What you need to know
Navigating Surface Rights in Saskatchewan
The information provided below is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. For specific legal questions or concerns, please consult a qualified lawyer. SSRA assumes no liability for how this information is used.
Wells without a responsible operator are classified as orphan wells. The Orphan Fund Procurement Program oversees the identification and remediation of these wells to mitigate environmental risks. If you have an orphaned well on your land contact the Energy and Resources Service Desk
Yes, landowners may refuse the disposal of drilling fillings on their land, especially since they are not entitled to any additional compensation for this.
Yes, landowners have the right to decline the spreading of drilling mud on their land if they choose.
No, landowners are not required to allow seismic work, as no jurisdiction mandates this procedure.
Yes, compensation for any crop damages or deficiencies must be paid by the oil company that holds the caveat for the existing pipeline. Compensation should be calculated based on yield loss multiplied by the crop price for each acre affected. Landowners or tenants should thoroughly document the damages, including photos, records of previous yields, and current crop market prices, to ensure an accurate assessment.
Severance: The loss of productive farmland and reduced efficiency due to infrastructures and roads dividing fields and limiting accesses.
Adverse Effect & Nuisance: Increased costs and inefficiencies, including extra equipment passes, implying higher fuel and inputs usage, soil compaction, disrupted natural drainage, additional time for each operation, weed issues and so on.