Commercial pipelines deliver fuel to the base fuel storage tanks. These pipelines are usually underground except at tie-in connections to the base pipelines. These pipelines are constructed on government property by issuing real estate easements. Typically, crosscountry pipelines are owned, operated, and maintained by civilian agencies. When a pipeline system is under contract to a civilian agency, civilian responsibility for maintaining the pipeline usually terminates at some point near where the pipeline enters the base. From this point to the bulk fuel storage area, the responsibility for maintenance is assigned to the BCE. The BCE is authorized to perform emergency maintenance on on-base commercial pipelines, if necessary, to protect against environmental damage to public property or meet emergency wartime mission requirements. The real estate easement agreement with the pipeline owner takes note of this and provides for suitable contractor reimbursement to the government. Government-owned or -leased cross-country pipeline systems and marine facilities are in common use in oversea areas. In some areas Air Force personnel maintain these systems.
