(1) The Colorado geological survey shall provide assistance to and cooperate with the general public, industries, and agencies of state government, including institutions of higher education. The Colorado school of mines shall determine the priority of the objectives of the Colorado geological survey, subject to available appropriations and consistent with the memorandum of understanding entered into pursuant to section 23-41-201, which objectives shall include:

(a) To assist, consult with, and advise existing state and local governmental agencies on geologic problems;

(b) To promote economic development of mineral and energy resources;

(c) To conduct studies to develop geological information;

(d) To inventory and analyze the state's mineral and energy resources as to quantity, chemical composition, physical properties, location, and possible use;

(e) To collect and preserve geologic information;

(f) To advise the state on transactions dealing with natural resources between state agencies and with other states and the federal government on common problems and studies;

(g) To evaluate the physical features of Colorado with reference to present and potential human and animal use;

(h) To prepare, publish, and distribute reports, maps, and bulletins when necessary to achieve the purposes of this part 2;

(i) To determine areas of natural geologic hazards that could affect the safety of or economic loss to the citizens of Colorado;

(j) To advise the state engineer in the promulgation of rules pursuant to article 90.5 of title 37, C.R.S., and to provide other governmental agencies with technical assistance regarding geothermal resources as needed;

(k) To conduct scientific studies of how geology affects and controls water resources, especially within Colorado; and

(l) To conduct scientific research that advances knowledge and understanding in related fields.

(m) Repealed.

(2) The duties of the state geologist shall be to fulfill the objectives of this part 2 and, together with the employees of the survey, work for the maximum beneficial and most efficient use of the geologic processes for the protection of and economic benefit to the citizens of Colorado.

(3) The state geologist shall, upon receiving a preliminary plan pursuant to section 30-28-136 (1)(i), C.R.S., or a major activity notice pursuant to section 31-23-225, C.R.S., review the plan or notice to determine whether the development or activity which is the subject of the plan or notice will interfere with the extraction of commercial mineral deposits as defined in section 34-1-302, C.R.S. If the state geologist determines that a potential for such interference exists, he or she shall, within twenty-four days after receipt of the plan or notice, notify the appropriate board of county commissioners or governing body of a municipality of the existence of a potential interference.

(4) The state geologist shall administer the provisions of section 25-15-202 (4)(b), C.R.S., requiring the Colorado geological survey to review information on an application and make a recommendation on the geological suitability, or the need for further study, of proposed hazardous waste disposal sites for land disposal of hazardous waste and the provisions of section 25-15-216, C.R.S., requiring the Colorado geological survey to conduct a study of the geological suitability of areas of the state for hazardous waste disposal sites.

(5) Subject to available appropriations, the geological survey may prepare an annual report describing the status of the mineral industry and describing current influences affecting the growth and viability of the mineral industry in the state, and setting forth recommendations to foster the industry. The geological survey may partner with other agencies or organizations to prepare the annual report.