Resolving Disputes

Resolving Disputes on Compensation Values

During negotiations on a lease agreement, the oil and gas company and the landowner may not agree on the terms for compensation to the landowner. Either party has the option to submit an application to the Surface Rights Board (SRB) for mediation or arbitration services to resolve compensation matters.

The application process can be started by using SRB Form 1A.

Resolving Disputes on Damages

If a landowner has incurred damage to their property as a result of oil and gas activities and they are not able to settle it directly with the company, they have the option to apply to the SRB for help in resolving the issue.

The application process can be started by using SRB Form 1C.

Resolving Disputes on Non Payment of Rent and Terms of Lease Agreements

A disagreement may take place between a landowner and an oil and gas company about whether or not the company has complied with the terms of the surface lease agreement. The landowner might consider what is taking place on the site to be substantially different from what was approved in the permit. A company is also be considered non-compliant for failing to pay rent to the landowner.

A landowner can submit an application to the SRB for assistance in resolving either of these issues by using SRB Form 1E.

Resolving Disputes on Right of Entry

When a company needs to access private land for an oil and gas activity, they will first contact the landowner to negotiate a surface lease agreement. If an agreement cannot be negotiated, the company has the option to apply to the SRB for the right to enter the land. The SRB will typically not grant a right of entry order until the company has a permit from the British Columbia Energy Regulator for the proposed oil and gas activity.

The company can begin the application process by completing SRB Form 1A.