Exhibit 10.33

AGENCY AGREEMENT

THIS Agency Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into this 1st day of September, 2007, between and among ETC Texas Pipeline, Ltd. (“ETC Texas”), ETC Katy Pipeline, Ltd (“ ETC Katy ”) and Oasis Pipeline, L.P. (“ Oasis ”) and, individually each a “ Transporter ” and collectively the “ Transporters ,” and Gastar Exploration Texas, L.P. (“ Shipper ”), individually each a “ Party ” and collectively the “ Parties .”

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, each Transporter has agreed to enter into one or more Contracts (defined in Section 2 below) with Shipper to provide for the receipt, transportation and redelivery of Shipper’s Gas to and from specified points on Transporters’ pipeline;

WHEREAS, each Transporter has agreed for the ease of operation and administration and Shipper’s convenience under the Contracts to appoint ETC Katy as Transporter’s agent for the purposes further set forth herein; and

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

 

1.	The following definitions shall apply hereunder:

“Btu” shall mean British Thermal Unit.

“Day” shall mean a period of time beginning at 9:00 a.m. Central Clock Time (“ CCT ”) on each calendar Day and ending at 9:00 a.m. CCT on the next succeeding calendar Day.

“Delivery Point(s)” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Contracts.

“Effective Date” shall mean September 1, 2007.

“Gas” shall mean natural Gas as produced from wells classified as Gas wells or oil wells.

“MMBtu” shall mean one million (1,000,000) British Thermal Units.

 

1

“Month” shall mean a period of time beginning at 9:00 a.m. CCT on the first Day of a calendar month and ending at 9:00 a.m. CCT on the first Day of the next succeeding calendar month.

“Receipt Point(s)” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Contracts.

“Retention Volume” shall mean the quantity of Gas retained by Transporters for fuel and other unaccounted for volumes.

“Scheduled Quantity” shall mean the quantity of Gas in MMBtu each Day equal to 24 hours of a ratable hourly quantity that has been scheduled by Transporter(s) after confirmation of Shipper’s nomination at the Receipt Point(s) and with the downstream recipient of the Gas at the Delivery Point(s).

“Shipper’s Reserved Capacity” or “SRC” or “Maximum Daily Delivery Quantity” or “MDQ” shall mean the aggregate minimum daily transportation capacity in MMBtu reserved for Shipper in Transporters’ collective transmission systems under the Contracts.

 

2.	The agreements set forth on Exhibit “A ” shall be entered into between and among the Parties and together with all transactions thereunder shall be referred to as the “ Contracts .”

 

3.

Subject to all of the terms and conditions contained herein, from and after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall remain in effect until August 31, 2017, unless cancelled by Transporters or Shipper by giving the other Party ninety (90) Days written notice thereof prior to the end of the term. The Parties agree that the terms of this Agreement and the Contracts (the “ Gastar Agreements ”) are all coterminous, and that, if any of the Contracts extend beyond the termination date stated above, all of the Contracts will be extended for a like period.

 

4.

ETC Texas, ETC Katy and Oasis hereby designate ETC Katy to serve as Transporters’ agent (hereinafter “ Transporter’s Representative ”) under the Contracts. Under the Contracts, Transporter’s Representative shall give and receive all notices and statements; make and witness any tests to be made of measuring equipment and adjustments to such equipment; receive payments for all amounts due thereunder; administer imbalances and adjust any mechanical difference that may arise between Transporter and Shipper with respect to measurement, billing and payments made or to be made, the allowance of credits and

 

2

any undercharge or overcharge with respect to such difference. Transporters may designate a new Transporter’s Representative from time to time by delivery of written notice of such change and designation to Shipper and ETC Katy. From and after delivery of written notice of such change and designation of a new Transporter’s Representative, the new Transporter’s Representative so designated shall have and may exercise all powers and authority herein granted with like effect as though named as Transporter’s Representative herein in the first instance.

 

5.

The aggregate net variance between the quantity of Gas in MMBtu calculated by Transporter’s Representative as being delivered at the Delivery Point(s) and received at the Receipt Point(s), less the Retention Volumes, under the Contracts, will be recorded by Transporter’s Representative in an imbalance account (“ Gas Imbalance Account ”). In the event the cumulative quantity of Gas in MMBtu existing in the Gas Imbalance Account for any Month, or any number of Months, is in excess of the Cumulative Operational Imbalance Tolerance as defined in the Contracts, then Shipper agrees to pay Transporter’s Representative an amount equal to the Imbalance Fee, as set forth in that certain Intrastate Natural Gas Transportation Service Agreement between the ETC Katy and Shipper dated September 1, 2007 for each MMBtu in Shipper’s Imbalance Account exceeding the Cumulative Operational Imbalance Tolerance.

 

6.

This Agreement and the terms and conditions herein are subject to all present and future valid laws, orders, rules, and regulations of duly constituted authorities having jurisdiction. If any provision of this Agreement is deemed unenforceable by any such law, order, rule, or regulation, then such provision will be deemed void, but the remainder of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect.

 

7.	No person, firm, or corporation who is not a Party to this Agreement will have any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim under this Agreement, and nothing herein is intended to establish any third party beneficiaries to this Agreement.

 

3

8.	THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES.

 

9.

This Agreement, together with any Exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties respecting the subject matter hereof, and there are no prior or contemporaneous agreements or representations affecting such subject matter other than those expressed herein. It is further agreed that no amendment, modification or change to this Agreement shall be enforceable unless reduced to writing and executed by all Parties.

Remainder of page intentionally left blank.

 

4

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed duplicate originals of this Agreement to be effective on the Effective Date.

 

 

 

 

 

5

EXHIBIT “A”

THE CONTRACTS

 

I.	Gathering and Natural Gas Services Agreement –

ETC Texas Pipeline, Ltd. and Gastar Exploration Texas, L.P. dated September 1, 2007

Base Contract Number 8885-100 & Individual Transaction Confirmation 8885-101

 

II.	Firm Intrastate Gas Transportation Agreement –

ETC Katy Pipeline, Ltd. and Gastar Exploration Texas, L.P. dated September 1, 2007 –

Base Contract Number 150-31434-02-100 & Individual Transaction Confirmation – 150-31434-02-101

 

III.	Firm Intrastate Gas Transportation Agreement –

Oasis Pipeline, L.P and Gastar Exploration Texas, L.P. dated September 1, 2007 –

Base Contract Number 028-31434-02-100 & Individual Transaction Confirmation – 028-31434-02-101

 

6

GATHERING AND NATURAL GAS SERVICES AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

GASTAR EXPLORATION TEXAS, LP (PRODUCER)

AND

ETC TEXAS PIPELINE, LTD.

