LAC 61:V.1301 — Guidelines for Ascertaining the Fair Market Value of Pipelines

A. General
1. Pipelines, except those regulated pipelines, which are assessed as public service properties as provided by R.S. 47:1851(K), are to be assessed by parish assessors. Two separate classes of pipelines are identified because of differences in function, design and quality. The two classes are "lease lines," which are generally of lower quality, subject to changes in routes, etc.; and, "other pipelines," which are generally larger and of higher quality.
2. Both classes of pipelines are to be assessed in the taxing district where located. A copy of LAT Form 14 is to be provided the pipeline owner. Surface equipment associated with pipelines (compressor stations, booster stations, etc.) are to be reported separately on LAT Form 5. Surface pipeline related equipment is to be valued individually at cost factored to current value less physical deterioration. Pipelines are to be valued for assessment purposes at cost less physical deterioration. A cost schedule is provided for the various sizes of "other pipelines" (See Tables 1307.A and B). Represented in these schedules is the cost-new, as of the appropriate assessment date, for the different size pipelines. This cost is to be reduced for the appropriate allowance for physical deterioration (See Table 1307.C), based on the age of the pipeline, by multiplying replacement cost by the appropriate percent good factor. Functional and/or economic obsolescence shall be considered in the analysis of fair market value as substantiated by the taxpayer in writing. Consistent with Louisiana R.S. 47:1957, the assessor may request additional documentation.
B. Lease Lines. The category "lease lines" represents pipelines which are generally in the 2 inches to 6 inches size range. These pipelines are considered to be subject to changes in routes due to equipment and well requirements; and, generally are not of the same quality as "other pipelines." These lines are generally associated with wells and surface equipment on the oil and gas production field. Fiberglass and plastic lines which are now being used in some areas are also covered in this category. Refer to Oil and Gas Properties Section, Surface Equipment (See Table 907.C.1) for "lease lines."
C. Carbon capture pipelines. The category “carbon capture pipelines” includes lateral and transmission pipelines used for the transportation of carbon oxide that has been captured and permanently isolated from the atmosphere by disposal in secure geological storage or displaced from being emitted into the atmosphere by utilization in enhanced oil or natural gas recovery or other purpose for which a commercial market exits. Lateral pipelines are from an emission source to a transmission line or from the transmission line to the disposal or utilization site. Transmission lines gather carbon oxide from lateral lines for transportation to the disposal or utilization area. Note: A line running from an emission source directly to a sequestration or utilization site is a transmission line. As carbon capture pipelines are a new category of property in this chapter beginning 2025, rules related to such pipelines are intended to be applicable until additional sufficient information becomes available from operations and/or market data to support revised rules.
D. Other pipelines. The category “other pipelines” is generally represented by the larger gathering and transmission pipelines, but includes all lines, other than plastic, 2 inches and larger in diameter. This class of pipelines is normally of better quality, requiring more rigid controls, and not subject to changes in routes as are “lease lines”. Tables 1307.A and 1307. B describe the cost-new per mile for various size pipelines in the “other pipelines” category.