CA SB709

Defines "nonfloating oil" as hydrocarbon-based oil that does not float on water surface, either immediately or eventually, including all oils with specific gravity greater than 1.0.

Requires the administrator by January 1, 2020 to conduct an independent scientific study on best achievable protection of state waters from nonfloating or potentially nonfloating oil spills, evaluating hazards, risks, and impacts to natural resources and health.

Requires by January 1, 2019 the administrator to identify oils transported into or through California that pose risks from nonfloating or potentially nonfloating oil spills and establish criteria to identify specific characteristics of such oils, with periodic public updates.

Mandates oil spill contingency plans identify at least one Oil Spill Response Organization (OSRO) capable of responding to nonfloating or potentially nonfloating oil if such oil is present, and describe location-specific procedures and technologies for responding to spills of those oils.

Requires OSROs seeking nonfloating or potentially nonfloating oil response capability ratings to detail the tools, technologies, and techniques they will deploy to overcome identified remediation challenges, and requires financial responsibility determinations to differentiate risk based on whether oil is floating or nonfloating.