(a)  The Governor is responsible for the coordination of all state response actions for sites identified in Section 25356 in order to assure the maximum use of available federal funds.

(b)  The director may initiate removal or remedial action pursuant to this chapter unless these actions have been taken, or are being taken properly and in a timely fashion, by any responsible party.

(c)  (1)  At least 30 days before initiating removal or remedial actions, the department shall make a reasonable effort to notify the persons identified by the department as potentially responsible parties and shall also publish a notification of this action in a newspaper of general circulation pursuant to the method specified in Section 6061 of the Government Code. This subdivision does not apply to actions taken pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 25358.3 or immediate corrective actions taken pursuant to Section 25354. A responsible party may be held liable pursuant to this chapter whether or not the person was given the notice specified in this subdivision.

(2)  (A)  Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 25317, any person may voluntarily enter into an enforceable agreement with the department pursuant to this subdivision that allows removal or remedial actions to be conducted under the oversight of the department at sites with petroleum releases from sources other than underground storage tanks, as defined in Section 25299.24.

(B)  If the department determines that there may be an adverse impact to water quality as a result of a petroleum release, the department shall notify the appropriate regional board prior to entering into the enforceable agreement pursuant to subparagraph (A). The department may enter into an enforceable agreement pursuant to subparagraph (A) unless, within 60 days of the notification provided by the department, the regional board provides the department with a written notice that the regional board will assume oversight responsibility for the removal or remedial action.

(C)  Agreements entered into pursuant to this paragraph shall provide that the party will reimburse the department for all costs incurred including, but not limited to, oversight costs pursuant to the enforceable agreement associated with the performance of the removal or remedial actions and Chapter 6.66 (commencing with Section 25269).

(d)  The department shall notify the owner of the real property of the site of a hazardous substance release within 30 days after listing a site pursuant to Section 25356, and at least 30 days before initiating a removal or remedial action pursuant to this chapter, by sending the notification by certified mail to the person to whom the real property is assessed, as shown upon the last equalized assessment roll of the county, at the address shown on the assessment roll. The requirements of this subdivision do not apply to actions taken pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 25358.3 or to immediate corrective actions taken pursuant to Section 25354.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 23, Sec. 2. Effective May 26, 1999.)