within the work area. In environmentally sensitive locations, such as streams, wetlands, and protected habitats, crews install fencing or other protective barriers to help prevent disturbance and keep equipment within approved boundaries.

COMMUNITY FOCUS:
  • Surveying and clearing ensures the workspace is safe, compliant with permit conditions, and ready for construction to begin.

Pipeline Stringing

What happens: During stringing, crews lay out the pipe sections along the right-of-way. This is called “stringing” the pipe. Pipe sections, usually, 40 to 80 feet long, are brought in by truck, and crews position each section according to the project’s design plan.

COMMUNITY FOCUS:
  • We coordinate traffic logistics to minimize disruption on local roads during the delivery of materials.
  • Work zones are clearly marked so community members stay safe around heavy equipment and active construction areas.
  • Impacted residents and landowners receive advance notice about pipe deliveries and stringing schedules to help plan around temporary noise or traffic.

Trenching

Next, a trench is dug along the right-of-way based on the project's design, using excavation equipment, like wheel trenchers and backhoes. The topsoil is removed and set aside to be used when the area is restored. The trench must be deep enough to cover the pipe once it’s in the ground and wide enough to prevent damage to its coating, with greater depths near road and water crossings. Actual burial depth varies based on surrounding conditions and federal requirements.

COMMUNITY FOCUS:
  • Residents and landowners receive updates on when trenching will occur, how long it will take, and what disruptions to expect.
  • In rocky areas or near infrastructure, specialized equipment is used to minimize vibration and noise.

Welding the Pipe

What happens: The next phase is welding the pipe. Welding can be done by hand or with machines, but either way, procedures must be reviewed and approved for each project. Additionally, welders must also pass qualification tests by performing test welds. After the welding is done, each weld is checked through visual inspection and/or non-destructive examination (NDE) to make sure it meets the required standards.

COMMUNITY FOCUS:
  • Pipeline projects bring employment for welders, inspectors, and equipment operators.

Protective Coating

What happens: After the pipe sections are welded and pass inspection, the weld joints are coated with the same anti-corrosion protection that was applied to the rest of the pipe at the manufacturing facility. This coating is a fusion-bonded epoxy, which is stronger and more durable than traditional solvent-based options. Once applied, it’s inspected for defects before the pipe is lowered into the ground.

COMMUNITY FOCUS:
  • This coating prevents corrosion and protects the steel from moisture and soil elements, ensuring the long-term safety of the line.

Phase 3: Installation

Lowering the Pipe

What happens: Next, the pipe is lowered into the trench using sidebooms and track hoes. In rocky areas, padding is added around the pipeline for protection. Once the pipe is covered and backfilled, topsoil is returned to its original position for site restoration.

Pressure Testing

What happens: Before a pipeline can be placed in service, it must be pressure tested. Operators pump water, compressed air, or another inert gas into the line and hold it at high pressure to check for leaks. If any problems are found, they’re repaired, and the test is run again. Once the pipeline successfully passes this testing, it’s cleared to be placed into service.

COMMUNITY FOCUS:
  • This is the final verification of safety before the line goes into service.
  • These tests use clean water from local sources and water is returned following permitted discharge requirements.

Right-of-Way Restoration

What happens:The final step is restoring the construction right-of-way. Crews work to return the area to its original condition. Landowners are usually consulted, but this process may include replacing topsoil, repairing irrigation systems, applying fertilizer, and monitoring vegetation growth. The entire process is carried out in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements.

COMMUNITY FOCUS:
  • We monitor the restoration area for months or years after construction to ensure vegetation re-establishes and the land heals properly.