Subsurface easement agreement

I am a mineral rights owner with producing wells in McKenzie County. Recently I received in the mail an agreement form from a company representing an oil company drilling in the section number east of me, asking for permission to bring a well through my section in a “J” drilling pattern. This would allow them access to the section directly north of me. A small check was attached.

I checked with NDIC offices and NO DAK LAND MGMT office but wasn’t able to get any info or answers on this question. One government individual said I should hire an attorney. My own oil company did not respond to several e-mails and phone messages.

Can this oil company proceed without my agreement?

Dear Mr. Conley,

Do they want a subsurface easement only or do they want to install some above ground facilities?

If you are the surface owner and the lands are not in a unit established for that extended reach well, then they have no right to drill under your land without your permission.

Best,

Buddy Cotten

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