BILL REQ. #:  Z-0683.1 

Prefiled 12/20/07. Read first time 01/14/08.   Referred to Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.

     AN ACT Relating to the Washington geological survey; and amending RCW 43.92.010, 43.92.020, and 43.92.040.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 43.92.010 and 2006 c 340 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall be a geological survey of the state, to be known as the Washington geological survey, that shall be under the direction of the commissioner of public lands who shall have general charge of the survey, and shall appoint as supervisor of the survey a geologist of established reputation, to be known as the state geologist.

Sec. 2   RCW 43.92.020 and 2006 c 340 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The geological survey shall have for its objects:
     (((1))) (a) An examination of the economic products of the state, including: Gold, silver, copper, lead, and iron ores, as well as building stones, clays, coal, and all mineral substances of value;
     (((2))) (b) An examination and classification of soils, and the study of their adaptability to particular crops;
     (((3))) (c) An investigation and report upon the water supplies, artesian wells, the water power of the state, gauging the streams, etc., with reference to their application for irrigation and other purposes;
     (((4))) (d) An examination and report upon the occurrence of different road building material;
     (((5))) (e) An examination of the physical features of the state with reference to their practical bearing upon the occupations of the people;
     (((6))) (f) The preparation of special geological and economic maps to illustrate the resources of the state;
     (((7))) (g) The preparation of special reports with necessary illustrations and maps, which shall embrace both the general and detailed description of the geology and natural resources of the state; and
     (((8))) (h) The consideration of similar scientific and economic questions that, in the judgment of the state geologist, is deemed of value to the people of the state.
     (2) The geological survey shall:
     (a) Serve as a bureau of information and an advisory service concerning geologic resources and hazards, including: Maintenance of a library, public education program, and geologic database; review of functions; expert advice to federal, state, and local government agencies; and operation of a clearinghouse of posthazard event earth science investigations. The geological survey shall provide technical assistance to local governments on geological hazards, mineral resources, and aggregate mining and reclamation during preparation and amendment of comprehensive plans and land use regulations.
     (b) Collect geotechnical and related reports prepared by applicants in support of building construction and land use permits from local government or state government for use in the development of a statewide electronic database of subsurface geotechnical data. Copies of the reports must be submitted to the geological survey by the applicant at the time of submission to local government;
     (c) Preserve information collected, developed, or obtained under this section, RCW 43.92.025, and nonconfidential data collected under chapters 78.44 and 78.52 RCW in a publicly accessible electronic data system. The publicly accessible electronic data system must display the surface and subsurface geological and geophysical data using an interactive map interface for both two and three-dimensional display of the available data;
     (d) Establish and maintain a storage and examination facility for physical samples, including drill cuttings and drill cores from all types of drill holes, sidewall cores and other special samples from earth science investigations, significant paper records of earth science investigations, and other materials considered by the department to be of long-term value to the state; and
     (e) Promote outdoor recreation and education through the creation and dissemination of interpretive materials, including but not limited to field trip guides, road logs, interpretive displays, and field excursions for teachers.

Sec. 3   RCW 43.92.040 and 2006 c 340 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((Regular and special)) Reports, geological maps, geological hazard assessment maps, mineral resource maps, and special reports of the geological survey((, with proper illustrations and maps, shall)) must be distributed as directed by the state geologist as the needs of the state and science demand. The primary means of distribution must be through a publicly accessible electronic data system with digital documents, interactive web pages, and online databases. Reports and maps may be printed as directed by the state geologist. ((All reports shall be distributed or sold by the department of natural resources as the interests of the state and of science demand.)) All money obtained by the sale of reports under this section shall be paid into the state treasury.