No. 8885-100

DATED September 1, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

EXHIBITS

 

 

1

GATHERING AND NATURAL GAS SERVICES AGREEMENT

ETC Texas Pipeline, Ltd., a Texas limited partnership (“ Company ”) and Gastar Exploration Texas, LP a Delaware_limited partnership (“ Producer ”) enter into this Gathering and Natural Gas Services Agreement (together with all Transactions, collectively, this “ Agreement ”) effective as of September 1, 2007 (the “ Effective Date ”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, Producer plans from time to time, to develop and produce quantities of Gas from certain oil and gas properties located in the State of Texas, from which Producer has or will have available a supply of Gas requiring gathering and other services; and

WHEREAS, Company desires to gather and/or provide certain services for Producer, and Producer desires for Company to gather and/or provide services for such quantities of Gas from specified points of receipt; and

WHEREAS, Producer will commit the Committed Reserves to Company in accordance with the terms herein,

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, Producer and Company do hereby stipulate and agree as follows.

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1.1. Specific Defined Terms . As used throughout this Agreement including the Exhibits hereto, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings ascribed below.

“ Affiliate ” and “ Affiliates ” means, with respect to any relevant Person, any Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or under common control with such relevant Person. For purposes of this definition, the term “control” (including its derivatives and similar terms) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the relevant Person, whether through the ownership or control of voting interest, by contract or otherwise.

“ Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

“ Btu ” means the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of pure water one degree Fahrenheit (1°F) from fifty-nine degrees Fahrenheit (59°F) to sixty degrees Fahrenheit (60°F). The term “ MMBtu ” means one million Btus.

“ Committed Reserves ” means Producer’s Interest in all Gas reserves and production (as they currently exist or at anytime in the future exist, including under any farmout arrangement) in, under or attributable to the Subject Leases and the area shown on Exhibit

 

2

“A” to the Individual Transaction Confirmation, and any other area that the Parties may in the future mutually agree to add to this Agreement, up to a maximum daily volume of 150,000 Mcf of Gas. On any Day in which Producer’s Gas from the Committed Reserves exceeds 150,000 Mcf, the volume in excess of 150,000 Mcf is released from the Committed Reserves for such Day.

“ Compression Fee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5 .

“ Conditioning Fee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 .

“ Contract Year ” means the 365 consecutive Days (or 366 consecutive Days if Contract Year includes a leap year (February 29)) beginning on the first Day of the Month subsequent to the Initial Delivery Date and each of the anniversaries thereafter.

“ Day ” means a period of twenty-four (24) consecutive hours, beginning at 12:00 a.m. Central Time on any calendar Day.

“ Business Day ” means a Day on which the Federal Reserve member banks in New York City are open for business and a Business Day shall open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

“ Dehydration Fee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.4 .

“ Delivery Point(s) ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.2 .

“ Downstream Transporter ” means any pipeline downstream of the Delivery Point(s).

“ Effective Date ” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

“ Event of Default ” or “ Default ” means the occurrence of any of the following events, circumstances or conditions: (i) failure by either Party to materially perform or comply with any material agreement, covenant, obligation or other provision contained in this Agreement when either (A) such failure has not been cured within the greater of a reasonable period of time or thirty (30) Days; in each case, following the Party in Default receiving written notice thereof from the Party not in Default (other than a Default which occurs because such Party is rightfully withholding performance in response to the other Party’s failure to perform), or (B) an effort to remedy such failure has not been commenced within such period following such written notice and continued to be diligently prosecuted, with such measures reasonably expected to cure any such Default; (ii) the entry of either Party into voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy, receivership or similar protective proceedings; (iii) the material inaccuracy or breach of any representation or warranty contained herein when such failure either has not been cured within the greater of a reasonable period of time or thirty (30) Days following receipt of written notice thereof by the Party in Default, or (iv) failure to pay any amounts owed pursuant to this Agreement within thirty (30) Days after the applicable due date, other than amounts disputed in good faith pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.2 .

“ Force Majeure ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.1 .

 

3

“ Gas ” means methane and other gaseous hydrocarbons, including gaseous combustible, noncombustible, and inert elements, compounds, components or mixtures thereof and liquefiable hydrocarbons in the vapor stream produced at the wellhead and meeting Quality Specifications.

“ Gathering Fee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 .

“ Gathering System ” means the gas gathering pipeline system owned and controlled by Company.

“ Individual Transaction Confirmation ” means a written notice confirming the specific terms of a Transaction which may be in any form adequate at law, but which shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; an example of an Individual Transaction Confirmation which may be utilized hereunder is shown in “Exhibit A.”

“ Initial Delivery Date ” means, with respect to any specified Subject Lease, the first date on which Producer delivers any Committed Reserves to Company at the Receipt Point(s) pursuant to this Agreement.

“ Laws ” mean any laws, rules, regulations, decrees and orders of the United States of America and all other governmental bodies, agencies or other authorities having jurisdiction over or affecting the provisions contained in or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Parties or their operations, whether such Laws now exist or are hereafter amended or enacted.

“ Loss ” or “ Losses ” means, unless specifically provided otherwise, all claims, including, but not limited to, those for bodily injury or death, personal injury, illness, disease, maintenance, cure, loss of parental or spousal consortium, loss of support, wrongful death, property damage and wrongful termination of employment, damages, liabilities, losses, demands, liens, encumbrances, fines, penalties, costs for removal of wreck/debris, causes of action of any kind (including actions in rem or in personam), obligations, costs, judgments, interest and awards (including payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of litigation) or amounts, of any kind or character (except punitive or exemplary damages), whether under judicial proceedings, administrative proceedings or otherwise, or conditions in the premises of or attributable to any Person or Persons or any Party or Parties, breach of representation or warranty (expressed or implied), under any theory of tort, contract, breach of contract (including any Losses which arise by reason of indemnification or assumption of liability contained in other contracts entered into by Company or Producer) arising out of, or incident to or in connection with the Agreement or the performance of work, services or operations contemplated under the Agreement.

“ Month ” means a period beginning at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on the first Day of the calendar Month and ending at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on the first Day of the next succeeding calendar month.

