Maryland Subsurface Underground Gas Storage Lease and Agreement (From a Surface Owner, With No Right to Use the Surface of the Lands being Granted) is a legally binding contract that governs the rights and obligations related to the storage of gas underground on privately owned land in Maryland. This agreement allows a gas storage operator to access and utilize the subsurface area of a property for the purposes of gas storage, while the surface owner retains ownership and control over the surface land. The Maryland Subsurface Underground Gas Storage Lease and Agreement outline the specific terms and conditions under which the gas storage operations will be conducted. It typically covers important aspects such as: 1. Permitted Activities: The agreement identifies the specific activities that the gas storage operator is allowed to undertake on the subsurface area of the property. This includes drilling, injection, storage, withdrawal, and any other necessary operations associated with gas storage. 2. Duration and Termination: The lease specifies the length of time the gas storage operator has the right to use the subsurface area for storage activities. It also outlines the circumstances under which the lease may be terminated by either party, including defaulting on payment, violating any terms of the agreement, or expiration of the lease term. 3. Compensation and Royalties: The agreement defines the compensation structure for the surface owner, including any upfront payments, annual rent, or royalties. Royalties are typically calculated based on the amount of gas stored or withdrawn from the subsurface area. 4. Rights and Restrictions: The lease may outline any specific rights granted to the gas storage operator, such as access roads, easements, or utility installations necessary for the storage operations. It may also encompass any restrictions imposed on the surface owner's use of the subsurface land during the lease term. Different types of Maryland Underground Gas Storage Lease and Agreement exist to cater to specific circumstances or requirements. These may include: 1. Short-term Lease: This type of lease is designed for temporary or limited-term gas storage operations, typically spanning a few months or a year. 2. Long-term Lease: A long-term lease extends the gas storage operator's rights for an extended period, often several years or even decades. 3. Renewable Lease: A renewable lease allows the gas storage operator to extend the lease term beyond its initial duration, subject to certain conditions and negotiations with the surface owner. 4. Exclusive Use Lease: An exclusive use lease grants the gas storage operator sole access and rights to store gas on the subsurface land, ensuring that no other parties can engage in similar activities. In conclusion, the Maryland Subsurface Underground Gas Storage Lease and Agreement (From a Surface Owner, With No Right to Use the Surface of the Lands being Granted) clearly defines the rights and obligations of both the gas storage operator and the surface owner regarding gas storage activities on privately owned land. The agreement ensures that the interests of both parties are protected and that the storage operations are conducted in a safe and responsible manner.