(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.

*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—1992 c 73: See RCW 82.23B.902.

Effective dates—1991 c 200: See RCW 90.56.901.