Im a fellow central pa resident, and I am completely terrified about what this gas drilling is doing to our area. Not only does it make it impossible for us to purchase more land because nobody is selling, but there have been so many problems with wells and the like. Central Pa has always had a beautiful farm landscape which is quickly coming to an end. We wont sign a gas lease on our land. I will be selling and heading to the midwest shortly. I never wanted to leave PA, but overpopulation and high taxes made me think about it, and the gas drilling made my mind up.
To answer your question, I dont think you are going to get a a flat amount. You will get paid IF their drill goes under any part of your land. They will pay you for the gas they take out from under your land, even if you have no contract with them. I would not sign a contract, as if you do it might be harder for you to sue the gas company not IF but WHEN your well is polluted.
Im not an eco-nut by any means and I certainly am in the "drill baby drill crowd", but I am only for it if it can be done without damage to the environment. I dont think at this point it can be done without damage.
To each their own opinion I guess.