Common use of Operation of the Properties Clause in Contracts

Operation of the Properties. Since September 30, 2000 --------------------------- through the date hereof, North Central: (a) has caused the Properties to be maintained and operated in a reasonable manner and in substantially the same manner as such Properties were maintained and operated prior to September 30, 2000; (b) has not sold, assigned, transferred, farmed out, conveyed, encumbered, mortgaged, or otherwise disposed of any of the Properties with a value in excess of $500,000, except for the sale of Hydrocarbons in the ordinary course of business; (c) has not, to the extent related to the Properties, made any major change in the character of North Central's business or operations or otherwise conducted North Central's business and operations other than in the ordinary course of business; (d) except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, has not permitted any Leases or rights with respect to the Properties to expire, or waived any material rights with respect to the Properties; (e) has not entered into any agreement or made any commitment (other than this Agreement) to take any of the actions referred to in clauses (a) through (d) above; and (f) to the Company's Knowledge, there have been no material casualty losses (above or below the surface of the ground) which affected any of the Properties.