Brief Description: Concerning the state geological survey.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Dickerson, Buck, Blake and B. Sullivan; by request of Department of Natural Resources).

House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation
Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through the appointed Supervisor of Geology, is responsible for maintaining the state Geological Survey (Survey). The Survey is required to meet a number of objectives, including examinations of the state's mined products, the state's water resources, the state's soil classifications, and the occurrence of natural road building materials. The Survey must also produce geological and economic maps and information deemed of value by the Supervisor of Geology. Reports and maps generated from the Survey must be made available to the general public for purchase.

Summary:

The state "Supervisor of Geology" is renamed the "State Geologist." References in state law to the old title are updated to reflect the title change.

The Survey is instructed to conduct and maintain an assessment of the volcanic, seismic, landslide, and tsunami hazards in Washington. The assessment must include identification and mapping of hazards, as well as an estimation of the potential consequences and the likelihood of a geological hazard event. Technical assistance must be provided to state and local governmental agencies for interpreting and applying the assessment.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   98   0
Senate   47   0   (Senate amended)
House   95   0   (House concurred)

Effective: June 7, 2006