450-mile natural gas pipeline expected to cut through northern Burnet County properties

The Eiger Express Pipeline, a planned 450-mile natural gas pipeline that would run across the state of Texas, is expected to pass through northeast Burnet County by 2027 pending construction approval. 

The Eiger Express is the second major natural gas pipeline that would cross Burnet County in the last three years, following the development of the Matterhorn Express Pipeline, which was spearheaded by the same developers of the Eiger in 2023.

Around 97 percent of the Eiger Express will run along current right of ways and pipeline routes of the Matterhorn, meaning most properties to be affected by the Eiger have likely already been affected by the Matterhorn’s installation.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Damon Beierle told DailyTrib that he and other members of the commissioners court had worries about the possibility of more pipelines when Matterhorn was first introduced. That project was completed in 2024.

“Unfortunately, when the right of ways were established it made way for another (pipeline) to come in beside it,” Beierle said. “From a county standpoint, our hands are pretty tied. Once they broke the ice on (Matterhorn), they can just follow the existing easements.”

Beierle was also critical of the Matterhorn’s negative effects on the county, noting the noise levels of the pipeline’s lift station near the Burnet County line, which have been said to register at over 100 decibels while operating.

The project will begin construction in 2027 so long as it satisfies federal, state, and local regulations. As Beierle mentioned, the developers had procured the necessary permits and 50-foot easements along the Matterhorn’s route, and would likely face minimal regulatory roadblocks on the Eiger Express.

According to the Eiger Express website, developers have been working with federal agencies to survey the pipeline’s route for its effects on the environment. Once the surveys are completed, the developers would move to secure the required environmental and construction permits from necessary agencies.

A stakeholder meeting open only to landowners that would be directly affected by the project was held on Feb. 11 to provide information on the construction and landowners’ rights.

The project and limited information about its route were initially announced in August 2025. It is a joint venture between ONEOK Inc., Whitewater, MPLX, and Endbridge Inc. 

Key takeaways

• The Eiger Express Pipeline is planned to be approximately 450 miles long and up to 48 inches in diameter.
• The pipeline will transport up to 3.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day along its route from the Permian Basin in West Texas to Katy, Texas.
• A projected 37.8 million homes would be provided daily electricity using the pipeline’s resources.
• The projected state and local tax revenue from the pipeline’s operation is roughly $28.5 million.
• The project has the right to eminent domain, but the developers say it would be used as a last resort.

caden@thepicayune.com