Oil and Gas / Mineral Rights
Eagle Ford Shale Runs Under Live Oak County
Live Oak County sits inside the Eagle Ford Shale play, so surface buyers here may not own the oil and gas below their land.
The Eagle Ford Shale is a major oil and gas formation that runs through 28 Texas counties, including Live Oak County. The shale itself runs 4,000 to 12,000 feet deep. Live Oak County falls under Railroad Commission of Texas District 2, headquartered in San Antonio.
In Texas, mineral rights and surface rights can be split. The mineral estate is considered dominant — meaning the mineral owner has the legal right to use the surface as needed to reach what is underground. If you buy land here, check the deed carefully to see whether mineral rights are included. The Railroad Commission is the state agency that oversees oil and gas activity. Their website lets you search permits and production records by county.
Source to confirm: Railroad Commission of Texas — Eagle Ford Shale