“ New Taxes ” means (i) any Taxes enacted and effective after the Effective Date, including that portion of any Taxes or New Taxes that constitutes an increase, or (ii) any Laws, or interpretations thereof, enacted and effective after the Effective Date resulting in the application of any Taxes to a new or different class of parties.

“ Non-Specification Gas ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.3 .

 

4

“ Party ” means, individually, either Company or Producer, collectively referred to as the “ Parties ”.

“ Person ” or “ Persons ” means any individual or entity, including, without limitation, any corporation, limited liability company, joint stock company, general or limited partnership, or government authority (including any agency or administrative group thereof).

“ Producer’s Daily Deliverability of Gas ” means the Gas which is physically capable of being produced by Producer in accordance with applicable Laws from wells completed within the Committed Reserves, subject only to Producer’s Reservations.

“ Producer’s Interest ” means all interests that Producer (or any of its Affiliates) now or hereinafter own, control, acquire, or has the right to market in natural gas reserves in, under or attributable to the Committed Reserves, together with any pool, communitized area or unit, and all interests in any wells, whether now existing or drilled hereafter, on or completed within any such Subject Leases, or within any such pool, communitized area or unit even though Producer’s Interest may be incorrectly or incompletely stated, all as the same shall be enlarged by the discharge of any burdens or by the removal of any charges or encumbrances to which any of same may be subject as of the Effective Date, and any and all replacements, renewals and extensions or amendments of any of the same.

“ Producer’s Reservations ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 .

“ Quality Specifications ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1 .

“ Receipt Point(s) ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 .

“ Subject Leases ” means all leaseholds, royalties, overriding royalties, other non-expense bearing accounts, carried interests, fee interests or other real property interests located within the area set forth on Appendix 1 of the Individual Transaction Confirmation.

“ Stated Rate ” means, for any date, an annual rate of interest (compounded daily) equal to the lesser of (a) two percent over the per annum rate of interest announced as the “ prime rate ” for commercial loans posted from time to time by Citibank, N.A. (New York, New York office) or its successor or a mutually agreed substitute bank, or (b) the maximum lawful interest rate then in effect under applicable law.

“ Taxes ” means any or all ad valorem, property, occupation, severance, production, extraction, first use, conservation, Btu or energy, gathering, transport, pipeline, utility, gross receipts, gas or oil revenue, gas or oil import, privilege, sales, use, consumption, excise, lease, transaction, and other or new taxes, governmental charges, licenses, fees, permits, and assessments, or increases therein.

“ Third Party Gas ” means all natural gas production not owned or controlled by Producer or its Affiliates, or natural gas production from wells not operated by Producer or its Affiliates.

 

5

“ Transaction ” means any agreement (including that set forth in an Individual Transaction Confirmation) and any amendment, modification, or supplement thereof made subject to and in accordance herewith for the gathering of Gas or provision of other services to be performed hereunder.

“ Treating Fee ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3 .

1.2. Other Defined Terms . Other capitalized terms used in this Agreement and not defined in Section 1.1 above shall have the meanings ascribed to them throughout this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

SCOPE OF AGREEMENT/TENDER OF GAS

2.1. Scope of Agreement . Company and Producer from time to time during the term hereof may, but are not obligated to, enter into Transactions for the sale and/or gathering of Gas and/or the provision of other services as set forth herein to which this Agreement shall apply. Each Transaction shall be effectuated and evidenced as set forth in this Article 2 and shall constitute a part of this Agreement and all Transactions, together with this Agreement, shall constitute a single integrated agreement. It is acknowledged that the Parties are relying upon the fact that all Transactions, together with this Agreement, will form a single integrated agreement and that the Parties would not otherwise enter into any Transactions. Each Transaction shall be construed as one with this Agreement and any discrepancy or conflict between any term contained in this Agreement and any term contained in a Transaction shall be resolved in favor of the Transaction. In the event Producer elects to sell Producer’s Gas to Company hereunder, the “Purchase Option” provisions of the applicable Individual Transaction Confirmation shall apply to such sale.

2.2. Tender of Committed Reserves . Producer shall tender to Company at the Receipt Point(s) one hundred percent (100%) of Producer’s Daily Deliverability of Gas during the term of this Agreement. Subject to the capacity of the Gathering System (and other facilities necessary for provision of other services hereof) and the terms and conditions hereof, Company will accept at the existing or new Receipt Point(s) all Gas that Producer or any of its Affiliates deliver to such Receipt Point(s), and will redeliver all such Gas (less any and all fuel, and any lost and unaccounted for Gas as set forth in Section 2.3 below) at the Delivery Point(s), provided that such Gas is properly scheduled by Producer in accordance with Company’s (or its Affiliates’) scheduling procedures set forth in Section 6.3 hereof.

2.3. Fuel, and Lost and Unaccounted For Gas . The quantities of Gas delivered hereunder by Company to the Delivery Point(s) shall be the quantities of Gas entering the Gathering System, less Producer’s and/or its Affiliates’ share of any and all fuel for such services and lost and unaccounted for Gas on the Gathering System.

2.4. Liquid Hydrocarbons . All substances, whether or not of commercial value, including all liquid hydrocarbons of whatever nature, that Company recovers in the course of gathering, treating or conditioning hereunder shall be Company’s sole property, and Company shall not be obligated to account to any entity for such substances that are Company’s sole property, whether or not any value is realized by Company attributable thereto.

 

6

2.5. Allocations . Producer recognizes that quantities of Gas are delivered through the Delivery Point(s) for third parties, and therefore, the measurement of Gas under this Agreement may involve the allocation of Gas deliveries. As between Company and Producer, Company will determine the allocation for all Gas deliveries hereunder on a prorata basis.

2.6. Differences in the quantities of Gas delivered by Company for the account of Producer at the Delivery Point(s) and the quantities of Gas nominated by Producer at the Delivery Point to the Downstream Transporter for transportation will reside on the downstream transporting pipeline. It is Producer’s responsibility to monitor and manage said differences and balances between the Receipt Point(s) and the Delivery Point(s) at consistent daily volumes based on the nominated volumes.

ARTICLE III

GATHERING AND NATURAL GAS SERVICES FEES

3.1. Gathering Fee . The gathering rate to be paid by Producer to Company for the volumes of Gas delivered by Producer and received and gathered by Company hereunder shall be as set forth on the Individual Transaction Confirmation (the “ Gathering Fee ”).

