In the 1990s VDH couldn't keep up with the application backlogs.  The solution: adopt legislation for the greasy wheel with a total disregard for public health.

Then, the AOSE program, under the unwatchful eye of VDH, becomes unsatisfactory to the greasy wheel stakeholders.  The solution: take the program away from VDH and place it under DPOR - another step away from public health.

DPOR will undoubtedly struggle with this program primarily due to complaint investigations.  Who will investigate a complaint related to a soil issue?  A wastewater operator?  That would be interesting.  The CPSS Board?  No, since that Board is apparently not involved in any of this?  Does DPOR believe these complaints will be few and far between?  I'd estimate 1 to 2 complaints per week, maybe many more.  The number of complaints filed by VDH will dramatically increase since VDH will no longer be the judge, jury, and executioner.  I.e. there will be less hassle for the EHS.

What direction will we go when the greasy wheel becomes dissatisfied with DPOR?  Will the GA adopt hundreds of amendments (HB xxxx, SB xxxx) or will we give the program to some other agency like DEQ?  Or, maybe just hand it over to the local building departments.

Let's look beyond our noses.  Think about where we should be in 20 years.  Anticipate obsticles.  Plan a smart course.  Stop with these ridiculous House Bills and Senate Bills.  Can you believe one of the most recently proposed bills - the one to eliminate the requirement for a survey plat?  What are we doing?   

Where will it end?  It'll end when people start getting sick and the headlines start referring to the Commonwealth as a third world country.  VDH needs to stand up and just say no.  The legislators need to stop catering to a few greasy wheels.

VDH has failed miserably.  Perhaps it's time to overhaul an agency, not just a program.

Best of luck DPOR.  You're going to need it.