I have property in Red River Parish. I have been contacted about a access
road to a well location. The well itself is not on my property but right on the line. The access rd covers 1.84 acres. What is the current rate for surface damages. This is an road for JW Operating Co.
Just moving this back to the top again as it relates to the "Wish List" discussion. I know these sound like rural issues, but those of us around city limits will see some of this I'm sure. Thanks go to all who shared their experiences here.
Well we are at a standoff. They offered $3200 per acre my attorney countered with
$4200. They say they are not going any higher but we will see. Of course they stated they did not have to wait to build the road and could start today. We will wait and see if they will offer anymore. Seems rather hardnose to expect me to accept the first offer. I will keep the updates coming.
I was just re-reading your posts here and the comment the o/g company made to you that they could start building their road today.
Does the o/g company already have an existing lease with you that granted them surface rights to your land? Or are they stating that they will build the access road on another landowner's property?
Yes It is leased until November unless they get the well into production
before then. At the time my Aunt had power of attorney over my Grandmother and signed the first piece of paper they put in front of her.
Really a crappy lease that I hope and pray will expire. I have tried to check and so far I can not see that a permit has been issued.
JW is pretty hard nosed. I met with them to discuss where they would put a pipeline on my property (5-6 years ago). After we had agreed on a location, they proceeded to put it where they wanted it in the first place. I was subject to an existing lease, and didn't fare very well even with an attorney.
In the effect that your lease may have livestock, have them install cattleguards, for each gate location. This will eliminate the problams with cattle getting out and getting lost or dead. Second, that frac pond will have whatever is used in fracturing the well, i.e., gelling agents, friction reducers, clay stabilizers, etc.. Make sure they put fences around the well and/or pond!!!
This is why people need to make sure their mineral leases state the land owner may refuse surface access for any reason. Surface rights should be negotiated seperately and on more responsible terms. The standard lease gives the O&G company all the rights and the land owner virtually none. One lease out there even says they can build housing for their employees on your property.
Even after the bad experience that I have had, I think the lease should state that surface rights are reserved but cannot be unreasonably withheld.
There has to be some give and take here. We don't want them to be unreasonable getting into our wallet, we shouldn't be unreasonable getting into theirs either.