(1) There is hereby created within the
department of ecology an oil spill prevention program. For the
program, the department shall be vested with all powers and
duties transferred to it from the *office of marine safety and
such other powers and duties as may be authorized by law. The
main administrative office for the program shall be located in
the city of Olympia. The director may establish administrative
facilities in other locations, if deemed necessary for the
efficient operation of the program, and if consistent with the
principles set forth in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) The oil spill prevention program shall be organized
consistent with the goals of providing state government with a
focus in marine transportation and serving the people of this
state. The legislature recognizes that the director needs
sufficient organizational flexibility to carry out the program's
various duties. To the extent practical, the director shall
consider the following organizational principles:
(a) Clear lines of authority which avoid functional
duplication within and between subelements of the program;
(b) A clear and simplified organizational design promoting
accessibility, responsiveness, and accountability to the
legislature, the consumer, and the general public; and
(c) Maximum span of control without jeopardizing adequate
supervision.
(3) The department, through the program, shall provide
leadership and coordination in identifying and resolving threats
to the safety of marine transportation and the impact of marine
transportation on the environment:
(a) Working with other state agencies and local governments
to strengthen the state and local governmental partnership in
providing public protection;
(b) Providing expert advice to the executive and legislative
branches of state government;
(c) Providing active and fair enforcement of rules;
(d) Working with other federal, state, and local agencies
and facilitating their involvement in planning and implementing
marine safety measures;
(e) Providing information to the public; and
(f) Carrying out such other related actions as may be
appropriate to this purpose.
(4) In accordance with the administrative procedure act,
chapter 34.05 RCW, the department shall ensure an opportunity for
consultation, review, and comment before the adoption of
standards, guidelines, and rules.
(5) Consistent with the principles set forth in subsection
(2) of this section, the director may create such administrative
divisions, offices, bureaus, and programs within the program as
the director deems necessary. The director shall have complete
charge of and supervisory powers over the program, except where
the director's authority is specifically limited by law.
(6) The director shall appoint such personnel as are
necessary to carry out the duties of the program. In addition to
exemptions set forth in RCW 41.06.070, up to four professional
staff members shall be exempt from the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW. All other employees of the program shall be subject
to the provisions of chapter 41.06 RCW.
(7) The definitions in this section apply throughout this
chapter.
(a) "Department" means the department of ecology.
(b) "Director" means the director of the department.
[2000 c 69 § 27; 1992 c 73 § 4; (1995 2nd sp.s. c 14 § 515 expired June 30, 1997); 1991 c 200 § 402. Formerly RCW 43.21A.710.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: The office of marine safety was abolished and its powers, duties, and functions transferred to the department of ecology by 1991 c 200 § 430, effective July 1, 1997.
Expiration date -- 1995 2nd sp.s. c 14 §§ 511-523, 528-533: See note following RCW 43.19.1919.
Effective dates -- 1995 2nd sp.s. c 14: See note following RCW 43.19.1919.
Severability -- 1995 2nd sp.s. c 14: See note following RCW 43.19.1919.
Effective dates -- Severability -- 1992 c 73: See RCW 82.23B.902 and 90.56.905.
Effective dates -- Severability -- 1991 c 200: See RCW 90.56.901 and 90.56.904.