Surface Use Agreements

Landowners scheduled for Marcellus Shale gas wells are now receiving legal contracts entitled “Surface Use Agreements.”

Surface Use Agreements are additional contracts between the landowner and gas company that cover the company’s surface activity and area of disturbed acreage in constructing access roads and well site pads and locations.

To the surprise of landowners, these well sites and areas of disturbed acreage have ballooned to over 10 acres in many occasions.

When a landowner's property is selected for a natural gas well, the landowner should immediately seek experienced legal counsel for Pennsylvania natural gas landowners in the Marcellus Shale region and a “Surface Use Agreement” or similar document governing surface disturbance if not already offered by the natural gas drilling company.

This “Surface Use Agreement” may be negotiated to the great benefit of the landowner!

Effective negotiations of the “Surface Use Agreement” will protect the landowner from liability issues, eliminate landowner surprise and maximize property damage compensation.

A well negotiated “Surface Use Agreement” may act as a great equalizer for property owners who did not negotiate specific compensation in the form of a "well placement fee" or other surface damage provisions in their original Oil and Gas Lease.

When you get “Surface Use Agreement” offer by a drilling company, contact an experienced Pennsylvania Oil and Gas lawyer immediately to maximize your financial benefits AND protect your cherished land.

We proudly represent our regions landowners in negotiating the best possible “Surface Use Agreements” for their property. Do not miss an invaluable opportunity to protect yourself and your property for future generations. Contact us NOW, we can help.

PA Gas Leasing Poll

As a landowner do you favor a "Severence Tax" based on production volume or an "Impact Fee" based on the number of wells drilled?

Whether and how Pennsylvania should tax the natural gas industry remains a hotly debated issue:

Severance Tax - with revenue shared with the entire state. (11 votes)

Severance Tax - with the majority or all revenue directed to counties impacted by drilling. (22 votes)

Impact Fee - with revenue shared with the entire state. (0 votes)

Impact Fee - with the majority or all revenue directed to counties impacted by drilling. (12 votes)

I favor no severance tax or impact fee. (10 votes)

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