3.2. Conditioning Fee . In the event the hydrocarbon dew point of the Gas is higher than the hydrocarbon dew point specification set forth on Exhibit “B”, Company may elect to condition the Gas for Producer, in which event Producer shall pay Company the conditioning fee set forth in each Individual Transaction Confirmation, for volumes of Gas delivered by Producer and received and conditioned by Company hereunder (the “ Conditioning Fee ”).

3.3 Treating Fee . In the event the carbon dioxide content and/or the hydrogen sulfide content of the Gas exceed the applicable specifications set forth on Exhibit “B”, Company may elect to blend or treat the Gas for Producer, in which event Producer shall pay Company the fee set forth in each Individual Transaction Confirmation, for volumes of Gas delivered by Producer and received, blended or treated by Company hereunder (the “ Treating Fee ”). Otherwise, Producer shall, at its sole cost and expense, blend or treat the Gas in order to meet the Company’s carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide specifications. Producer agrees to furnish its prorata share of fuel for the treating services provided by Company at no cost to Company.

3.4 Dehydration Fee . Should Producer deliver Gas containing water vapor in excess of the specification set forth on Exhibit “B”, Company may elect to dehydrate the Gas for Producer, in which event Producer shall pay Company the dehydration fee set forth in

 

7

each Individual Transaction Confirmation, for volumes of Gas delivered by Producer and received and dehydrated by Company hereunder (the “ Dehydration Fee ”). Otherwise, Producer shall, at its sole cost and expense, dehydrate the Gas in order to meet Company’s water vapor specification. Producer agrees to furnish its prorata share of fuel for the dehydration services provided by Company at no cost to Company.

3.5. Compression Fee . Company may charge Producer a fee (the “ Compression Fee ”) for activities including, but not limited to, the following: Producer (a) delivers Gas at any Receipt Point(s) into one of Company’s pipelines whereon compression facilities are installed; or (b) the natural well pressure available from one or more of Producer’s wells is insufficient to produce and deliver Gas in economic quantities into Company’s high pressure Gathering System without compression, and Company reduces the pressure of its Gathering System at the affected Receipt Point(s); or (c) Company or its designee compresses the Gas downstream of such point(s). Producer shall pay Company the Compression Fee set forth in each Individual Transaction Confirmation for volumes of Gas delivered by Producer and received and compressed by Company hereunder. In addition, Producer agrees to furnish its prorata share of fuel for the compression services provided by Company at no cost to Company.

ARTICLE IV

COMMITTED RESERVES AND PRODUCER’S RESERVATIONS

4.1. Dedication of Committed Reserves . For the term of any applicable Individual Transaction Confirmation, and subject to the provisions hereof, Producer hereby exclusively dedicates and commits to Company for sale, gathering and/or other services hereunder (or shall cause to be dedicated and committed to Company for sale, gathering and/or other services hereunder) any and all Producer’s Gas produced from the Committed Reserves. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, unless such dedication is otherwise waived or released in writing by Company hereunder, any attempted assignment or transfer (in whole or in part, including any farmout agreement or other similar or related arrangement) of any or all of the Committed Reserves or rights thereto shall be null and void unless (i) such assignment or transfer includes an express provision stating that (a) such assignment or transfer is made subject to the terms of this commitment and this Agreement, and (b) the assignee or transferee agrees to become a party to, and bound by, the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, such that all of the Committed Reserves remain dedicated to this Agreement for the term hereof or (ii) such assignment or transfer is pursuant to a contractual obligation entered into on or before February 15, 2006. The dedication of Committed Reserves provided for herein shall be a covenant running with the land and burdening the Subject Leases.

4.2 Producer’s Reservations . Producer hereby expressly reserves the following rights and reasonable quantities of Gas to satisfy same (“ Producer’s Reservations ”):

(a) The right to use Gas, as a reasonably prudent operator, prior to delivery to Company for the following purposes:

(i) For fuel used above ground in the development and operation of the Committed Reserves; and

 

8

(ii) For delivery to the “ lessor ” from whom the Subject Leases were obtained, that Gas which such lessors are entitled to receive in kind from the Committed Reserves under the terms of the Subject Leases; and

(iii) For fuel used in the operation of the facilities which Producer may install in order to deliver Gas hereunder in accordance with the terms hereof.

(b) The right to pool or unitize the Subject Leases (or any portion thereof) with other lands and leases. In the event of pooling or unitization, this Agreement will cover Producer’s interest in the pool or unit and the Gas attributable thereto.

(c) The right to separate or process the Gas using only mechanical, ambient temperature equipment located at surface production facilities on the Subject Leases or in the immediate vicinity thereof.

ARTICLE V

RECEIPT AND DELIVERY POINT(S)

5.1. Receipt Point(s) . Producer shall deliver Gas tendered pursuant to this Agreement at the Meter Numbers set forth on the Individual Transaction Confirmation and at any other mutually agreeable receipt point (the “ Receipt Point(s) ”). Unless otherwise specified, Producer shall deliver Gas at a pressure not to exceed the pressure set forth in the Individual Transaction Confirmation.

5.2. Delivery Point(s) . Subject to Section 2.3 , Company shall redeliver to Producer Gas tendered pursuant to this Agreement at the Meter Numbers set forth on the Individual Transaction Confirmation or at any other mutually agreeable delivery point (each a “ Delivery Point(s) ”).

ARTICLE VI

QUANTITY

6.1 During the term of this Agreement, Company shall have the right to take and receive one hundred percent (100%) of Producer’s Daily Deliverability of Gas.

6.2 Company agrees to take and Producer agrees to deliver Gas hereunder in accordance with all applicable Laws including, but not limited to, the rules of the Railroad Commission of Texas (the “ RRC ”) governing the determination of Gas market demand and procedures for the establishment and allocation of allowables and for ratable nominations and takes of Gas from the Subject Leases. The Parties expressly recognize that Company’s obligations to take Gas pursuant to the RRC rules or otherwise shall be subject to the ability of Company’s facilities to accommodate all Gas connected thereto, and any other valid reason such as Force Majeure, whether or not of a kind specifically enumerated herein. In the event such Laws are no longer applicable to Company’s takes of Gas under this Agreement, Company agrees to take and receive Producer’s Gas on a ratable basis with other Gas Company takes and receives from the same RRC recognized field.

 

9

6.3 Scheduling of receipts and deliveries of Gas between the Receipt Point(s) and Delivery Point(s) shall be in accordance with the Company’s nomination and scheduling procedures. Producer shall submit nominations for the gathering of Gas hereunder to Company in writing, facsimile or by email. The deadline for submitting nominations for the first (1 ^st ) of each Month is five (5) Business Day prior to the beginning of each Month. Company will send Producer a confirmation, and Producer must acknowledge each transaction in writing, facsimile or by email and return same to Company before any nomination is valid.

