Dear DPOR,

I am for a level playing field for all licensees'   I personally know many drainfield installers with years of experience, some who have done work may not be licensed, most are licensed and made the effort sometime back to add the SDS classification to their contractor's license.  In discussing this with those contractors  who have inquired about the proposed licensing (to obtain an additional license to do the same work as before the new rule) some seem reluctant to participate because of the concern that they may not be able to pass a test, and/or it is an additional burdonsome cost for more license fees and the needed annual training sessions.  Should fear cause them to fade away?  They say to just keep them posted because they do not use the internet or participtate in VOWRA. Some think it is an attempt to seize the right to work away from them by more bookish and assertive others in distant locations.  A couple are willing to take whatever testing that is required. 

What seems acceptable to all of those I have talked with and myself is that everyone currently possessing  a valid contractor's license with SDS classification; or with documentation from a licensed SDS installer having  # years of experience be grandfathered for a full unrestricted license without need of testing; except that testing will be needed if the worker/contractor allows the license to lapse beyond, say one year or,  there is no verifiable documentation to support their experience for a grandfather request from existing workers.  What I am really asking for is to fully grandfather currently licensed applicants at the highest level for installers. 

By full grandfathering, a pool of licensed installers will be available in the rural areas like the community where  I work and live.

I ask that currently licensed SDS workers, and evaluators holding current CPSS and/or  AOSE certification be fully grandfathered for their new respective licenses.