Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Matters

We are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. We routinely conduct reviews of potential environmental issues and claims that could impact our assets or operations. These reviews assist us in identifying environmental issues and estimating the costs and timing of remediation efforts. In making environmental liability estimations, we consider the material effect of environmental compliance, pending legal actions against us and potential third-party liability claims. Often, as the remediation evaluation and effort progresses, additional information is obtained, requiring revisions to estimated costs. These revisions are reflected in income in the period in which they are probable and reasonably estimable. As of both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, these costs and any related liabilities are not material.

Legal Proceedings

We are named defendants in lawsuits and governmental proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. For each of our outstanding legal matters, we evaluate the merits of the case, our exposure to the matter, possible legal or settlement strategies and the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. While there are still uncertainties related to the ultimate costs we may incur, based upon our evaluation and experience to date, we do not expect that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results or cash flows.

Indemnification

Under the 2019 Omnibus Agreement, certain tax liabilities are indemnified by SPLC. See Note 2—Related Party Transactions for additional information.

Minimum Throughput

On September 1, 2016, the in-service date of the finance lease for the Port Neches storage tanks, a joint tariff agreement with a third party became effective. The tariff is reviewed annually and the rate updated based on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) indexing adjustment effective July 1 of each year. Effective July 1, 2019, there was an approximately 4.3% increase to this rate based on FERC indexing adjustment. The initial term of the agreement is ten years with automatic one year renewal terms with the option to cancel prior to each renewal period. 

Other Commitments

Odyssey entered into a tie-in agreement effective January 2012 with a third party, which allowed producers to install the tie-in connection facilities and tying into the system. The agreement will continue to be in effect until the continued operation of the platform is uneconomic.

We hold cancellable easements or rights-of-way arrangements from landowners permitting the use of land for the construction and operation of our pipeline systems. Obligations under these easements are not material to the results of our operations.

Leases

We have operating leases for land, a lease of platform space and finance leases for storage tanks and platform space.