SPAR ensures spill prevention through the review and approval of prevention plans for oil terminals, pipelines, tank vessels and barges, railroads, refineries, and exploration and production facilities; the underground storage tank spill prevention program; technical assistance to industry and the public; risk reduction measures; inspections; and education in proper spill prevention and response methods.

SPAR ensures response preparedness through the review and approval of oil discharge contingency plans; inspections; spill drills and exercises; partnerships with local communities and other state and federal agencies; pre-positioning of response equipment for local use; maintenance of statewide and regional spill response plans; and implementation of the Incident Command System for spill response.

SPAR ensures an effective response through the identification and rapid abatement of dangerous acute human exposures to hazardous substances; timely characterization and remediation of chronic health exposure risks from hazardous substance releases; mitigation of the effects of spills on the environment and cultural resources; and restoration of property value and usability through adequate cleanup.