Commissioners approve Paloma Operating pipeline across county right of way with 4-foot burial requirement

Jim Wells County Commissioners Court approved a permit on Jan. 27, 2025, allowing Paloma Operating to construct a 3-inch polyethylene pipeline across county right of way adjacent to County Road 20 and related county roads, and set the county compensation and permit conditions.

The permit, requested by Alana Gonzales, a geologist and landman for Paloma, covers about 6,086 linear feet of county right of way the company expects to use (Paloma estimated 6,100 feet while presenting maps). Gonzales told the court the line will be a DR‑7, 3‑inch polyline designed for oil and gas, and that the company plans to bore beneath a creek rather than trench across it.

Gonzales said the pipe is “rated and tested up to 335 pounds,” and described planned safeguards including pressure‑relief valves, daily gauger checks and shutoff valves at the wellhead and at the county right‑of‑way connection. She said Paloma will follow Railroad Commission regulations governing production and marketing.

County officials and Paloma clarified construction and compensation terms. The court added a condition to the permit requiring a minimum burial depth of 4 feet (48 inches) for the pipeline where it crosses county right of way; that depth replaced the 36‑inch depth the operator said it normally uses on private leases. Gonzales accepted the 4‑foot requirement. The applicant said compensation to the county will be $2 per linear foot, payable in full before construction begins; Paloma also referenced a separate $500 permit fee related to the county process.

The court voted to approve the permit including the 4‑foot burial condition. The motion was made and seconded on the record and the chair announced the motion carried.

Background and technical details provided at the meeting: Paloma described the line as non‑potable (not for water), with an expected operating pressure well below the pipe’s test rating; the company said it intends to fuse joints in the field using a pipe‑fusing machine. Paloma noted there are multiple gas zones on the lease but acknowledged drilling and production are not guaranteed.

The court did not specify additional environmental review during the hearing; Paloma said it would follow Railroad Commission rules and maintain communication about operations.

The item will be placed on a future agenda for any further permit documentation or signatures required by county staff.