6.4 Any variance or imbalance between the volume of Gas delivered at the Delivery Point(s) for Producer’s account and the volume of Gas received at the Receipt Point(s) (less any and all fuel, and any lost and unaccounted for Gas as set forth in Section 2.3 above) will be recorded in a gas imbalance account. Company will assist Producer in managing the gas imbalance account and will, at any time and from time to time, request that Producer change its nominations at the Delivery Point(s) or, with notice to Producer, restrict, interrupt, or reduce its receipts or deliveries of Gas at the Receipt Point(s) or Delivery Point(s), and direct Producer to make adjustments in its receipts or deliveries, in order to maintain a daily, hourly and monthly balance or to correct an imbalance. If Shipper fails or refuses to follow any such request from Transporter, Transporter may, without liability hereunder, cease accepting or delivering Gas under this Agreement until the conditions causing the imbalance are corrected.

6.5 It is recognized that in order for Company to efficiently and safely operate its Gathering System, it is essential that Gas received into such Gathering System be made available to Company under as uniform operating conditions as possible. Commensurate with good production and operating practices, and in accordance with proper conservation measures, Producer agrees to deliver Gas to Company at such rates of flow as Company, in the sole exercise of its reasonable judgment, may from time to time request. Company agrees to give Producer reasonable notice in the event Company desires at any time to increase or decrease the quantity of Gas requested hereunder.

6.6 Producer shall from time to time, at Company’s request, make available to Company production data possessed by or available to Producer that may be needed for study by Company of Producer’s existing or potential Gas production from the Subject Leases and/or Producer’s Daily Deliverability of Gas. Company shall have the right from time to time to require a determination of Producer’s Daily Deliverability of Gas, but in no event more than bi-annually.

ARTICLE VII

QUALITY

7.1. Deliveries by Producer . Producer agrees that all Gas delivered to Company at the Receipt Point(s) hereunder shall be merchantable Gas which shall meet the highest standards of the quality specifications of any Downstream Transporter to which such Gas is nominated, but at a minimum shall meet the quality specifications set forth in Exhibit “B” hereto, as amended or established by

 

10

Company from time to time in its sole reasonable discretion (the “ Quality Specifications ”). Notwithstanding the Quality Specifications set forth herein, the hydrocarbon dew point shall be subject to Section 3.2 hereof, the applicable Quality Specifications for carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide shall be subject to Section 3.3 , and the applicable Quality Specifications for water vapor shall be subject to Section 3.4 . Producer represents and warrants to Company (i) that all Gas delivered to Company hereunder will be produced in the State of Texas from reserves not dedicated or committed to interstate commerce, and (ii) that the Gas which Producer delivers or receives hereunder will not (A) have been or be sold, consumed, transported or otherwise utilized in interstate commerce at any point upstream of the Receipt Point(s) or downstream of the Delivery Point(s), nor (B) have been or be commingled at any point upstream of the Receipt Point(s) or downstream of the Delivery Point(s) with other Gas which is or may be sold, consumed, transported or otherwise utilized in interstate commerce in such a manner which will subject the Gas subject to this Agreement or Company’s or its designee’s Gathering System, or any portion thereof, to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or any successor authority under the Natural Gas Act. Producer agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Company harmless from and against any and all suits, actions, damages (including punitive, exemplary, treble, incidental, consequential and indirect damages) costs, Losses and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs of court, and related expenses) sustained by Company relative to any breach by Producer of the forgoing representations and warranties in this Section 7.1.

7.2. Quality Testing . Producer shall have the right to be represented and to participate in all tests of the Gas delivered hereunder, and to inspect any equipment used in determining the nature or quality of the Gas. Company shall notify Producer at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of any such test, so that Producer or its representative may be present. Producer shall have the right to take duplicate samples or conduct simultaneous tests, and if a difference is noted, Producer may request a sample be taken and analyzed by an independent third party with such third party’s results being used for this Agreement, such tests to be at Producer’s cost and expense.

7.3 Non-Conformance . Should Gas tendered by Producer fail at any time to conform to the Quality Specifications set forth in this Article VII, except as otherwise set forth in Sections 3.2 , 3.3 and 3.4 (“ Non-Specification Gas ”), Company may in its discretion refuse to accept such non-conforming Gas. In the event Producer delivers Non-Specification Gas to Company, Producer shall indemnify and hold Company harmless with respect to any Loss caused Company thereby. The initial notification that Gas from one or more wells is non-conforming Gas shall constitute continuing notice for all Non-Specification Gas tendered hereunder with no further notice thereof to Company required. The continued acceptance of any Non-Specification Gas by Company hereunder shall not constitute a waiver by Company of any Quality Specifications for any future deliveries, but shall constitute recognition by Producer of Company’s ongoing right at any time without further notification to (a) reject all of such Gas; or (b) accept all of such Gas; or (c) accept any quantity of such Gas and reject the remaining Non-Specification Gas, and shall satisfy all of Company’s obligations to take and receive Gas hereunder. If neither Party elects to take the actions required to make such Non-Specification Gas conform to the Quality Specifications, and Company continues to refuse to accept Non-Specification Gas, Producer shall have the right upon thirty (30) Days prior written notice to Company, to have temporarily released from this Agreement, all (but only that) Non-Specification Gas that Company refuses to take; provided, however, upon thirty (30) Days prior written notice from Company to Producer that

 

11

Company will (i) accept such Non-Specification Gas, or (ii) take the actions required to make such Non-Specification Gas conform to the Quality Specifications, Producer shall resume deliveries of such Gas, beginning on the first Day of the next Month following such thirty (30) Day notice, or as otherwise specified in such notice, whichever Day is later.

7.4 Producer shall not introduce materials containing constituents harmful or injurious to Company’s operations into Gas delivered hereunder. Gas delivered hereunder shall not contain any substance that is a hazardous or toxic waste or contaminant under applicable Laws.

ARTICLE VIII

MEASUREMENT

For the purposes of this Agreement, the Party metering the Gas, or whose designee meters the Gas, at a particular Receipt Point(s) or Delivery Point(s) is referred to as the “ Metering Party ” and the other Party is referred to as the “ Non-Metering Party .”

