Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by DOS on September 1, 2010 at 5:45am

It doesn't seem right that a landowner could legally be kept from full disclosure BUT it all depends on the paperwork/lease that he/she signed.
IF you care to share--Where is the impoundment pond going in? The company?

Permalink Reply by marylou handzo on September 1, 2010 at 6:52am

I find that hard to believe unless he expressly signed away that right on a seperate contract and monies seperate from his lease monies

Permalink Reply by Peacegirl on September 1, 2010 at 7:19am

This is standard for the gas industry. If the lease doesn't specifically say that the gas company MUST divulge this information to the landowner, then I believe they can withhold the information with impunity. I believe gas companies interpret leases in this manner. No mention in a lease? Then they can do what they want and not do what they don't want. They are basically in the driver's seat. Leases favor the gas company in most cases.

Permalink Reply by Sara A. Worsham on September 1, 2010 at 8:30am

Peacegirl, the information you have stated is simply not true. Please, before you make such harsh statements, it would be better for everyone involved to get all of your facts straight. Not all oil companies are bad and if you believe that they are, which by your statement is fairly obvious, I sincerely hope that you take the necessary measures to educate yourself before speaking about a lease you have never read.

Permalink Reply by DOS on September 1, 2010 at 9:32am

Unfortunately, there is validity to Peacegirl's post. And as a landowner with a lease and land within a production unit--I speak from experience. I have also followed many of the court cases and decisions made by the various levels of PA's courts. If it isn't specifically stated, it goes to the gas and oil company's favor.

Peacegirl did not say that all oil companies are bad nor did she say that what she was stating was fact. She stated that it was her 'belief' and 'in most cases'. People are entitled to their opinions and I am glad that Peacegirl shared hers.

Permalink Reply by Sara A. Worsham on September 1, 2010 at 9:39am

Yes sir, I agree that we are all entitled to our opinion, that is why I stated mine as well. Not only am I a landman, I but I do have a producing well on the land I live (on which the drill site is located) and am a mineral owner as well, so I am on both sides of this. I have been in this business for over 16 years and attend continuing education seminars on this subject every year, so all I mean to say is that bashing the company or generalizing them is not really fair. The best way to stay informed is to be educated about the topic.

Permalink Reply by DOS on September 1, 2010 at 10:02am

There is no reason to assume that we are NOT educated--whether you are a landman, landowner, mineral owner, gas driller, or metal worker. There is also no reason to be combative or defensive. No need for a response as this is off-topic.

Back to the original post.
CJK, you wanted thoughts about limited disclosure and restricted access to the site. The limited access could very well be a safety and liability issue. You may be able to obtain more information regarding the site by contacting the Bradford County Planning Office. PA's DEP Dept. of Oil and Gas has also been very forthcoming with information--especially those housed in the Rachel Carson building in Harrisburg. Good luck with your hunt for more information. It's amazing what you discover when you start making phone calls and asking questions. It's a good idea to keep paper and a writing utensil in your hand to take down notes, phone numbers, and the people (and their titles) with whom you speak. That way you can 'back track' as necessary.

Permalink Reply by Sherry on September 1, 2010 at 10:32am

My suggestion would be for said landowner to call directly to the company with who he/she leased. In the past I have spoke with landowners who have experienced this problem. There are numerous reasons for this, one of them being the persons constructing the impoundment pond is likely only being subcontracted by the NG company. Many subcontractors fall under a confidentiality clause in their contracts with the drilling companies, prohibiting them from discussing their activities with ANY one.

Here is something I learned over the past week. I know of at least one person who has succeeded with this option and I don't know why others can't. Do some research and find out who "the go-to" person is at your company. This can maybe be discovered by asking the workers on the property or calling the drilling company's office and asking who would best be the person to address the concerns. Landowners already have a business relationship with the company. One person I know talks to her corporate rep weekly. They can't address what they don't know concerns you. The gal I talked to last week wasn't happy with the wellhead(?) being able to be seen. She AND her go-to corporate guy discussed various options. The result was a nice hedge around the unsightly feature, on the company's dime and even though it wasn't in the contract.

What it boils down to is this: There's a lot of people involved in the drilling process from start to finish. But remember, there always has to be one person in the drilling company's office whose job it is to be on top of each site. Find that person and you'll probably find your answers.

Permalink Reply by Diane on October 12, 2010 at 2:41pm

This is par for the course. Don't expect to be informed or kept up to speed about anything. If you get true information, count yourself as lucky.

Permalink Reply by Deci Ruiz on November 24, 2010 at 9:28am

First check with the company your leased with. It seams to me that to get info you need a go- to person.
I have call from time to time over the past year and have some info but no real time line. I don't live on my land
In Bradford so I'm not sure how soon or if drilling has started. Would like to know more.

Permalink Reply by Brian Oram, PG on November 25, 2010 at 8:11am

My only comment is the landowner should review his lease agreement and then speak with the company. Just because you may own the land - does not mean it may be safe to be on-site while heavy equipment is working at the site. Also - this is another reason why the landowner has to be educated and informed during the leasing process. This may mean the landowner hiring a lawer or other agent to review documents and establish surface rights. To be honest, it is my experience that most landowners that have hired consultants to oversee operations and develop a lease agreement, but I have meet many that probably spent more time buying a used car then reading the lease and never asked for any help.

It all depends on what they agreed to in the lease.