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Oil/Gas/well location road and pipeline

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Question
I own 96 acres surface oil and gas. I signed a lease with Mountain v Oil & Gas
in Wv. When I signed the lease we agreed  in writing that we would mutually
agree upon the road ,pipeline and well location. They were to use the existing
road that was there. Instead they cut across the property from an entirely
different direction damaging 4 acres of timber ,drilled the well(where we      
agreed upon) and placed the 4 pipeline along side of the new road.We were   
never notified of the changes until after they had drilled and left.I have a tape  
recording of them agreeing that we had never been notified of the changes
and they agreed that they would move the road and pipeline They now they    
want to settle for $41,000  
and   we would have to either develop the property to get the road and
pipeline  moved or they would do it in 5 years. I feel they are in the wrong
and why should I have to wait or develop the property when they have not abided by the lease . Please help

Answer
In my opinion, they have breached their agreement with you.

I would suggest you enlist an attorney to handle this for you immediately.  Otherwise, this may not be handled as your agreement set out.  

There are times during the negotiation process when it evolves to a level that is best handled by an attorney. I believe, this is where you are now.

Best of luck.  

Oil/Gas

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Laura M. FitzGerald, CPL

Expertise

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING A QUESTION. I can answer all questions related to oil and gas ownership, mineral interests and working interests concerning the leasing and selling of your minerals, any questions concerning pipeline ROW's, units with the Louisiana Department of Conservation; pooling provisions, depth limitations, vertical or horizontal pugh clauses; and oil and gas terminology. I can offer assistance in negotiating for leasing your property, assisting in locating owners of suspended funds. I am only able to answer questions regarding oil and gas leases, minerals, royalties, or offers to purchase mineral/royalty interests if I have complete information. Please provide a full legal description for your interest(s). If the question pertains to a lease, please include all terms of any current (or desired) lease offers, including lease bonus amount, royalty and lease term. If the question is regarding a mineral or royalty interest offer to purchase, please provide the offer amount, date of offer, other offer terms, and further details on the mineral/royalty interest, such as lease terms, and if producing, the average monthly income. Since I receive numerous inquiries daily, I am only able to answer your questions efficiently and effectively if I have complete information. I must decline any questions submitted with incomplete information. If your question is non-technical in nature and you simply need assistance understanding an oil and gas matter, please submit your question with as much information and detail as possible. Any background information that has led to your question is also very helpful.

Experience

I have over 26 years experience as an Independent Petroleum Landman. I became a Landman after working as a paralegal for Oil & Gas Attorneys for 8 years. My first 2 years were spent specializing in Well History and Research with the Louisiana Department of Conservation, then moving into clearing title defects and handling title curative for oil and gas properties for the next 6 years. Subsequent thereto, I handled title issues, buying oil and gas leases and settling surface damages. I also acquired acreage for drilling prospects in excess of 10,000 acres. I also became a mineral/royalty owner commencing in 2004 and have found that I can help many people when they have reached the point in their lives they feel converting their minerals or royalties into a cash asset benefits them.

Organizations
American Association for Professional Landmen, ArkLaTex Assoc. of Professional Landmen, and Dallas Association of Professional Landmen (DAPL), Certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)- South. This certification is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications in the nation. This designation is reserved for only those women-led businesses that exemplify the characteristics of integrity and professionalism to which the WBENC adheres to so strictly.

Education/Credentials
Attended LSU, became a Certified Professional Landman in 1994; Notary Public with dual authority in multiple parishes in North Louisiana; Bilingual in English and Greek

Awards and Honors
Expert Oil & Gas Professional assisting attorneys representing landowners. Involved in 2 lawsuits and both suits were awarded to the landowner.

Past/Present Clients
Consultant Landman for Texas Oil & Gas (TXO Production Corp.), Anadarko Petroleum, Comstock Resources,Independent Geologists, Pipeline ROW Clients, and Oil & Gas Attorneys. For the past 2 years my practice is limited to advocacy for the landowner. I also assist royalty owners recover suspended payments or incorrect royalty payments.

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