8.1 The measuring facilities shall be designed, installed, operated, and maintained by Company or its designee in accordance with the following standards:

 

a.

Orifice Measurement - American Gas Association Report Number 3, dated 2000 or the most recent edition as agreed to by all Parties (herein referred to as AGA 3).

 

b.

Turbine Measurement - American Gas Association Report Number 7, dated 1996 or the most recent edition as agreed to by all Parties (herein referred to as AGA 7).

 

c.

Positive Measurement - American National Standards Institute B109.2, dated 2000 or the most recent edition as agreed to by all Parties (herein referred to as ANSI B109.2).

 

d.

Ultrasonic Measurement - American Gas Association Report Number 9, dated 2003 or the most recent edition as agreed to by all Parties (herein referred to as AGA 9).

8.2 The measuring facilities to measure the volumes of Gas delivered at each of the Receipt Point(s) and Delivery Point(s) shall be maintained and operated by Company or its designee.

8.3 If adequate metering facilities are already in existence at the Receipt Point(s) and Delivery Point(s), such existing metering facilities will be used for so long as, in Company’s reasonable judgment, the facilities remain adequate. If the metering facilities at any Receipt Point(s) or Delivery Point(s) are reasonably determined by Company to be inadequate, then the Parties will mutually agree with respect to the equipment that must be added at such point(s) and the responsibility for payment of such equipment. If the Parties are unable to agree upon the equipment to be added at any such point(s), or which Party will be responsible to pay for such equipment, then such point(s) will be removed from the Agreement. Such removal of Receipt Point(s) or Delivery Point(s) shall not affect the Committed Reserves subject to this Agreement.

 

12

8.4 The Non-Metering Party may, at its option and expense, install and operate meters, instruments and equipment, in a manner that will not interfere with the Metering Party’s equipment, to check the Metering Party’s meters, instruments, and equipment, but the measurement for the custody transfer of Gas for the purpose of this Agreement will be by the Metering Party’s meter only, except as hereinafter specifically provided. The meters, check meters, instruments, and equipment installed by each Party will be subject at all reasonable times to inspection or examination by the other Party (Non-Metering Party), but the calibration and adjustment thereof will be done only by the installing Party.

8.5 All meters will be calibrated and or proven on a schedule, but in no event will the calibration period be in excess of ninety (90) Days. Notification of scheduled calibrations shall be made to all interested parties and reasonable effort will be made to accommodate each Party’s schedule; however, calibration will proceed at the scheduled time regardless of attendees. Records from all measuring equipment are the property of the Metering Party who will keep all such records on file for a period of not less than two (2) years. Upon request, the Metering Party will make available to the Non-Metering Party volume records from the measuring equipment, together with calculations therefrom, for inspection and verification, subject to return within thirty (30) Days after receipt thereof by the Non-Metering Party.

8.6 Either Party shall have the right to conduct such pulsation tests as they deem prudent, at the testing Party’s sole risk and expense. If excessive pulsation is evident, mutually agreed modifications to operation or facility design will be made to reduce the effect of such pulsation.

8.7 If the percentage of inaccuracy from the results of any test is greater than one percent (1%), the registration of such meter shall be corrected at the rate of such inaccuracy for any period which is definitely known or agreed upon. In the event the period is not definitely known or agreed upon, such correction shall be for a period extending back one-half (  ¹ / 2 ) of the time elapsed since the date of the last calibration. Following any test, measurement equipment found inaccurate shall be immediately restored by Company as closely as possible to a condition of accuracy. If any measurement equipment is out of service or out of repair for any reason so that the amount of Gas delivered cannot be estimated or computed from the reading thereof, the amount of Gas delivered through such meter during the period such meter is out of service or out of repair shall be estimated and agreed upon by Company and Producer upon the basis of the best data available using the first of the following methods which is feasible:

 

a.

by using the registration of any check meters if installed and accurately registering;

 

b.

by correcting the error if the percentage of error is ascertainable by calibration, test or mathematical calculation; or

 

13

c.

by estimating the quantity of deliveries by comparison with deliveries during preceding periods under similar conditions when the meter was known to be registering accurately.

8.8 Measurement Volume Computations

 

a.

Units of measurement shall be determined in dekatherms (Dth) derived from the calculation of Gas volume (Mcf) and Gas heating value (Btu/ft 3 ), both at identical base conditions of temperature and pressure. The unit of volume of Gas shall be one (1) standard cubic foot at an absolute pressure of fourteen and sixty-five hundredths pounds per square inch absolute (14.65 Psia) and at a temperature of sixty degrees Fahrenheit (60°F). The energy content may be recalculated, if the water vapor of the gas is determined to be greater than seven (7) pounds of water vapor per one million (1,000,000) standard cubic feet, by adjusting the measured volume to correct for the volume of water vapor assuming saturation at the temperature and pressure of measurement and multiplying the corrected volume by the gross dry heating value.

 

b.

Atmospheric pressure shall be assumed to be the pressure value as reasonably determined by Company for the county in which each of the Receipt Point(s) and Delivery Point(s) is located pursuant to generally accepted industry practices, but not less than twelve and nine-tenths (12.9) Psia nor more than fourteen and seven-tenths (14.7) Psia irrespective of the actual atmospheric pressure at such points from time to time.

 

c.

All metered volumes shall be computed in accordance with the following standards:

 

d.

Orifice Measurement - American Gas Association Report Number 3, dated 2000 or the most recent edition as agreed to by all Parties (herein referred to as AGA 3).

 

e.

Turbine Measurement - American Gas Association Report Number 7, dated 1996 or the most recent edition as agreed to by all Parties (herein referred to as AGA 7).

 

f.

Positive Measurement - American National Standards Institute B109.2, dated 2000 or the most recent edition as agreed to by all Parties (herein referred to as ANSI B109.2).

 

g.

Ultrasonic Measurement - American Gas Association Report Number 9, dated 2003 or the most recent edition as agreed to by all Parties (herein referred to as AGA 9).

8.9 Records of calibration and or proving and data associated with the volume calculation are the property of the Metering Party who will keep all such records and data on file for a period of not less than two (2) years. Upon request, the Metering Party will make available to the Non-Metering Party records of calibration and or testing and data associated with the volume calculation, subject to return within thirty (30) Days after receipt thereof by the Non-Metering Party.

 

14

8.10 Company shall sample and determine the gross heating value, relative density and compressibility at the Receipt Point(s) or Delivery Point(s) utilizing the following standards:

 

a.

