Title: An act relating to geological survey.

Brief Description: Concerning the state geological survey.

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

Brief History: Passed House: 2/10/06, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/16/06, 2/23/06 [DPA-WM].

Ways & Means: 2/27/06 [DPA(NROR)].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Doumit, Vice Chair; Oke, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Morton, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Doumit, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Fairley, Kohl-Welles, Parlette, Pflug, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Kirstan Arestad (786-7708)

Background: Chapter 43.92 RCW contains the statutory authorities and duties relating to the state geological survey (survey), which was created in 1890. The Commissioner of Public Lands is to have direction over the survey and appoint a Supervisor of Geology to supervise the survey.

The objectives of the survey include: an examination of the economic products of the state, including precious metals and building materials; an examination and classification of the state's soils and their adaptability to certain crops; an investigation into the water supplies of the state; an examination of the occurrence of different road building material; the preparation of special maps to illustrate the resources of the state; and the consideration of other questions of value to the state.

Additionally, authority is provided for the printing of survey publications, for cooperation with the United States Geological Survey, and for agency access to private lands for survey purposes.

Summary of Amended Bill: The title of the supervisor of the state geological survey is changed from the Supervisor of Geology to State Geologist. Technical modifications are made to Chapter 43.92 RCW to update language.

In addition to the current objectives of the state geological survey, the survey must conduct and maintain an assessment of seismic, landslide, and tsunami hazards in Washington. This assessment must include the identification and mapping of volcanic, seismic, landslide, and tsunami hazards, an estimation of their potential consequences, and the likelihood of their occurrence. The maintenance of this assessment includes providing technical assistance to other agencies on the proper interpretation and application of the results of this assessment.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: The amended bill specifies that maintenance of the geological hazards assessment includes providing technical assistance to other agencies on the proper interpretation and application of the results of this assessment.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For (Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation): Emergency preparedness is an issue of great importance, especially in light of recent national events and the earthquake danger in Washington. The state rates number two in the nation for seismic danger. The bill also updates the geological survey statutes, including providing specific authority for DNR to investigate and provide information on geological hazards. Such information is vital to state and local decision makers planning for potential natural disasters.

Testimony Against (Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation): None.

Who Testified (Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation): PRO: Rep. Dickerson; Ron Teissere, DNR; Connie Mason, American Geological Institute; Maillian Uphaus, Military Department; John LaManna, Association of Engineering and Environmental Geologists; Craig Weaver, U.S. Geological Survey; Debora Munguia, WFPA

Testimony For (Ways & Means): This bill brings the enabling statute up-to-date. Staff and funding identified in the fiscal note are directed at two of the hazards identified.

Testimony Against (Ways & Means): None.

Who Testified (Ways & Means): PRO: Dave Norman, DNR.