Department of Environmental Protection; powers and duties.

The Department of Environmental Protection shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To adopt procedural rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of ss. 403.9401-403.9425 and to adopt rules to implement the provisions of subsection (8).

(2) To prescribe the form and content of the public notices and the form, content, and necessary supporting documentation, and any required studies, for certification applications. All such data and studies shall be related to the jurisdiction of the agencies relevant to the application.

(3) To receive applications for natural gas transmission pipeline and corridor certifications and initially determine the completeness and sufficiency thereof.

(4) To make or contract for studies of certification applications. All such studies shall be related to the jurisdiction of the agencies relevant to the application. For studies in areas outside the jurisdiction of the department and in the jurisdiction of another agency, the department may initiate such studies, but only with the consent of such agency.

(5) To administer the processing of applications for certification and ensure that the applications are processed as expeditiously as possible.

(6) To require such fees as allowed by ss. 403.9401-403.9425.

(7) To prepare a report and written analysis as required by s. 403.941.

(8) To prescribe the means for monitoring the effects arising from the construction, operation, and maintenance of the natural gas transmission pipelines to assure continued compliance with the terms of the certification.

(9) To make a determination of acceptability of any alternate corridor proposed for consideration pursuant to s. 403.9412.

(10) To act as clerk for the board.

(11) To enforce compliance with the provisions of ss. 403.9401-403.9425.

(12) To function as staff to the board, when appropriate.