Gas Processors Association (GPA) 2166 - Obtaining Natural Gas Samples for Analysis by Gas.

 

b.

Gas Processors Association (GPA) 2261 - Analysis for Natural Gas and Similar Gaseous Mixtures by Gas Chromatography.

 

c.

Gas Processors Association (GPA) 2145 - Physical Constants for Paraffin Hydrocarbons and Other Components of Natural Gas.

 

d.

Gas Processors Association (GPA) 2172 - Calculation of Gross Heating Value, Relative Density, and Compressibility of Natural Gas Mixtures from Compositional Analysis.

8.11 Company shall sample the flowing Gas stream, no less than Monthly, utilizing one of the following methods:

 

a.

On-line Chromatography.

 

b.

Accumulated Sample – If this method is utilized the application of gas quality in the volume calculation will be during the time period the Gas sample was accumulated.

 

c.

Spot Sample – If this method is utilized the application of gas quality in the volume calculation will be the time period beginning on the date the sample was obtained until the next sample is obtained.

 

15

ARTICLE IX

BILLING

9.1. Company’s Statement . Company shall render a statement to Producer on or about the 25 ^th Day of each Month setting forth the amount due the Company for all fees incurred by Producer for the gathering of Gas and other services performed hereunder by Company during the preceding Month. If actual Gas quantities are not available, Company may utilize a reasonable, good faith, estimated quantity based upon quantities received and gathered by Company during the preceding Month. As soon as the actual quantity becomes available, the estimate shall be adjusted and the adjustment shall be reflected in the subsequent Month’s statement. In the event such quantities are estimated for any period, corrected statements shall be rendered by Company to Producer and paid by Producer or refunded or credited by Company, as the case may be, in each instance in which the actual quantity received or delivered hereunder with respect to a Month shall be determined to be at variance with the estimated quantity theretofore made the basis of billing and payment hereunder.

9.2. Payment . The Party with a balance due to the other Party shall pay such other Party the amount due in the form of immediately available federal funds by wire or electronic fund transfer to the bank account specified on the statement, or any other mutually agreed upon method, on or before the tenth (10 ^th ) Day of each Month following the rendition of the statement described in Section 9.1 hereof, for transactions hereunder occurring during the Month prior to the statement Month. Payments due on a Saturday or a bank holiday shall be made on the preceding business day unless such holiday is Monday, in which case payment shall be made on the following business day; payments due on Sunday shall be made on the next business Day. The paying Party must tender a timely payment even if the statement includes an estimated receipt or delivery volume. Any payment shall not prejudice the right of the paying Party to an adjustment of any statement to which it has taken written exception, provided that such Party’s exception shall have been made within the time period set forth in Section 19.16 herein. If the paying Party fails to pay any statement in whole or in part when due, in addition to any other rights or remedies available to the Party to whom payment is due, interest at the Stated Rate shall accrue on all unpaid amounts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a legitimate good faith dispute arises between Producer and Company concerning a statement, the paying Party shall pay that portion of the statement not in dispute on or before such due date, and upon the ultimate determination of the disputed portion of the statement, the paying Party shall pay the remaining amount owed, if any, plus the interest accrued thereon at the Stated Rate from the due date. Any amounts refunded to a paying Party following resolution of any billing dispute shall accrue interest at the Stated Rate from the date of initial payment to the date of refund.

ARTICLE X

WARRANTY

10.1. Producer’s Warranty . Producer hereby represents and warrants that it has good and marketable title to, and full legal right and authority to deliver to Company for purchase, gathering and/or other services as applicable hereunder, all Gas tendered by Producer at the Receipt Point(s). Producer represents and warrants that such Gas shall, at the Receipt Point(s), be free and clear of any

 

16

and all claims, royalties, liens, encumbrances, and applicable Taxes that are imposed upon production of such Gas and all other components of such Gas and/or upon removal of liquid hydrocarbons, and PRODUCER AGREES TO RELEASE, PROTECT, DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS Company from and against all Losses incurred by Company on account of any such liens, encumbrances and claims.

10.2. Company’s Warranty . Company hereby represents and warrants that it has the full legal right and authority to gather (and/or provide services as applicable) for Producer or purchase from Producer, all Gas tendered by Producer at the Receipt Point(s) pursuant to this Agreement. Company represents and warrants that such Gas from the time of receipt at the Receipt Point(s) to the time of delivery at the Delivery Point(s) shall be free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and claims whatsoever, and COMPANY AGREES TO RELEASE, PROTECT, DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS Producer from and against all Losses incurred by Producer on account of any such liens, encumbrances and claims.

ARTICLE XI

POSSESSION OF GAS

11.1. Party in Possession . As between Parties hereto, Producer shall control and possess the Gas affected by this Agreement at all times prior to and until delivery to Company at the Receipt Point(s) and, if applicable, after redelivery by Company to Producer at the Delivery Point(s). Company shall control and possess the Gas affected by this Agreement at all times after delivery thereof by Producer to Company at the Receipt Point(s) and, if applicable, until redelivery by Company to Producer at the Delivery Point(s).

11.2. Responsibility and Liability . Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Party in control and possession of the Gas affected by this Agreement shall be responsible and pay for any and all Losses caused thereby and occurring while the Gas is in the possession and control of such Party.

ARTICLE XII

TAXES AND ROYALTIES

12.1. Producer Taxes and Royalties . Producer shall be responsible for all applicable Taxes, New Taxes and royalties of whatever kind on or with respect to the production, delivery, sale and gathering of Gas at or prior to the Receipt Point(s). Producer shall indemnify, reimburse, defend and hold harmless Company from and against any and all claims or Losses attributable to such Taxes, New Taxes and royalties.

12.2. Company Taxes . Company shall be responsible for all applicable Taxes, New Taxes of whatever kind on or with respect to the purchase, gathering or treating of Gas after the Receipt Point(s). Company shall indemnify, reimburse, defend and hold harmless Producer from and against any and all claims or Losses attributable to such Taxes or New Taxes.

 

17

ARTICLE XIII

REMEDIES/LIABILITY/ARBITRATION

13.1. Remedies . To the extent not limited or waived herein, with particularity in this Article XIII , each Party reserves to itself all rights, set-offs, counterclaims and other remedies and defenses to which such Party may be entitled arising from this Agreement. All payment obligations hereunder may be offset against each other or recouped. Producer grants to Company the additional right to offset amounts owed by Producer to Company under this Agreement against any amounts which are due and owing by Producer to Company or any Affiliate of Producer under any other agreement of any type whatsoever, including risk management agreements.

