To amend the definition of marine fuel facilities. In the bill "facility" means any structure, group of structures, equipment, pipeline, or device, other than a vessel, located on or near the navigable waters of the state that transfers oil in bulk to or from any vessel with an oil carrying capacity over two hundred fifty barrels or pipeline, that is used for producing, storing, handling, transferring, processing, or transporting oil in bulk.   Official Text and Analysis.

To remove definition changes to the term "facility" for purposes of oil spill regulations. The substitute bill directs the Department to work with stakeholders to develop a report describing fueling practices, and adds the requirement for any state agency conducting ship refueling of more than 1 million gallons of oil to develop facility oil spill prevention and contingency plans.

By Terry Hull, Puget Sound Action Team; Gordon Baxter, Inland Boatmen's Union; Fred Felleman and Chris Jones, Ocean Advocates; Cholly Mercer, Rainier Petroleum; and Bruce Wishart, People of Puget Sound; who testified that Puget Sound is a significant resource that needs protection. Oil is a foreign substance that can cause extensive damage. Prevention is important, but spills are inevitable and the state should also focus on containment Mobile fueling has been growing rapidly and it is not regulated to the extent fixed facilities and vessels are regulated. Regulations should be reviewed for trucks that operate on or near the water.

By Warren Aakervick, Ballard Oil Company; Eric Johnson, Washington Public Ports Association; and Charlie Brown, Washington Oil Marketers Association; who testified that mobile fuelers provide service throughout the state, and in many places vessels may only receive fuel from a truck. Certain mobile fuelers have been providing service for years and have an excellent record. The state should proceed with caution and wait until the findings from the recent spill have been completed. Mobile fueling issues should be separate from the rest of the provisions. The level of regulation should match the level of risk. The Department should focus on enforcing existing regulations and conduct more inspections.

By Jeff Fishel, Department of Ecology; and Mike Thorne, Washington State Ferries; who testified that the Department inspects facilities, vessels, and conducts oil spill training drills. The original bill would increase the number of regulated facilities from 35 - 80, adding mainly mobile fuelers.

And passed in committee on February 9, 2004.

Concerning amending the definition of marine fuel facilities.