Listen to this episode to learn how to negotiate a Surface Use Agreement (SUA). A Surface Use Agreement (SUA) is a contract between the surface owner and the lessee (usually oil & gas company) to an oil and gas lease. This contract outlines the rights, duties, and obligations by both the landowner and operator including things like the size of the surface disturbance that will be allowed when constructing well pads and roads, compensation for any property damage that might be done by the operator.