A North Dakota Surface Use Agreement is a legally binding contract that governs the relationship between the surface owner and the oil and gas exploration company. It outlines the terms and conditions for the use of surface land for oil and gas operations in the state of North Dakota. These agreements are crucial in balancing the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved. Keywords: North Dakota, Surface Use Agreement, Oil and Gas Operations, contract, surface owner, exploration company, terms and conditions, surface land, rights, responsibilities. There are different types of North Dakota Surface Use Agreements that cater to specific circumstances within the oil and gas industry. Some of these types include: 1. Standard Surface Use Agreement: This is a comprehensive agreement that covers all aspects of oil and gas operations on the surface land. It addresses issues such as access, compensation, environmental protection, reclamation, and restoration of the land after operations are completed. 2. Temporary Right-of-Way Agreement: This type of agreement is used when the oil and gas company requires temporary access to the surface land for activities such as seismic testing or laying pipelines. It specifies the duration of the right-of-way and the compensation to be paid to the surface owner. 3. Drilling and Production Agreement: This agreement is specifically tailored for situations where drilling and production activities are planned on the surface land. It outlines the terms and conditions related to well construction, drilling operations, production processes, and ongoing maintenance. 4. Surface Damage Agreement: In cases where surface land may be disturbed or damaged during oil and gas operations, a Surface Damage Agreement is used. It addresses issues related to compensation for damages, restoration requirements, and timelines for reclamation. 5. Master Surface Use Agreement: This type of agreement acts as a framework for multiple operations on a surface land owned by the same individual or entity. It establishes the general terms and conditions applicable to all future oil and gas activities within a particular area. It is essential for both surface owners and oil and gas companies to carefully review and negotiate the specific terms in a North Dakota Surface Use Agreement. This helps ensure that the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved are protected while minimizing potential conflicts and disputes arising from oil and gas operations on the surface land.