HB 2420 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

     Declares an intent to protect the health and safety of the citizens of the state of Washington and the quality of the state's environment by developing and implementing environmental and public safety measures applicable to persons transporting hazardous liquids and gas by pipeline within the state of Washington.

     Finds that public safety and the environment may best be protected by adopting standards that are equal to, or more stringent than, those adopted by the federal government.

     Transfers all powers, duties, and functions of the utilities and transportation commission pertaining to pipeline safety to the department of ecology.

     Creates a pipeline safety advisory committee to advise the department, energy facility site evaluation council, and other appropriate federal, state, and local government agencies and officials on matters relating to pipeline safety, routing, construction, operation, and maintenance.

     Requires that, in consultation with the emergency management program within the state military department, the department of ecology, and local emergency services organizations, the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection or his or her authorized deputy, shall:  (1) Evaluate the preparedness of local first responders in meeting emergency management demands under this act; and

     (2) conduct an assessment of the equipment needed by local first responders to meet emergency management demands related to pipelines.

     Directs the chief of the Washington state patrol, through the director of fire protection or his or her deputy, to develop curricula for training local first responders to deal with pipeline accidents.

     Provides that any person who fails to notify a pipeline company of excavation work that is planned to occur within five feet of a hazardous liquid or gas pipeline is subject to a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for each violation.

     Declares that a pipeline company that fails to comply with any provision of this act shall be subject to civil penalties of not less than five thousand dollars.

     Declares that a pipeline company that fails to report a dangerous release shall be guilty of a class B felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021 if:  (1) The company knows or has reason to know that a dangerous release exists;

     (2) the company does not immediately report the release to the local first responder; and

     (3) the dangerous release causes the death of, or bodily injury to, an individual.

     Repeals RCW 81.88.040.