(1) An Underground Storage Tank (UST) Advisory Council is created to consult with the commission on all matters relating to the UST program, to conduct an independent study of the development and administration costs of the program and to conduct an annual review of administering such program. The costs to be included in the study for the program shall be those costs as provided in Section 49-17-421. The council shall include in the study the type and quantity of underground storage tanks in the state that are covered by the program. After completing a study of the needs and costs of the program, the council shall recommend an equitable fee system for the program that is based on the type and quantity of underground storage tanks. The annual review for the program shall determine if the fee system is collecting sufficient funds to meet program needs and include any recommendation by the council regarding changes to the fee system. Each annual review report shall be due January 1 of each year to the commission and the executive director of the department.

(2) The UST Advisory Council shall be comprised of the following five (5) members:

(a) The President of the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (MPMCSA) or his or her designee;

(b) A member of the MPMCSA appointed by the Board of Directors of the MPMCSA for a term of four (4) years;

(c) A representative appointed by the President of the Mississippi Engineering Society, experienced in the assessment and remediation of petroleum contamination, for a term of four (4) years;

(d) A representative appointed by the Governor, of any company doing business in Mississippi in the installation, closure and/or testing of underground storage tanks; and

(e) A representative appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, of any company doing business in Mississippi in the installation, closure and/or testing of underground storage tanks.

(3) Original appointments to the UST Advisory Council must be made no later than January 1, 2019, and vacancies on the council shall be filled by appointment in the same manner as the original appointments. The council shall convene within sixty (60) days following the date of the appointment of the members, and must select from their membership a chairperson to preside over meetings and a vice chairperson to preside in the absence of the chairperson or when the chairperson is excused. The council shall adopt procedures governing the manner of conducting its business. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum to do business.

(4) Members of the UST Advisory Council shall serve without salary, but shall be entitled to receive a reimbursement of their actual travel and expenses, as provided in Section 25-3-41, that are incurred while performing in the scope of their duties as council members. These expenses are to be paid on an itemized statement that is approved by the State Fiscal Officer from fees collected under Section 49-17-421.

(5) The executive director of the department shall provide technical, clerical and other support services, including service by contract, as the council requires in the performance of its functions.