Soil is one of our most important natural resources. It must be protected and kept healthy by using it wisely. It is essential that the land which supports our civilization is sustained. 

Soil scientists have a vital role in the conservation and protection of natural resources, and protection of property as soil is the foundation of the natural and the built environment. Inaccurate soil evaluations can result in detrimental repair costs/economic hardship to homeowners and devastating effects to our land and water. 

In Virginia, soil scientists perform a variety of critical duties including work with storm water, erosion and sediment control, identification of resource protection areas for preservation of the Chesapeake Bay, identification and qualification of soils for drainfield sites, land application of biosolids and other wastes, nutrient management planning/soil conservation, mine reclamation, structural foundations, roads and dams to name a few. Soil scientists provide expertise to farmers, foresters, agribusinesses (wineries and breweries), professional engineers, land surveyors, builders, environmentalists, homeowners, and others.

In 2011, the General Assembly unanimously voted to require licensure for soil scientists due to risks associated with lack of regulation. 

Some of the issues include house foundations cracking, retaining walls and roadways failing, inadequate storm water management, malfunctioning on-site sewage systems, and contaminated surface and groundwater due to inadequate soil evaluations. 

Licensed soil scientists are highly skilled in their field as a result of educational background, years of field experience, continuous study and coursework, and participation in professional organizations. A licensed soil scientist has taken a state exam and must maintain continuing education to maintain the license. Maintaining the license also qualifies the professional soil scientist for automatic certification as an ESC plan reviewer under DEQ's Erosion and Sediment Control criteria and satisfies the requirements for Erosion and Sediment Control and Storm Water re-certifications through DEQ. 

Virginia's soil scientist licensure program in no way prevents economic development or impedes the ability of other certified individuals to perform work and make a living within their area of expertise. It does, however, provide a top-level licensure, a high standard code of ethics, a raising of the bar, which is highly desired and necessary in many critical projects. The licensed soil scientist has stayed current in his/her profession, practices within his/her area of expertise, and is held accountable for his/her work. In the event an expert witness is needed in a legal court matter, a licensed soil scientist will be sought.

The soil scientist licensure program is paid for by the participating soil scientists, who submit a fee, along with their continued education certifications, at the time of licensure renewal. There is no valid reason to disband a licensure program which pays its' own fees and results in a high-caliber safeguard for the environment and the citizens of Virginia. 

I have operated a small soil consulting business for 18 years in Virginia which is directly affected by the soil scientist licensure program. If the licensure is eliminated, my business will be economically impacted. I feel very strongly that the soil scientist licensure program should be maintained. 

Thank you for the opportunity to offer input.

Ann B. Walker

Licensed Professional Soil Scientist

Licensed Master Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator

Certified Storm Water Inspector

Biosolids Monitor