Brief Description: Providing for oil spill prevention and response.

Sponsors: Representatives Rockefeller, Cooper, Chase, Sullivan, Kagi, Simpson, G., Simpson, D., Lantz, Lovick and Upthegrove.

Hearing Date: 2/3/04

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The Legislature enacted oil spill prevention and response measures in 1991 to promote the safety of marine transportation and protect state waters from oil spills. The Director of the Department of Ecology (DOE) has the primary authority to oversee prevention, abatement, response, containment and cleanup efforts for oil spills in state waters. The oil spill program requires oil spill prevention plans, contingency response plans, and documentation of financial responsibility for vessels and facilities that may discharge oil into navigable waters.

The Puget Sound Action Team (PSAT) was created in 1996 and consists of federal and state agencies, tribes, and local governments. The PSAT is charged with preparing a Puget Sound work plan and budget for inclusion in the Governor's biennial budget. The Work Plan includes elements of the Puget Sound Management plan and other activities to protect and restore Puget Sound.

Summary of Bill:

The primary objective of the state oil spill program is to adopt a zero spills strategy and prevent the release of oil or hazardous substances from entering marine waters.

The Department of Ecology (Department) must convene a group of stakeholders to research methods to achieve a zero spill strategy, including best management practices and monitoring the effectiveness of prevention strategies. The Department must report recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2004.

 In reviewing best management practices, the oil spill review committee shall research and recommend oil spill prevention during oil transfers including the use of automatic shutoff devices, the number and training requirements of personnel, daylight only fuel transfers, illumination standards, and other oil spill prevention strategies. In addition, the review shall include data requirements for monitoring the effectiveness of oil spill prevention strategies.

The Puget Sound Action Team must include the effectiveness of oil spill prevention strategies in the Puget Sound Work Plan.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/27/2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.