Well Pad Site

Surface Owner Issues
1

Hi Everyone!

I’m in Ohio and I signed a mineral lease a few months ago on several hundred acres. I recently received a call from the company saying they wanted to discuss leasing my surface for a well pad that will include 4 new wells and space for multiple more wells in future years.

Can anyone share their experience and advice on things to be aware of for having a well pad on your property? I know there’s goods and bads so I’d love to hear your experience.

Also, if anyone has any thoughts on what to research and look out for when negotiating a surface agreement that would be very helpful. Looking forward to hearing from everyone!

3

If you’re familiar with Chat GPT, ask the questions you want insight for. I just did it on the exact subject you mention. It will go as deep into answers as you desire. E.g., well pads, pipelines, roads, equipment rental fees for storage tanks, etc. Very informative! Educate yourself, then you’re ready to discuss with a lawyer.

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6

This is what I got: The airborne “frac dust” workers worry about is dangerous because of silica, not radiation.

Radiation risk in oilfield settings usually comes from:

  • Scale inside pipes
  • Tank bottoms
  • Disposal sites
  • Handling certain waste materials

Not from the sand dust blowing around during fracking operations.

7

On location you can avoid the dust by staying upwind. If you live nearby you can’t avoid it.

The returned fluids and sand during flow back is full of tracer radiation.

8

It’s important to really understand the area and how the industry works before making any decisions on a well pad site agreement. Getting educated first will help ensure any choice is informed and in your best interest—Google search “Appalachian Basin Petroleum Mineral Advisors” or “Oil and Gas Attorneys for Ohio.”

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9

You do need to get an attorney that is experienced in surface use agreements to help protect your rights and restore the land to its original use once the usage is over. The footprint is larger during drilling and then decreases during production.

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10

Step #1. Get a knowledgeable recommended lawyer, especially if you are in the Jefferson County area.

#2. Go to the courthouse and check ownership of the surface as well as the mineral rights.

We had a terrible expensive experience with the companies exploring in our area.

#3. And even after you go to the courthouse, you can’t trust them to give you correct information either. Steubenville is horrible about not giving out correct information about ownership.

#4. After you talk with a lawyer, get a 2nd opinion. We hired 3 different recommended lawyers and still got screwed. Good luck.

11

Or just don’t lease. Wouldn’t that be easier?

12

For the money people spend on attorneys, they could buy stock in Exxon and see better returns.

13

Thanks for your input everyone! We’re doing our best to be educated and will continue working towards the best outcome we can make out of the situation.

14

Good legal advice may be able to get you a higher lease or sale amount and protection for the acreage around the site, new roads, etc.

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