Wisconsin Provisions That May Be Added to A Pooling Or Unit Designation The state of Wisconsin has specific provisions that can be added to a pooling or unit designation to regulate the extraction of natural resources such as oil, gas, or minerals. These provisions ensure that the extraction process is conducted efficiently, while taking into consideration the rights of landowners and protecting the environment. Here are some key provisions that may be added: 1. Comprehensive Pooling Authority: Wisconsin allows for the pooling of mineral interests, which enables operators to combine adjacent tracts into a single drilling unit. This provision promotes resource conservation and prevents excessive surface disruption. 2. Enhanced Recovery Methods: The state permits the use of advanced technologies and innovative methods for enhanced oil or gas recovery. These methods include hydraulic fracturing (fracking), which enables the extraction of previously inaccessible resources by creating fractures in the subsurface rock formations. 3. Surface Use Agreements: Provisions can be added to address surface use agreements between operators and landowners. These agreements establish terms and conditions regarding surface access, compensation for damages, and site restoration requirements. 4. Financial Assurances: Wisconsin may require operators to provide financial assurances to cover potential damages or liabilities associated with drilling and extraction operations. These assurances help protect landowners and the state from financial burdens in the event of accidents or abandonment. 5. Environmental Protection Measures: Provision can be made for the implementation of environmental protection measures throughout the extraction process. This may include measures to prevent water contamination, proper disposal of waste materials, and monitoring of air quality to mitigate any adverse effects on the surrounding ecosystem. Different types of Wisconsin Provisions That May Be Added to A Pooling Or Unit Designation: a. Alternative Dispute Resolution: Wisconsin allows for alternative methods of resolving disputes that may arise between operators and landowners, such as mediation or arbitration. These provisions aim to avoid lengthy and costly legal proceedings. b. Unitization Agreements: In cases where numerous mineral owners occupy a particular area, unitization agreements can be added to establish shared rights and obligations. This provision ensures that all stakeholders benefit from the extraction activities while minimizing conflicts. c. Well Spacing and Density Controls: Provisions may be added to regulate well spacing and density to prevent excessive resource drainage and surface disruption. By balancing the number and distribution of wells, operators can maximize resource recovery while minimizing environmental impacts. d. Temporary Pooling or Unit Designation: Certain provisions can be added to allow for temporary pooling or unit designation, providing flexibility in managing resources in a timely manner. This enables operators to efficiently extract resources and prevent unnecessary delays in exploration or production activities. In conclusion, Wisconsin offers various provisions that can be added to a pooling or unit designation to ensure responsible resource extraction, protect landowner rights, and safeguard the environment. These provisions cover a wide range of aspects, from surface access agreements to environmental protection measures, and aim to strike a balance between efficient resource extraction and sustainable practices.