Public Comments regarding 18VAC145-20; Transition Soil Scientists from Certification to Licensure

The Virginia Association of Professional Soil Scientists strongly supports the proposed regulations: 18VAC145-20; Transition Soil Scientists from Certification to Licensure.

We believe these proposed regulations are necessary and will serve to protect the land, property and citizens of Virginia. Currently, certification for soil science is only optional under Virginia law and does not provide adequate protection from unqualified professionals practicing soil science. Licensure will ensure that only those professionals specifically educated and trained in the field of soil science can practice soil science in the Commonwealth. Licensure will also provide a structure in which these professionals can be properly regulated.

Proper soil evaluation is critical to building housing developments and structures, developing agricultural farmland and protecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Inaccurate soil interpretation can have disastrous effects at the cost of taxpayers. Cracked foundations, falling roadways, loss of vegetation and water contamination are only some of the ramifications of unqualified professionals practicing soil science. These proposed regulations would prevent the severe economic impact and negative consequences homeowners, farmers and developers experience as a result of unregulated professionals practicing soil science. 

In addition, switching from certification to a national examination will provide consistency with the rest of the country and promote the industry of soil science by attracting more soil scientists to find work in Virginia. The national exam is the standard licensing examination for soil scientists and is given to soil scientists throughout the country.

We fully support the transition of soil scientists from certification to licensure and respectfully ask that the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals and Geologists approve these proposed regulations in their current form.

I wholeheartedly approve of what you have written. The education requirements are clear. The new document is beautiful and everything I have wanted since 1988, except for one more thing. Soil Scientists also come in female packaging. When he becomes she/he, him becomes him/her, etc., I shall be even happier. Thank you for your diligence and your attention to detail. The future Soil Scientists thank you, too.

I join the community of soil scientists and citizens which support the implentation of licensure, ensuring that only those professionals specifically educated and trained in the field of soil science can practice soil science in the Commonwealth. Licensure will also provide a structure in which these professionals can be properly regulated.

i suggest that the Board for Soil Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals and Geologists approve these proposed regulations in their current form.

Furthermore I suggest that the Board direct it's staff to research and propose the creation of an approved seal which may be used in designating documents which have been created under the auspices of a Licensed Professional Soil Scientist. The seal shall be used to improve the ability of the public to discern that the standards of the Board have been followed and should appear on those documents which are to be relied upon by other professionals in the design or consideration of issues which may be identified in soil assessments and reports.