The purpose of this chapter is to cope with the problem of pollution from the spillage or discharge of oil, recognizing the damage resulting to vegetation, marine, animal and bird life from such pollution. It is the intent of this chapter to provide procedures that will expedite the cleanup of oil spillage, mitigate the adverse effects of oil discharges, encourage preventive measures, and provide financial assistance to victims of such discharges and to encourage private organizations to assist in these efforts.