This form is used when Lessor grants, leases, and lets to Lessee the exclusive right to use the surface of the lands described below for the installation and operation of a salt water disposal well on the lands. Grantee shall have the right of ingress and egress and the right to construct, install, operate and maintain equipment and appurtenances, including pipelines, electric power lines, poles, guide wires and anchors necessary to gather, store, transport, process, and otherwise handle salt water from an oil/gas well or wells owned or operated, in whole or in part, by Lessee, whether located on the lands that are the subject of this Lease, or on other lands.
North Carolina Surface Lease for Salt Water Disposal Well: A Comprehensive Guide In North Carolina, a Surface Lease for Salt Water Disposal Well serves as an agreement between the operator of a well and the landowner, granting the operator the right to dispose of water, specifically saltwater, produced on or off the lands subject to the lease. This lease arrangement allows the operator to manage and eliminate the wastewater in a controlled and environmentally responsible manner. Key Benefits of a North Carolina Surface Lease for Salt Water Disposal Well: 1. Environmental Compliance: By obtaining a surface lease, the operator ensures that the disposal of produced saltwater occurs in a manner that complies with the state's environmental regulations. This helps prevent the contamination of groundwater resources and protects the surrounding ecosystems. 2. Water Management: The surface lease enables the operator to effectively manage the disposal of water, which is a byproduct of oil and gas extraction. Through approved disposal methods, the operator can prevent excessive water accumulation and maintain operational efficiency. 3. Landowner Compensation: The landowner receives financial compensation in exchange for granting the operator the right to dispose of water on or off their land. This compensation may come through fixed annual payments, royalties based on water volumes, or a combination of both. 4. Long-term Partnership: A surface lease signifies a mutually beneficial arrangement for the landowner and operator, fostering a partnership that can extend beyond the initial lease term. This can enable ongoing communication, cooperation, and potential future lease agreements. North Carolina Surface Lease Types for Salt Water Disposal Well: 1. Primary Surface Lease: This is the standard lease for saltwater disposal wells, wherein the operator has the exclusive right to dispose of its produced water on or off the leased lands. This type of lease typically includes provisions defining water quality standards, disposal methods, and frequency of disposal. 2. Secondary Surface Lease: In some instances, operators may require additional surface lease agreements to dispose of their saltwater produced off the lands subject to the primary surface lease. This secondary lease establishes the rights and responsibilities for disposal methods and compensation related to the "off-site" disposal locations. 3. Emergency Surface Lease: Under certain circumstances, an emergency surface lease may be established to address unexpected events such as equipment failure, overflow, or catastrophic events. This lease grants the operator temporary access to alternative disposal options to urgently manage the disposal of saltwater waste. 4. Expansion Surface Lease: If the operator needs to expand an existing saltwater disposal well to accommodate increased water volumes, an expansion surface lease is utilized. This lease amendment outlines the expanded areas subject to water disposal rights and any additional compensation or contractual obligations. In conclusion, a North Carolina Surface Lease for Salt Water Disposal Well provides both the operator and the landowner with a legally binding agreement that ensures responsible water management and environmental compliance. By utilizing different types of surface leases, operators can adapt to various circumstances and changes in their disposal needs, thus promoting sustainable oil and gas operations within the state.
