Washington companies and operators that transfer oil over water to non-recreational vessels got some unanticipated help this month on successfully complying with the Department of Ecology (Ecology) oil transfer rules adopted in September 2006. On March 8 and 15, Ecology staff made technical assistance visits to 65 oil transfer locations across the state. Since different requirements are being phased in during the rule's first year, the agency's "Answers to Transfers" campaign was designed to answer questions and provide guidance about how the rule will affect different types of regulated facilities. The new regulations describe how oil must be transferred over water to tank vessels…