The department may adopt regulations relating to and providing for the systematic collection, recording, and distribution of data on the water of the state.

The commissioner shall appoint the state geologist, who must be qualified by education and experience to direct the activities of the division.

There is established in the department a division of geological and geophysical surveys under the direction of the state geologist.

The state geologist, with the consent of the commissioner, may enter into cooperative agreements with federal, state, and local governmental agencies to perform geological and geophysical surveys, studies, investigations, and services.

Repealed or Renumbered

The state geologist shall print and publish an annual report and such other special and topical reports and maps as may be desirable for the benefit of the state, including the printing or reprinting of reports and maps made by other persons or agencies, where authorization to do so is obtained. Reports and maps may be sold and all money received from these sales shall be paid into the general fund.

(a) Systematic collection, recording, evaluation, and distribution of data on the quantity, location, and quality of water of the state in the ground, on the surface of the ground, or along the coasts, are in the public interest and necessary to the orderly domestic and industrial development of the state.

(b) Systematic collection, evaluation, archival, and distribution of geologic data and information on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and engineering geology and identification of potential seismic, volcanic, and other geological hazards throughout the state are in the public interest and necessary to orderly, safely, and cost-effective development in the state.

(a) The state geologist shall conduct geological and geophysical surveys to determine the potential of Alaskan land for production of metals, minerals, fuels, and geothermal resources; the locations and supplies of groundwater and construction materials; the potential geologic hazards to buildings, roads, bridges, and other installations and structures; and shall conduct such other surveys and investigations as will advance knowledge of the geology of the state. With the approval of the commissioner, the state geologist may acquire, by gift or purchase, geological and geophysical reports, surveys, and similar information.

(b) In addition, the division of geological and geophysical surveys shall:

(1) collect, record, evaluate, and distribute data on the quantity, quality, and location of underground, surface, and coastal water of the state;

(2) publish or have published data on the water of the state;

(3) require the filing with it of the results and findings of surveys of water quality, quantity, and location;

(4) require of water well contractors, the filing with it of basic water and aquifer data normally obtained, including but not limited to well location, estimated elevation, well driller's logs, pumping tests and flow measurements, and water quality determinations;

(5) accept and spend funds for the purposes of this section, AS 41.08.017, and 41.08.035 and enter into agreements with individuals, public or private agencies, communities, private industry, state agencies, and agencies of the federal government;

(6) collect, evaluate, and distribute geologic data on seismic events and engineering geology of the state;

(7) identify potential seismic hazards that might affect development in the state;

(8) inform public officials and industry about potential seismic hazards that might affect development in the state.