(1) The department shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and the rules, regulations, and orders relating to the drilling, operation, maintenance, abandonment and restoration of geothermal areas, to prevent damage to and waste from underground geothermal deposits, and to prevent damage to underground and surface waters, land or air that may result from improper drilling, operation, maintenance or abandonment of geothermal resource wells.

     (2) In order to implement the terms and provisions of this chapter, the department under the provisions of chapter 34.05 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, may from time to time promulgate those rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including but not restricted to defining geothermal areas; establishing security requirements, which may include bonding; providing for liens against production; providing for casing and safety device requirements; providing for site restoration plans to be completed prior to abandonment; and providing for abandonment requirements.

[1974 ex.s. c 43 § 5. Formerly RCW 79.76.050.]