Section 332-12-320. Production royalties.

(1) Production royalty payments shall be payable to the department for oil and gas produced from the lease premises, or in the case of gas products from gas produced but not sold, the products manufactured. Royalty rates shall be not less than twelve and one-half percent of the gross value at the point of production as defined in WAC 332-12-330. In the case of production of gas from coal deposits by "in situ" or other newly developed technology for which there is little or no leasing experience, the commissioner may set applicable royalty rates.

(2) The state reserves the right that, in lieu of receiving royalty payment for the market value of the state's royalty share of oil or gas, the department may elect that such royalty share of oil or gas be delivered in kind at the mouth of the well into tanks or pipelines provided by the department.

(3) On lands which the state owns less than the entire fee simple mineral rights in common tenancy (undivided interests), the lessee shall pay production royalties in the proportion which the state's interests bear to the undivided whole or an amount established by agreement between cotenants.

(4) Payments shall be in an amount to cover all royalties due the state from production. The department may approve the use of payment bonds, savings account assignments, or other security which guarantees payment to the state. Production royalty payments shall be scheduled in the lease and plan of operations. The lessee shall furnish the department a sworn statement showing production for accounting periods required by the department and pay any royalties due.

(5) The lessee shall not sell or deliver any oil and gas or manufactured products to any person who does not agree to file purchase invoices with the department stating the price, quantity, origin of oil and gas purchased from a state lease and to allow an audit as provided by these rules. The department may require and prescribe any other methods necessary to insure a full accounting of oil and gas produced from the premises. Noncompliance with any accounting requirements may cause suspension of operation or termination as provided in WAC 332-12-400.

(6) Any past due royalty payment shall bear interest at the rate of one percent per month, compounded monthly, on the unpaid balance.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 79.14.120. WSR 82-23-053 (Order 387), § 332-12-320, filed 11/16/82.]

RCW 79.14.120. WSR 82-23-053 (Order 387), § 332-12-320, filed 11/16/82.

Rules

332-12-330,332-12-400,