For purposes of Sections 1 through 8 of this act:
1. "Operator" means a mineral owner or lessee who is engaged in drilling or preparing to drill for oil or gas; and
2. "Surface owner" means the owner or owners of record of the surface of the property on which the drilling operation is to occur.
Added by Laws 1982, c. 341, § 1, operative July 1, 1982.