Proposed regs. SHALL state:

18VAC160-20-96 Qualifications for licensure - onsite soil evaluators system designers

A. Each applicant shall make application in accordance with 18VAC160-20-76 and shall meet the specific entry requirements provided for in this section.

B. Specific entry requirements.

1 Conventional onsite soil evaluator (conventional onsite sewage system only)  system designer. Each individual applying for an initial conventional onsite soil evaluator system designers license shall have a valid interim onsite soil evaluator license or meet one of the following requirements and pass a board-approved examination:

a. A valid certificate as a Virginia certified professional soil scientist from the Board for Professional Soil Scientists and Wetland Professionals and one year of full-time onsite soil evaluation experience;

b. Two years of full-time experience evaluating site and soil conditions in compliance with this chapter under the direct supervision of a licensed conventional onsite soil evaluator system designer or of a licensed alternative onsite soil evaluator, and a bachelor's degree with a major in soil science, biology, chemistry, engineering or environmental science; 

c. Three years of full-time experience evaluating site and soil conditions in compliance with this chapter under the direct supervision of a licensed conventional onsite soil evaluator  system designer or of a licensed alternative onsite soil evaluator, and an associate's degree in waterworks, wastewater works, environmental science, or engineering technology; or

d. Eight years of full-time experience evaluating site and soil conditions in compliance with this chapter under the direct supervision of a licensed conventional onsite soil evaluator system designer or of a licensed alternative onsite soil evaluator.

2. Alternative onsite soil evaluator (alternative onsite sewage system only). Each individual applying for an initial alternative onsite soil evaluator license for alternative onsite sewage systems shall possess a valid interim onsite soil evaluator license or a valid conventional onsite soil evaluator license, pass a board-approved examination, and meet one of the following requirements:

a. Two years of full-time experience in evaluating and designing onsite sewage systems obtained during the last four years under a currently licensed alternative onsite soil evaluator licensee;

b. Three years of full-time experience as an authorized onsite soil evaluator certified by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and evidence of completing the soil evaluation and system design work on a total of at least 36 onsite sewage systems (12 of which must be alternative system permits approved by the VDH); or

c. Four years of full-time experience as a conventional onsite soil evaluator licensee. 

Satisfactory completion of postsecondary courses in wastewater, biology, hydraulics, hydrogeology, or soil science may substitute for up to half of the above experience requirement at the rate of one month per semester hour or two-thirds of a month per quarter hour.