I obtained certification as a professional geologist in Virginia in 1993 (2801000943). When I was in the private sector I performed a variety of geology related services including groundwater monitoring at landfills and other regulated properties, groundwater supply studies, and groundwater withdrawal permit applications. The regulated community relies on certification as a means to ensure that the professionals they hire are in fact capable and qualified to provide services for which geologic knowledge is necessary. Further, certification provides employers with the means to evaluate the qualifications and skills of geologists being interviewed for positions which include the practice of geology.
Since 2017 I have worked in the Office of Environmental Health Services at the Virginia Department of Health, specifically in the private well and onsite sewage system arena. I, along with geologists working at DEQ and other agencies, have been called upon by the General Assembly and the Governor's office to provide expertiste regarding "hot-button" issues pertaining to private wells, state waters, public health, and the environment. Recent issues include:
In such cases, knowledge and understanding of geology is a necessary asset for efforts to determine whether an issue should be regulated, to draft regulations, and to represent the interests of the Commonwealth in public outreach and other communication.
I believe that 18VAC145-40 is critical to ensure that the practice of geology in Virginia is protective of public health, safety, and welfare and a strong factor in the economical performance of important governmental functions. Therefore, these regulations be retained.