A Harris Texas Surface Use Agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions under which a surface owner and an oil and gas company can coexist and utilize the surface of a property for drilling and production activities in Harris County, Texas. This agreement is crucial in order to protect the rights and interests of all parties involved. It establishes a structure for surface owners to grant permission to the oil and gas company to access and conduct operations on their property. The agreement details the specific rules and conditions that the oil and gas company must adhere to in order to minimize any potential negative impacts on the surface owner's property. Different types of Harris Texas Surface Use Agreements may include: 1. Standard Surface Use Agreement: This is the most common type of agreement, where the surface owner allows the oil and gas company to enter and utilize their land for exploration and production purposes. 2. Restricted Surface Use Agreement: In some cases, a surface owner may have certain restrictions or conditions they wish to impose upon the oil and gas company's activities. This type of agreement outlines these restrictions and requires the oil and gas company to adhere to them during their operations. 3. Partial Surface Use Agreement: In situations where only a portion of the surface owner's property is needed for oil and gas operations, a partial surface use agreement is utilized. It specifies the specific area or areas that will be utilized by the oil and gas company and outlines the terms and conditions for utilizing those specific areas. 4. Temporary Surface Use Agreement: This type of agreement is applicable when the oil and gas company requires temporary access to the surface owner's property for a specific project or duration. It includes provisions for the restoration of the property to its original condition once the temporary use is complete. 5. Surface Use Agreement with Compensation: In some cases, the surface owner may require compensation for allowing the oil and gas company to utilize their property. This type of agreement outlines the compensation terms and conditions for granting access to the surface. In conclusion, a Harris Texas Surface Use Agreement is a detailed contractual arrangement that clarifies the relationship between a surface owner and an oil and gas company regarding the use of the property for exploration and production purposes. Understanding the various types of agreements allows the involved parties to effectively manage their rights and obligations within the scope of drilling and production activities.