Joint Meeting – Virginia Association of Professional Soil Scientists (VAPSS), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), 
and Virginia General Assembly Legislators

27 February 2009
General Assembly Building; 8 West Conference Room; 3 pm


1. Review of Virginia Code 54.1-230
a. flexibility in code for inclusion of CPSS requirement

b. The Code only specifies a design component under the Onsite Soil Evaluator, therefore, VAPSS recommends that (1) soil characterizations are a necessary component of onsite wastewater systems, (2) Certified Professional Soil Scientists (CPSS) are the most qualified individuals in the Commonwealth to provide these services

c. The Code’s proposed design component can continue to be conducted under the BWWW, as proposed in 18 VAC 160-20

d. The Code defines “D (f) other criteria the Board deems necessary”

e. VAPSS believes that the soils characterization component (which is not included in the Code) should be conducted by a CPSS under the existing DPOR Board of Professional Soil Scientists

f. VAPSS believes that the CPSS requirement can be authorized under “D (f)” of the Code

3. Redundancy and duplication of two DPOR Boards (BWWW and BPSS)
a. CPSS, 18 VAC 145-20, has existed since 1987

b. CPSS defines qualifications for certification, examination and experience, and standards of practice and conduct for Professional Soil Scientists

c. VAPSS believes that taxpayers money can be saved by not duplicating Boards with DPOR 

4. Transition/implementation of CPSS into proposed BWWW regulations
a. VAPSS also recommends the following: 
i. The Board shall issue an interim onsite soil evaluator license to any individual who possessed a valid AOSE certification issued by the VDH on the effective date of this chapter, provided that the interim license application is received by the department no later than six months after the effective date of this chapter. AOSE-certified individuals who fail to have their application in the department’s possession within six months after the effective date of this chapter shall not be eligible for an interim onsite soil evaluator license and shall apply for licenses pursuant to 18 VAC 160-20-96 and 18 VAC 145-20.

ii. Each interim onsite soil evaluator license shall expire on the last day of the month that is 36 months after the date of issuance by the department and shall not be subject to renewal. During the interim onsite soil evaluator license, the licensee shall sit for and pass the CPSS exam in order to conduct soil evaluations after the interim period.