BBX Exploration

The pipelines allow natural gas to flow from the production facilities, located at the wellsite, to the processing plant.  In the East Texas area we are fortunate to have a very “rich” gas that contains a lot of valuable “liquids” such as ethane (used to make plastics), butane and propane.  The processing plant takes the gas, chills it to below freezing and extracts the liquids.  Then, what remains is methane, which is used for power generation and home heating and cooking.  The methane is generally sold to the large Tennessee gas pipeline that runs through the area.  The liquids are put into a different pipeline where they flow to Mont Bellvieu to be further separated – or “fractionated”.

Payment is made for each component of the gas stream, collected by the company that runs the processing plant and then paid each month to the operator – BBX Operating.  Of course, BBX also sells the oil produced from the wells.  After combining all of those income streams together, BBX sends out a check to the royalty owner. For more information on royalty payments, please go to our Royalty Relations page.   

One of the challenges of gathering gas in East Texas is the environmental sensitivity of the swampland and watersheds of the area.  Polaris Pipeline Systems works with environmental companies that map the various ecosystems in the area, and directs the company to avoid certain places.  Areas that can not be avoided are “bored” with a long drill to go underneath sensitive areas.

Polaris carefully studies the route of each line and tries to minimize the impact to any residences.  The disruption due to pipeline construction usually doesn’t last long as the line is surveyed, dug, and the pipe is laid down and welded together.  The line is then pressure tested and buried, and the ground is seeded.  Within a few months the right of way is looking good.

Many landowners enjoy going for a walk along the right of way on their property.  The pipelines are built to withstand normal loads, but vehicle traffic should be limited and kept off to the side.  The route of the pipeline is required to be well-marked with “line of sight” specifications.  Important structures such as valves and meters are surrounded by barriers and painted yellow for caution.  Other areas are fenced off and marked with warning signs.  These areas are to be avoided.  Parents should remind their children not to play on any of these facilities and to treat them with respect – don’t touch.  Just as with any of our other production facilities, if you see anyone playing on, or tampering with, any oilfield or gas pipeline facility, please tell them to stop and call us right away so we can handle the situation properly.

Remember, common sense goes a long ways towards safety.  Any use of fire, matches or cigarette lighters is extremely dangerous around oilfield and gas pipeline structures.  In the unlikely case that there are any hissing or leaking sounds, immediately call the emergency number - 1-877-712-3109.  Remind your children and any of your visitors and friends to stay away from facilities and not to use or play with any sort of fire, shoot any guns, or use phones or electrical equipment in the vicinity of the right of way or facilities.