Oklahoma Surface Use Agreement (Oil and Gas Operations) A Oklahoma Surface Use Agreement (Oil and Gas Operations) is a legal contract between a landowner and an oil and gas company that allows the company to conduct drilling and extraction activities on the landowner's property. This agreement establishes the rights and obligations of both parties, ensuring that the oil and gas operations are carried out in a responsible and mutually beneficial manner. The main objective of a Surface Use Agreement is to protect the interests of both the landowner and the oil and gas company by clearly defining the terms and conditions for surface access, compensation, environmental protection, and restoration obligations. There are different types of Surface Use Agreements in Oklahoma, depending on specific circumstances and factors. These may include: 1. Standard Surface Use Agreement: This is the most common type of agreement used in Oklahoma. It outlines general terms and conditions for surface access, compensation, and restoration obligations. 2. Surface Damage Agreement: This type of agreement is used when the oil and gas operations necessitate surface disturbance, such as drilling wells or constructing access roads. It outlines the compensation and restoration obligations that the oil and gas company has to fulfill for any damages caused. 3. Surface Use and Surface Damage Agreement: This type of agreement combines elements of both the standard Surface Use Agreement and the Surface Damage Agreement. It includes provisions for surface access, compensation, and restoration obligations in case of any damage caused to the land. 4. Surface Access Agreement: This agreement outlines only the terms and conditions for surface access by the oil and gas company, without specifically including provisions for compensation and restoration obligations. Compensation and restoration requirements may be handled through separate agreements or negotiated separately. Key aspects addressed in an Oklahoma Surface Use Agreement include: — Surface access rights: It defines the area of land available for oil and gas operations and specifies access routes and limitations. — Compensation: It outlines the payment structure and schedules for any surface access, damages, or other impacts caused by the operations. — Environmental protection: It establishes obligations for the oil and gas company to implement measures to minimize environmental impact, including soil and water contamination, wildlife disturbance, and reclamation requirements. — Restoration requirements: It delineates the restoration and reclamation obligations to be fulfilled by the oil and gas company after the completion of operations on the land. — Indemnification and liability: It addresses the liability of both parties in case of accidents, damages, or any legal disputes that may arise during the operations. — Duration and termination: It specifies the duration of the agreement and the conditions under which either party can terminate it. In conclusion, an Oklahoma Surface Use Agreement (Oil and Gas Operations) is a comprehensive legal document that governs the relationship between a landowner and an oil and gas company during drilling and extraction activities. Its main purpose is to protect the rights, interests, and environmental concerns of both parties involved.