13.2. L IMITATION OF LIABILITY . F OR BREACH OF ANY PROVISION FOR WHICH EXPRESS REMEDIES OR MEASURES OF DAMAGES ARE PROVIDED , SUCH REMEDIES OR DAMAGES SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES , THE OBLIGOR ’ S LIABILITY SHALL BE SO LIMITED , AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR DAMAGES IN LAW OR EQUITY ARE WAIVED . I F NO REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES IS PROVIDED AND UNLESS OTHERWISE HEREIN STATED , THE OBLIGOR ’ S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO DIRECT ACTUAL DAMAGES , SUCH DAMAGES SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY , AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR DAMAGES IN LAW OR EQUITY ARE WAIVED ; PROVIDED , COMPANY SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPECIFICALLY ENFORCE PRODUCER ’ S EXCLUSIVE COMMITMENT OF THE C OMMITTED R ESERVES SET FORTH IN S ECTION  4.1 . U NLESS OTHERWISE STATED HEREIN , NEITHER P ARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR , AND NO COURT MAY AWARD , TREBLE , CONSEQUENTIAL , INCIDENTAL , SPECIAL , PUNITIVE , EXEMPLARY OR INDIRECT DAMAGES , LOST PROFITS OR OTHER BUSINESS INTERRUPTION DAMAGES , IN TORT , CONTRACT , UNDER ANY INDEMNITY OR OTHERWISE . T HE P ARTIES NEGATE ANY OBLIGATION , EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AT LAW , REQUIRING THE USE OF BEST EFFORTS TO SUPPLY , DELIVER , TAKE OR MARKET THE G AS .

ARTICLE XIV

CREDIT ASSURANCE

14.1 In the event Company determines Producer’s credit to be unsatisfactory in Company’s sole opinion at any time during the term of this Agreement, Company may demand “ Adequate Assurance of Performance ,” which shall mean sufficient security in an amount and for a term reasonably specified by Company. Producer at its option may then provide one of the following forms of security:

 

(a)

Post an irrevocable standby letter of credit in a form and from a bank satisfactory to Company; or,

 

18

(b)

Provide a prepayment or a deposit.

14.2 Company will not be required to perform or continue to perform service hereunder in the event: (i) Producer has voluntarily filed for bankruptcy protection under any chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code; (ii) Producer is the subject of an involuntary petition of bankruptcy under any chapter of the United States Bankruptcy Code, and such involuntary petition has not been settled or otherwise dismissed within ninety (90) Days of such filing; or (iii) Producer otherwise becomes insolvent, whether by an inability to meet its debts as they come due in the ordinary course of business or because its liabilities exceed its assets on a balance sheet test; and/or however such insolvency may otherwise be evidenced.

14.3 Should Producer fail to provide Adequate Assurance of Performance within two (2) Business Days after receipt of written demand for such assurance, then Company shall have the right to suspend performance under this Agreement until such time as Producer furnishes Adequate Assurance of Performance. If such assurance is not provided by Producer within ten (10) Days from written demand, Company may terminate this Agreement in addition to having any and all other remedies available hereunder, at law or in equity.

ARTICLE XV

NOTICES

15.1. Notices . Any notice, request, demand, or statement provided for in this Agreement, or any notice which a Party may desire to give to the other, shall be in writing, and shall be delivered by letter, facsimile or other documentary form. Notice by facsimile or hand delivery shall be deemed to have been received by the close of the Business Day on which it is transmitted or hand delivered (unless transmitted or hand delivered after close, in which case it shall be deemed received at the close of the next Business Day) or such earlier time confirmed by the receiving Party:

 

 

19

 

20

Such addresses and/or other contact information may from time to time be changed by mailing appropriate notice thereof to the other Party by certified or registered mail.

ARTICLE XVI

FORCE MAJEURE

16.1. Suspension of Obligations . Unless expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party for failure to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement, other than to make payments due, including applicable True-Up Payments, to the extent that and for the period during which such performance is hindered, delayed or prevented by Force Majeure. For purposes of this Agreement, “ Force Majeure ” shall mean causes, conditions, events or circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of the Party claiming Force Majeure. Such causes, conditions, events and circumstances shall include, without limitation, acts of God, wars (declared or undeclared), insurrections, hostilities, strikes, lockouts, riots, floods, fires, storms, industrial disturbances, acts of the public enemy, acts of terrorism, sabotage, blockades, epidemics, landslides, lightning, earthquakes, washouts, arrests and restraints of rulers and peoples, civil disturbances, maintenance, integrity testing, explosions, breakage or accidents to machinery or lines of pipe, hydrate obstruction or blockages of any kind of lines of pipe, extraordinary operating conditions on Company’s or Producer’s facilities or on those of any Downstream Transporter, Force Majeure events on any Downstream Transporter, repairs or improvements to lines of pipe or related facilities, inability of either Party to obtain necessary machinery, materials, permits, or to obtain easements or rights-of-way, freezing of any well or delivery facility, well blowout, cratering, depletion of reserves, the partial or entire failure of a well, and the act, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental authority prohibiting a Party from discharging its obligations under this Agreement, and any other causes whether of the kind herein enumerated or otherwise, not reasonably within the control of the party claiming suspension.

16.2. Notice . A Party which is unable, in whole or in part, to carry out its obligations under this Agreement due to Force Majeure shall give prompt written notice to that effect to the other Party stating with reasonable particularity the circumstances underlying such Force Majeure and the obligations such Party is unable to carry out.

16.3. Resolution . A Party claiming Force Majeure shall use commercially reasonable efforts to remove the cause, condition, event or circumstance of such Force Majeure, shall give prompt written notice to the other Party of the termination of such Force Majeure, and shall resume performance of any suspended obligation promptly after termination of such Force Majeure. The decision to settle a strike or labor disturbance is at the sole discretion of the Party claiming Force Majeure due to such strike or labor disturbance.

 

21

ARTICLE XVII

TERM AND TERMINATION

17.1. Effective Date and Term . This Agreement shall govern any and all Transactions and shall be in effect for a term of 10 year(s) from the Effective Date (the “ Primary Term ”). It shall then continue in effect from Month to Month thereafter, unless terminated by either Party upon thirty (30) Days prior written notice to the other Party prior to the end of the Primary Term or any subsequent Month; provided, this Agreement shall continue to apply to all Transactions then in effect until all Transactions are completed. Al