(a) Establishment.--The department shall establish an additional complement of individuals with expertise and advanced degrees in specialized fields of science and technology relevant to administration and enforcement of this act.

(b) Expertise.--The special science and technology staff shall have expertise in fields relating to the identification, analysis, assessment, prevention or abatement of hazards to the public health or the environment resulting from the release of hazardous substances or contaminants into the environment. The special science and technology staff may include, without limitation, individuals trained in toxicology, hydrogeology, chemistry, biology, soil science, biochemistry, environmental engineering, epidemiology, value engineering and risk assessment sciences.

(c) Availability.--The special science and technology staff shall be available to review consultants' contracts, reports and feasibility studies; prepare and review environmental assessments; serve as expert witnesses in department litigation; provide scientific analysis or studies to support rulemaking activities of the department; and perform other duties as assigned by the secretary in furtherance of this act or other environmental protection laws administered by the department.

(d) Civil service.--In order to obtain the most highly qualified individuals for the special science and technology staff, the secretary may hire the staff without regard to the provisions of the act of August 5, 1941 (P.L. 752, No. 286),¹ known as the Civil Service Act.