Oklahoma § 52-318.3 - Notice of intent to drill - Negotiating surface damages
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 52-318.3 — Notice of intent to drill - Negotiating surface damages, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 52-318.3. Notice of intent to drill - Negotiating surface damages
Before entering upon a site for oil or gas drilling, except in
instances where there are non-state resident surface owners, nonstate resident surface tenants, unknown heirs, imperfect titles,
surface owners, or surface tenants whose whereabouts cannot be
ascertained with reasonable diligence, the operator shall give to
the surface owner a written notice of his intent to drill containing
a designation of the proposed location and the approximate date that
the operator proposes to commence drilling.
Such notice shall be given to the surface owner in any manner as
provided for in paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 of subsection C of
Section 2004 of Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes for the service by
Oklahoma Statutes - Title 52. Oil and Gas
personal delivery or by mail of a summons in a civil action. If the
operator makes an affidavit that he has conducted a search with
reasonable diligence and the whereabouts of the surface owner cannot
be ascertained or such notice cannot be delivered, then constructive
notice of the intent to drill may be given in the same manner as
provided for the notice of proceedings to appoint appraisers.
Within five (5) days of the date of delivery or service of the
notice of intent to drill, it shall be the duty of the operator and
the surface owner to enter into good faith negotiations to determine
the surface damages.
Added by Laws 1982, c. 341, § 2, operative July 1, 1982. Amended by
Laws 2013, c. 314, § 1, emerg. eff. May 20, 2013.
Source: official Oklahoma text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 52-318.3
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 52-318.3 cover?
Section 52-318.3 ("Notice of intent to drill - Negotiating surface damages") is part of the Oklahoma Statutes, the codified statutory law of Oklahoma. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Oklahoma § 52-318.3?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 52-318.3" (Oklahoma). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Oklahoma law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Oklahoma official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney.
How does Oklahoma § 52-318.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Oklahoma can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Oklahoma.