Production royalty payments shall be based upon the gross value at the point of production defined as follows:
(1) For oil. The posted field price, or, if no field price is posted, the fair market value prevailing for oil of like kind, character, quality or comparable source at the point of production. All field prices shall be approved by the department.
All royalties, whether in money or in kind, shall be delivered to the state free of cost and deductions.
Quantities of oil produced shall be determined by metering or measuring (by automatic custody transfer meter, tank gauge, or other approved method) at the first point of transfer it is in a condition of pipeline quality which shall be considered the point of production.
(2) For gas or other hydrocarbons. The posted field price or if no field price is posted, the fair market value prevailing for gas of like kind, character or comparable source at the point of production. All field prices shall be approved by the department. These royalties shall be delivered to the state free of costs and deductions.
If gas is not sold but is used by the lessee for the manufacture of gasoline or other products, the fair market price at point of sale shall be used for these products, less reasonable deductions for refining costs, as determined by the department.
(3) All prices shall be approved by the department.
(4) Quantity of gas produced shall be determined by metering or measuring at the point where it is first accurately metered or measured on or near the lease premises from which it is recovered. Where it is considered to be merchantable or pipeline quality shall be considered the point of production, less any quantities reinjected into a reservoir in the same field for purposes of repressuring and conservation. The quantity of gas products shall be determined by metering at the point of delivery for sale by the lessee.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
79.14.120. WSR 82-23-053 (Order 387), § 332-12-330, filed 11/16/82.]