Title: Virginia Subsurface Underground Gas Storage Lease and Agreement (With Landowner; Long Form) 1. Introduction to the Virginia Subsurface Underground Gas Storage Lease and Agreement: The Virginia Subsurface Underground Gas Storage Lease and Agreement (With Landowner; Long Form) is a legally binding contract that governs the relationship between a gas storage operator and a landowner in Virginia. This comprehensive agreement outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties regarding the storage and extraction of natural gas from subsurface caverns or reservoirs on the landowner's property. 2. Key Components of the Agreement: a. Parties Involved: The agreement identifies the landowner and the gas storage operator, also known as the lessee, as the primary parties involved in the lease. b. Scope of Operations: The agreement defines the specific geological formations or underground spaces where gas storage activities will be conducted on the landowner's property. c. Duration and Renewal: The lease establishes the initial term of the agreement and includes provisions for renewal, termination, and the conditions for extension. d. Rights and Obligations: i. Landowner Rights: The agreement explicitly outlines the landowner's rights, such as compensation for surface and subsurface disturbances, access to records, environmental protection, and restrictions on gas storage activities. ii. Lessee Obligations: The lease delineates the obligations of the gas storage operator, including responsible and safe operations, timely payment of royalties, compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and liability for damages. e. Royalties and Compensation: The agreement stipulates the royalty payment structure, including the calculation method, payment frequency, and mechanisms to address fluctuations in gas prices. f. Surface and Subsurface Disturbances: The lease addresses potential surface and subsurface disturbances caused by gas storage operations, outlining measures to minimize environmental impact, restoration requirements, and indemnity of the landowner for any losses or damages. g. Insurance and Liability: The agreement includes provisions for insurance coverage of gas storage activities and allocates liability between the landowner and the gas storage operator for various scenarios such as accidents, spills, or injuries. h. Dispute Resolution: The lease defines methods for resolving disputes, including mediation, arbitration, or resort to litigation, to ensure a fair and efficient resolution process. 3. Types of Virginia Subsurface Underground Gas Storage Leases: While there may be variations in specific terms and conditions, the following are common types or variations of the Virginia Subsurface Underground Gas Storage Lease and Agreement: a. Short-Form Lease: A condensed version of the long-form lease, designed for simpler gas storage projects with less complexity. b. Limited Scope Lease: Specifically tailored for storage operators seeking to store gas in a particular geological formation within the landowner's property. c. Exclusive Lease: Grants exclusive rights to a single gas storage operator to utilize and store gas in the subsurface reservoirs on the landowner's property, excluding other operators or competitors. d. Joint-Use Agreement: Allows two or more gas storage operators to jointly store gas in the same subsurface formations on the landowner's property, providing shared resources and operational responsibilities. e. Development Lease: Provides the gas storage operator with the option to explore and develop additional underground spaces for gas storage beyond the initially identified locations. In summary, the detailed Virginia Subsurface Underground Gas Storage Lease and Agreement (With Landowner; Long Form) comprehensively covers all aspects of the lease, ensuring a fair and mutually beneficial arrangement between the landowner and the gas storage operator.