Title: West Virginia Underground Storage Lease and Agreement (Surface and Minerals) Introduction: The West Virginia Underground Storage Lease and Agreement (Surface and Minerals) is a legally binding contract designed to govern the use and management of underground storage facilities within the state of West Virginia. This agreement enables individuals or entities to lease specific portions of underground space for storage purposes, including minerals and other relevant resources. The state of West Virginia recognizes the importance of efficient resource management and provides various types of underground storage lease agreements, each catering to specific needs and circumstances. Types of West Virginia Underground Storage Lease and Agreement (Surface and Minerals): 1. Mineral Storage Lease: The Mineral Storage Lease is a specific type of underground storage agreement that focuses primarily on the storage of minerals and mineral-based resources. This agreement grants the lessee the right to utilize underground spaces within West Virginia for the storage, exploration, extraction, and transport of minerals. It outlines the respective rights and obligations of both the lessor (landowner) and lessee (mineral rights' holder) regarding the management and access to the designated underground areas. 2. Gas Storage Lease: The Gas Storage Lease provides the lessee with the right to store natural gas or other gaseous substances within underground storage reservoirs or other authorized formations within West Virginia. This agreement governs the terms and conditions under which the gas storage operations may be conducted, ensuring safe and responsible management of underground gas resources while protecting the rights of all parties involved. 3. Oil Storage Lease: The Oil Storage Lease focuses on the underground storage of crude oil or petroleum-based products. This agreement outlines the responsibilities, limitations, and rights of the lessor and lessee concerning the usage, storage capacity, and handling of oil in underground facilities. It establishes clear guidelines for the extraction, storage, and potential transportation of oil resources, promoting environmentally conscious practices in compliance with West Virginia regulations. 4. Salt Storage Lease: The Salt Storage Lease enables individuals or entities to lease underground storage space in pursuit of storing salt. This agreement allows lessees to store both mined or extracted salt and other various uses like the creation of salt caverns for storage purposes. The lease highlights provisions for the construction, maintenance, and operation of salt storage facilities to ensure the highest standards of safety and environmental considerations. Conclusion: The West Virginia Underground Storage Lease and Agreement (Surface and Minerals) encompasses various lease types, including mineral, gas, oil, and salt storage, depending on the specific resource being stored. These agreements provide a comprehensive legal framework for proper management, utilization, and secure storage of underground resources while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved. Properly executed lease agreements help maintain a balance between resource exploitation and environmental conservation, contributing to responsible and sustainable development in West Virginia.