The Commonwealth of Virginia must protect the health of public.  By doing so they shall utilize their Licensed Professionals, Licensed Professional Soil Scientists, who are individuals held to rigorous qualificiations and testing standards through our national organization, the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) and our state organization, the Virginia Department of Occupational and Professional Regulations (DPOR).  Allow these licensed, educated, trained, professionals to do the work required in the field of soil science, in order to protect human health.  Their years of education, training and expertise can only aid in the advacement and protection of our Commonwealth.

Any action or exemption that lessens the training or experience requirements for practice should be removed from proposed changes to existing regulations. In fact, requirements should be maintained and strengthened to protect the professions involved and the public in the long-term scope. Our licensed professional soil scientists can do this job, protecting our citizens and their health; and aiding other design professionals in heightening acceptable standards. 

I, also, urge WWWOOSSP to reconsider lowering the qualifications or training requirements for practice of design or site evaluation of conventional onsite wastewater systems.