This lease rider form may be used when you are involved in a lease transaction, and have made the decision to utilize the form of Oil and Gas Lease presented to you by the Lessee, and you want to include additional provisions to that Lease form to address specific concerns you may have, or place limitations on the rights granted the Lessee in the “standard” lease form.
Washington Surface Use by Lessee refers to the lawful utilization of the surface of a property by the lessee or tenant for various activities, subject to certain regulations and considerations. This concept is commonly seen in the context of oil and gas leases, where lessees are granted the right to extract valuable resources from the land. In Washington, there are several types of Surface Use by Lessee and Accommodation With Use of the Surface arrangements, each serving a specific purpose and governed by specific guidelines. These can include: 1. Exploration and drilling: Lessees may require surface use for exploration and drilling activities to access and extract valuable minerals, oil, or gas reserves from beneath the land surface. This type of use typically involves construction of drilling rigs, access roads, and infrastructure. 2. Pipeline and transmission corridors: Once resources are extracted, lessees often need to transport them to processing facilities or marketplaces. This may require the installation of pipelines, transmission lines, and related facilities, necessitating property surface use for construction purposes. 3. Surface reclamation and restoration: After completion of drilling or extraction activities, lessees must restore the surface area to its original or agreed-upon condition as per regulatory requirements. This involves reclaiming disturbed land, remedying environmental impacts, and implementing erosion controls. 4. Surface use accommodations: Accommodations are often made to allow surface owners (typically landowners) to continue using the property while the lessee conducts necessary activities. This may involve agreements regarding access rights, land use restrictions, and financial compensation for any disturbances caused. In Washington, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plays a significant role in regulating and overseeing Surface Use by Lessee activities. They ensure compliance with state laws, protect environmental resources, and manage public and private land use conflicts. It is essential for lessees and surface owners to engage in open communication, negotiation, and potentially enter into formal agreements to address concerns, mitigate impacts, and establish fair compensation for the use of the surface. Compliance with these regulations helps maintain a balance between economic development and the protection of Washington's natural resources and landownership rights.
