Ohio Surface Use Agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions related to the payment for damages to roads and locations caused by oil, gas, or mineral extraction activities in the state of Ohio. The agreement is crucial in ensuring fair compensation for the necessary repairs and maintenance of affected infrastructure. There are different variations of Ohio Surface Use Agreement that establish the specific amounts a lessee (the party conducting resource extraction) will pay for road and location damages. 1. Road Damage Compensation: The Ohio Surface Use Agreement addresses the damages caused to roads during the transportation of heavy equipment, vehicles, and materials required for extraction operations. It specifies the amounts the lessee is obligated to pay to repair these damages, including costs associated with road resurfacing, pothole filling, and any other necessary road maintenance. 2. Location Damage Compensation: This aspect of the agreement focuses on damages caused to specific locations where extraction activities are taking place. It covers expenses related to the repair and restoration of the affected areas, such as reseeding, erosion control, and landscape rehabilitation. The agreement stipulates the exact amounts the lessee must pay to mitigate these damages and ensure the preservation of the environment. 3. Environmental Restoration: In certain cases, the Ohio Surface Use Agreement may also include provisions for environmental restoration. This involves the lessee compensating for any harm caused to natural resources, including water bodies, flora, and fauna, as a result of the extraction operations. The agreement establishes the monetary amounts and procedures for undoing environmental damages, implementing necessary conservation measures, or supporting local conservation efforts. 4. Indemnity and Liability: Another important aspect of the Ohio Surface Use Agreement is the establishment of indemnity and liability clauses. These clauses protect the lessor (the landowner granting drilling rights) from any legal actions or financial burdens arising from damages caused by the lessee. It ensures that the lessee takes full responsibility for the costs associated with road and location damages, limiting financial liabilities on the part of the lessor. 5. Dispute Resolution: The agreement may also include provisions for resolving any disagreements or disputes that may arise during the implementation of the Surface Use Agreement. This could involve alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration, providing a framework for fair and efficient resolution of conflicts. In conclusion, an Ohio Surface Use Agreement establishes the exact amounts a lessee must pay for road and location damages resulting from oil, gas, or mineral extraction activities. It ensures the lessee's responsibility to compensate for any harm caused to roads, specific extraction sites, and even the environment. By naming different types of compensation and including other important clauses such as indemnity and dispute resolution, the agreement protects the interests of both the lessor and the lessee in a mutually beneficial manner.