The department shall do both of the following:

(a) Adopt a format to be used by generators for completing the review and plan required by Section 25244.19, and the report required by Section 25244.20. The format shall include at least all of the factors the generator is required to include in the review and plan and the report. The department may include any other factor determined by the department to be necessary to carry out this article. The adoption of a format pursuant to this subdivision is not subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) Establish a data and information system to be used by the department for processing and evaluating the source reduction and other hazardous waste management information submitted by generators pursuant to Section 25244.18. In establishing the data and information system, the department shall do all of the following:

(1) Establish methods and procedures for appropriately processing or managing hazardous waste source reduction and management information.

(2) Use the data management expertise, resources, and forms of already established environmental protection programs, to the extent practicable.

(3) Establish computerized data retrieval and data processing systems, including safeguards to protect trade secrets designated pursuant to Section 25244.23.

(4) Identify additional data and information needs of the program.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 39, Sec. 48. (SB 1018) Effective June 27, 2012.)