Nebraska Surface Use Agreement (Oil and Gas Operations)

• Category: Oil Gas and Minerals - Agreements
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-OG-1160
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form is a surface use agreement for oil and gas operations.

Nebraska Surface Use Agreement (oil and gas operations) is a legally binding contract that governs the usage of the surface land by oil and gas companies in the state of Nebraska. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which exploration, drilling, and production activities can be carried out on the surface land, while ensuring the protection and rights of landowners. The primary purpose of the Nebraska Surface Use Agreement is to establish a comprehensive framework for oil and gas operations, addressing issues related to land access, compensation, surface damage, water usage, environmental preservation, and safety measures. It serves as a mechanism to facilitate communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding between landowners and energy companies, ensuring that both parties' interests are duly considered and protected. Some key components commonly found in the Nebraska Surface Use Agreement include: 1. Access and Entry: This section outlines the procedures and conditions under which oil and gas operators can access the land for their operations. It addresses factors such as access routes, duration of access, and notification requirements to landowners. 2. Compensation: The agreement details the compensation that the energy company must provide to the landowner for the use of their surface land. This compensation can include upfront payments, rental fees, or royalties based on production. 3. Surface Damage Mitigation: To safeguard landowners' interests, this section establishes guidelines and requirements for minimizing surface damage caused by drilling and production activities. It includes reclamation plans, restoration procedures, and timelines for land restoration once operations are completed. 4. Water Usage and Protection Measures: Water is a critical resource for both landowners and oil and gas operations. The agreement defines how water sources will be accessed and used, while ensuring that adequate protections are in place to prevent contamination or depletion of water resources. 5. Environmental Regulations Compliance: The agreement mandates compliance with all relevant environmental laws and regulations. It ensures that operators adhere to pollution prevention measures, waste disposal guidelines, and mitigation plans to minimize the impact on the environment. In Nebraska, there can be different types of Surface Use Agreements based on specific circumstances or project requirements. These may include: 1. Exploration Agreement: This type of agreement governs the initial exploration phase, allowing operators to conduct activities such as seismic testing or geophysical surveys to assess the potential for oil and gas reserves. 2. Drilling Agreement: Once exploration is completed and reserves are confirmed, a drilling agreement is negotiated. This agreement grants the operator the right to drill wells on the land, and it covers matters related to drilling operations, site preparation, and well construction. 3. Production Agreement: A production agreement focuses on the extraction and production phases. It outlines details regarding well operation, maintenance, and production sharing between the landowner and the energy company. In summary, the Nebraska Surface Use Agreement plays a crucial role in facilitating responsible and orderly oil and gas operations while protecting the rights and interests of landowners. It ensures compliance with environmental regulations, establishes compensation terms, and lays down rules for land access and reclamation. Different types of agreements cater to various stages of oil and gas operations, ranging from exploration to drilling and production.